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单词 show
释义

shown.1

Brit. /ʃəʊ/, U.S. /ʃoʊ/
Forms: Middle English sceu, Middle English schawe (chiefly northern), Middle English schew, Middle English schewe, Middle English schoue, Middle English–1800s shew, 1500s sheaw, 1500s sheow, 1500s sheowe, 1500s shoe, 1500s shue, 1500s–1600s shewe, 1500s–1600s showe, 1500s– show, 1700s– sho; also Scottish pre-1700 schau, pre-1700 schaw, pre-1700 scheu, pre-1700 schew, pre-1700 schou, pre-1700 schow, pre-1700 shau, pre-1700 shawe, pre-1700 sho, pre-1700 shoue, pre-1700 1700s– shaw.
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: show v.
Etymology: < show v. Compare Middle Dutch schouwe, scouwe, scauwe, schauwe (Dutch schouw), Middle Low German schouwe, Middle High German schou (German Schau).With the formal development, compare show v. and discussion at that entry. Earlier currency is perhaps shown by the first element of the compound showern n.
I. The action or an act of showing something, the fact of being shown, and related senses.
* Display, appearance, and related senses.
1.
a. The action or an act of displaying, exhibiting, or presenting something; the fact of being displayed. In this general sense now chiefly in established phrases, e.g. on show at Phrases 1f, show of hands n. at Phrases 3b.In quot. a1400: declaration of sins, confession (cf. show v. 19b). In quot. c1475 with reference to appearance as a member of parliament (cf. show v. 36).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > [noun]
showc1330
presentationa1616
spectatorshipa1616
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2253 Tristrem hir bar þat tide And on þe quen fel he Next her naked side, Þat mani man miȝt y se San schewe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 28616 Lele scrift agh be thre-fald, Wit reuth of hert, wit sceu to preist, Betyng of sin þe thrid þer neist.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iv. l. 56 Some had..schewed for þe shire and here schew lost.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 267/1 Shewe of a thyng to sale, lustre.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. ii. 7 Ye next day then following (upon shew of himselfe to them) there came about the number of fifteene of his Countrey men.
1598 J. Stow Suruay of London 349 Two publique houses for the acting and shewe of Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories.
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. ii. 2 A briefe show of that which shall more largely be described in that which followeth.
a1605 R. Birrel Diarey 49 in J. G. Dalyell Fragm. of Scotish Hist. (1798) The boy gaif hes maister ane token..be the schaw or waiff of hes hand-curche.
1664 True Effigies German Giant (single sheet) His wife..takes Money for the Show of her Husband.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 412. ¶3 We are indeed, so often..tired out with so many repeated Shows of the same Things, that whatever is new or uncommon contributes a little to vary Human Life.
1737 J. Ozell in tr. F. Rabelais Wks. III. Prol. p. xv He expected by the show of these Novelties to win the Love of the People.
1794 J. Trusler Distinction between Words (ed. 3) II. 183 Parade, then, is the show, or display of things, which we conceive adds a lustre.
1818 J. Knight Emigrant's Best Instructor (ed. 2) 23 I could attract the horse by a show of salt, when corn had no effect on it.
1901 Bee Keepers' Rev. Dec. 372/1 The sudden show of tongues when a queen or other bee is getting food.
1991 Independent (Nexis) 18 Mar. 1 Voting was permitted on the show of a passport.
2009 Canad. Jrnl. Irish Stud. 35 70/2 Her show of legs as she gets into Grosvenor's car arouses Ginger's lust and anger.
†b. The fact of being revealed or seen; the fact of coming into view; view, sight. Obsolete.Only in prepositional phrases; recorded earliest in to the show at Phrases 1g.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > [noun] > fact of
show?1510
?1510 T. More tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. d.iiiv These grete fortunes lift vp a man hie and settith him owt to the shew.
1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus Prol. sig. B. iv They..playnly set forth to mens eyes theyr owne ignorance,..by mysse settynge of them forthe (.s. to the shewe of the people).
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 336v Fyrst brynginge it [sc. gold] furth to the open shewe.
a1592 J. More 3 Godly & Fruitfull Serm. (1594) i. 2 He must take the viewe of me and my life, not according as it hath appeared outwardly to the shew of men, but as it hath beene indeede before God.
1638 L. Roberts Merchants Mappe of Commerce ccc. sig. Ccc6 Upon the shew and sight thereof..it must be payd and answer'd accordingly.
†2. A display of wool to potential buyers. Also in to take show: to inspect wool in such a display. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1481 G. Cely Let. 5 Aug. in Cely Lett. (1975) 112 [Wool] sen in þe showe.
1484 W. Cely Let. 25 Mar. in Cely Lett. (1975) 205 Hee hath taken schew to bye wull.
1565 Ordinance Bk. Merchants of Staple (Staple Company of Eng.) (1937) 119 Suche parsonnes as first take shewe shalle first be served at the beame.
3.
a. An outward display of a quality, emotion, etc., which conceals or does not truly reflect a person's real character, feelings, motives, etc.; a feigned performance of an action; a pretence, an act. Also as a mass noun: outward display; pretence, simulation. Chiefly with of.Earliest in to make a show at Phrases 2f(a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [noun] > instance of
showa1500
making-upa1525
shine?1529
face1542
varnish1565
copy of one's countenance1579
false1598
mock-beggar1603
mockerya1616
umbrage1634
simulacrum1833
phoney war1939
a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1980) ii. 198 Ȝif a man lende certeyn monye to anoþir only to makyn a schew or for to leyn it to wedde it is non vsure þou he take a certeyn prys for þat lendynge.
1526 W. Tyndale Prol. Epist. Rom. sig. aiij Though their be..never so glorious an outewarde shewe and apperance off honeste lyvynge.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 19v With shewe of gentilitie they take vp faire houses.
1605 M. Drayton Poems sig. Ee3 To clothe his treason in a vertuous show.
1611 Bible (King James) Luke xx. 47 Which deuoure widowes houses, and for a shew [Gk. προϕάσει] make long prayers. View more context for this quotation
1694 F. Bragge Pract. Disc. Parables x. 348 Christianity must not be all Shew and Profession.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 966 Ill suits it with your shews of duteous zeal, From me the purpos'd voyage to conceal.
1729 T. Stackhouse Compl. Body Divinity iii. iv. 409 All their Honour and Respect is mere Shew and Formality.
1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum A Feint, (in Fencing) a false attack, a shew of giving a stroke.
1811 T. Wood Mosaic Creation ii. vii. 327 A dead and lifeless formality, and an empty shew of religion and piety.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. vi. 497 His refusal was cloked under a show of feudal loyalty.
1885 Liverpool Daily Post 7 May 5/3 It was instructive to witness Mr. John Hughes rise, and with great show of indignation, gibe at his leader.
1918 Shanghai Times 2 July 3/1 The alliance is mere show.
1973 Jrnl. Asian Stud. 32 308 Opposition takes more silent forms of hidden power struggles and outward shows of obedience.
1996 S. King Desperation iv. ii. 556 The men out here all have guns but few of them think, way down deep, that they will ever have to use one. They are all show and no go.
2005 Courier Mail (Queensland, Austral.) (Nexis) 6 June 7 Despite their show of happiness, their relationship seemed devoid of the joyful bounce of Prince Harry and his girlfriend.
b. A false, misleading, or illusory appearance of a quality, emotion, etc.; a semblance. Also as a mass noun: mere semblance. Frequently in to have (also †bear, †carry) a show of and variants: to have the false or illusory appearance of; to seem to have or be.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > mere appearance
shroudc1175
frontc1374
appearancec1384
countenance?c1425
fard1540
show1547
habit1549
outside1578
glimpse1579
superficies?1589
species1598
out-term1602
paint1608
surface1613
superfice1615
umbrage1639
superficials1652
semblance1843
outer womana1845
outward man1846
patina1957
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [noun]
hue971
glozea1300
showingc1300
coloura1325
illusionc1340
frontc1374
simulationc1380
visage1390
cheera1393
sign?a1425
countenance?c1425
study?c1430
cloak1526
false colour1531
visure1531
face1542
masquery?1544
show1547
gloss1548
glass1552
affectation1561
colourableness1571
fashion1571
personage?1571
ostentation1607
disguise1632
lustrementa1641
grimace1655
varnish1662
masquerade1674
guisea1677
whitewash1730
varnish1743
maya1789
vraisemblance1802
Japan1856
veneering1865
veneer1868
affectedness1873
candy coating1885
simulance1885
window dressing1903
the world > existence and causation > existence > substantiality or concreteness > unsubstantiality or abstractness > [noun] > unsubstantiality or lack of substance > something lacking substance > mere appearance or image of something
shadow?c1225
shade1297
phantomc1384
moonshine1468
fume1531
show1547
eggs in moonshine?1558
smoke1559
sign1597
ghost1613
umbra1635
parhelion1636
bogle1793
simulacrum1805
phantasmagoria1821
spectre1849
1547 Certain Serm. or Homilies Good Works i. sig. C ij b They [sc. the Works of all unfaithful Persons] be but shadowes & shewes of liuely and good thynges, & not good and liuely thynges in deede.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke xi. f. cxi Though ye outwardely beare a shewe of holynesse, yet neuerthelesse withinfoorth swell in ambicion.
1583 A. Nowell et al. True Rep. Disput. E. Campion sig. T3 He gaue them that which had the name of wine, and had the shewe of it, but..was not in deede wine.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Cj v They scatter the meate they haue in their mouthes, while they scratch for the shadowe which deludes them with shew.
1616 B. Holyday tr. Persius Sat. sig. D4v Can'st thou with a sight Discern the shew of truth from truth?
1639 N. N. tr. J. Du Bosc Compl. Woman i. 8 There is a shew onely of good in these kinde of Pamphlets.
1657 W. Stuart Presbyteries Triall xvii. 182 They are also like Wolves in sheeps clothing, who haue an external shew of meeknesse & iustice.
1700 N. Rowe Ambitious Step-mother i. i. 215 Disdain those shews of Danger.
1706 Short Way with Papists vi. 35 Arguments that bear a far greater show of Convictiveness than all our Books writ against them.
1762 T. Mortimer Brit. Plutarch I. 170 A desire that the persecution and conviction of heretics, might have a show of public consent.
1830 Christian Jrnl. & Lit. Reg. Sept. 260/1 His conduct may indeed often wear a different appearance, and carry a show of perfect generosity.
1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain xiv. 139 ‘Ah!’ she thought, ‘if he knew how ill I behaved! It is all show and hollowness with me.’
1858 C. Lamb in Harper's Mag. Dec. 79/1 It bears a show of true religion, but is indeed nothing more than a self-pleasing and bold wantonness.
1873 J. A. Symonds Stud. Greek Poets vii. 227 True: for it gives a show of seeming health; And shows are good, although there be no substance.
1913 W. M. Fullerton Probl. of Power ii. v. 162 This theory, which has a show of axiomatic clearness, is all too clear.
2012 S. J. Van der Weele tr. A. Plaisier Deep Wisdom Shakespeare's Dramas ii. 36 He is deposed in a process that has a show of legitimacy but which actually camouflages a great injustice.
c. A genuine demonstration or appearance of a quality, emotion, etc. Also as a mass noun.
(a) With modifier (some, little, slight, etc.) indicating that the quality, emotion, etc., is present only to a limited degree (thus still with some implication of sense 3a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > of some quality
showing1493
resemblance1561
show1561
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 208 I will..confute one obiection whyche seemeth to haue some shewe of reason.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha i. v. 29 It hath some shew of question.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies v. xxvii. 408 In other things their customes and ceremonies have some shew of reason.
1668 J. Dryden Secret-love Pref. sig. a1v If this, with any shew of reason, may be defended.
1710 Tryal Dr. H. Sacheverell 378 This, my Lords, has indeed some shew of an Excuse.
1761 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XXVIII. 484 It was believed with some shew of reason that Senarega excited the young nobility against the old.
1841 Fraser's Mag. Dec. 728/2 Whereupon, that gentleman, with some little show of alarm, told her that [etc.].
1872 W. Black Strange Adventures Phaeton xviii. 244 When she is in the house, I am treated with some show of attention.
1929 Boys' Life Nov. 18/1 He had risen to lean over the taffrail, watching something below with a faint show of interest.
1997 A. Sivanandan When Memory Dies iii. ii. 245 She would go off with strangers at the slightest show of friendship.
2004 G. Nicholson Hollywood Dodo xi. 98 Some small show of fatherly concern would not be unwelcome.
(b) Without such modifiers.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > manifestation of emotion > [noun] > outward exhibition
show1569
ejection1650
effusion1659
excursion1662
sally1676
demonstrativeness1841
gushing1852
transpirationa1854
demonstration1856
gushingness1859
effusiveness1877
gushiness1937
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 763 The Dukes themselues entended for the shewe of their diligence, to be the first that should attend that day vpon the kinges highnesse.
1601 A. Copley Answere to Let. Iesuited Gentleman 62 His shew of disgust that he was no more regarded.
1656 G. Fox Jrnl. (1694) 220 Since he had turned against the Power of God, I could not receive his shew of Kindness.
1720 E. F. Haywood Love in Excess: 3rd Pt. 71 Madam, interrupted he, shaking off as much as possible that show of Tenderness, which he found had given her Incouragement.
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random I. iv. 19 His lips, which they frequently kissed with a shew of great anguish and affection.
1835 W. G. Simms Partisan I. iii. 32 ‘What's that?’ cried Hastings, with a show of returning choler.
a1885 ‘H. Conway’ Living or Dead (1886) II. v. 93 I..endeavoured by the warmth of my waved adieu to repair for my show of annoyance.
1930 Chicago Daily Maroon 28 Oct. 1/3 Old Man Stagg spoke a few words in commending..the students for their show of enthusiasm.
1959 Washington Post 18 Mar. a3/1 He has found a large amount of money and will share it if the victim will kick in some money as a show of good faith.
2007 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 14 Dec. He slammed his driver into the bag, a rare show of temper from the good natured New Zealander.
d. The external appearance (esp. as distinguished from the true nature) of a person or thing. Now only in in show at Phrases 1d(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun]
onseneeOE
bleea1000
shapeOE
ylikeOE
laitc1175
semblanta1225
sightc1275
fare1297
showingc1300
specea1325
parelc1330
guise1340
countenance1362
semblance?a1366
apparel1377
regardc1380
apparencec1384
imagec1384
spicec1384
overseeminga1398
kenninga1400
seemingc1400
visage1422
rinda1450
semenauntc1450
'pearance1456
outwardc1475
representation1489
favour?a1500
figurea1522
assemblant1523
prospect?1533
respect1535
visure1545
perceiverance1546
outwardshine1549
view1556
species1559
utter-shape1566
look1567
physiognomy1567
face1572
paintry1573
visor1575
mienc1586
superficies?1589
behaviour1590
aspect1594
complexion1597
confrontment1604
show1604
aira1616
beseeminga1616
formality1615
resemblancea1616
blush1620
upcomea1630
presentment1637
scheme1655
sensation1662
visibility1669
plumage1707
facies1727
remark1748
extrinsica1797
exterior1801
showance1820
the cut of one's jib1823
personnel1839
personal appearance1842
what-like1853
look-see1898
outwall1933
visuality1938
prosopon1947
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. ii. 85 But I haue that within which passes showe These but the trappings and the suites of woe. View more context for this quotation
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. iii. 9 The shew of their countenance doeth witnesse against them. View more context for this quotation
1800 W. Wordsworth Poet's Epit. in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads II. 168 The outward shews of sky and earth, Of hill and valley he has view'd.
1841 T. Carlyle On Heroes iii. 136 Men worship the shows of great men; the most disbelieve that there is any reality of great men to worship.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) IV. xvii. 54 The King by the edge of the sword changed himself in all outward show into a King according to the laws of England.
2015 C. Matusiak in S. M. Deats & R. A. Logan C. Marlowe at 450 xi. 289 His ignorance and malfeasance reveal him to be a divine merely in show.
4.
a. With modifier: an appearance of a specified kind, esp. one which makes a strong impression. Chiefly in to make a fine (also good, sorry, etc.) show and variants: to appear striking, impressive, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > splendour > [noun] > fine or gay appearance
gaynessc1443
show1539
fineness1553
bravery1573
brave1596
gaudiness1601
gallantry1613
gaiety1625
blow1710
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > of specific kind
show1539
showing1830
1539 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 173 [Five Banners, which] waving & Strayned with the wynde..made a goodly Showe.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. iv. 39 Dyuers peoples..monstruous and of hugly shewe.
1594 Willobie his Auisa xlvii. f. 43v Say, t'was her wit & modest shoe, That made you like and loue her so.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 286 Windesore beeareth a goodly shew.
1671 J. Ogilby tr. O. Dapper et al. Atlas Chinensis 277 This place, though not large, yet makes a handsome shew, being well built, and very populous.
1728 R. Bradley Dict. Botanicum Lysimachia siliquosa Virginiana,..a Plant making a beautiful shew in a large garden.
1743 J. Morris Serm. ii. 34 They rather affected to exercise those gifts, which make a great shew.
1748 J. Thomson Castle of Indolence i. 502 Whose desk and table make a solemn show.
1835 W. S. Cardell Story of Jack Halyard (ed. 13) xi. 116 My daughters must depend on their merit, and not on their fine show.
1840 W. M. Thackeray Barber Cox in Comic Almanack 28 Their names made a famous shew in the bills.
1905 R. Bagot Passport xxi. 205 The furniture..made a sorry show of comfort in the huge rooms.
1964 N.Y. Times 3 Jan. 21/2 Sixty galleons and 84 other warships with 60 lesser supporting vessels made a fine show.
2010 K. Klein 50 Hikes Orange County i. 26 A group of eight American pelicans..made a striking show as they sailed overhead.
†b. Without modifier: striking or impressive appearance; an instance of this. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1592 G. Babington Certaine Comfortable Notes Genesis (vii.) f. 32v About the beginning of May, when all things flourished, and yeelded show.
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides 103 The Fringe that circumbinds it too, Is Spangle-work of trembling dew, Which, gently gleaming, makes a show, Like Frost-work glitt'ring on the Snow.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 263 And all to make a shew and dazle the world.
1710 Tatler 28 Mar. 379/1 This odd turn of mind..disposes them to be struck with every thing that makes a show, however trifling and superficial.
1724 A. Ramsay Misc. Wks. 277 Moll's Maps may in their Dining-rooms make show, But their Contents they're not oblig'd to know.
5. A demonstration or display of military strength, typically in order to show readiness for battle. Chiefly in to make a show. See also show of force n. at Phrases 3a.Also in occasional extended uses: (in quot. c1595) a manifestation of divine power; (in quot. 18531) a demonstration of intention to take severe measures.Sometimes specifically with reference to mere demonstration, rather than use, of weapons (e.g. in quots. 1754, 1832).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > [noun] > show of force
show1548
show of force1606
armed demonstration1806
demonstration1806
demonstrationizing1882
society > communication > manifestation > [noun] > a manifestation > of divine power
show1548
avatar1859
the world > the supernatural > deity > [noun] > attributes of god(s) > power > act or manifestation of
tokenc897
God's tokenOE
signa1325
signalc1450
show1548
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. xxiiij All the countrey of Arthois and Picardie, fortified their holdes, and made shewes as the Englishe army passed, but thei durst not once assaile them.
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme cxxxv. 24 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 228 Ægipts first borne in one night [God] ouerthrew: And yet not so his dreadfull showes he ceas'd, But did them still in Egipts mid'st renew.
1650 Mercurius Politicus No. 4 58 That they are contriving which way to make Mincemeat of their Regiments, that they may cause a huge noise, and a fair shew.
1662 A. Petrie Compend. Hist. Catholick Church i. 7 He comes into Italy with a great Army, making a great shew and some expectation.
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World xiii. 412 They made no manner of show of their arms to us.
1754 A. P. Goddard tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Italy V. ix. 90 The Swiss, after making a Show rather than Use of their Arms, were gone off.
1832 G. P. R. James Henry Masterton I. xii. 293 I endeavoured to restrict our efforts to making a great show, and a great deal of noise, without spilling much blood.
1853 C. Dickens Child's Hist. Eng. II. xx. 115 [Henry IV.] began his reign by making a strong show against the followers of Wickliffe.
1853 C. Dickens Child's Hist. Eng. II. xxii. 169 Jack Cade..having made a show of his forces there.
1908 Manch. Guardian 8 Sept. 14/5 France is going to make a strong show at her army manœvres.
2001 S. Davis Atlanta will Fall vi. 46 He halfway expected Johnston to retreat on to Calhoun after making a show at Resaca.
†6.
a. The quality in an argument, course of action, etc., of seeming attractive or plausible and thus carrying weight; spec. superficial plausibility, speciousness. Esp. in to have some show. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb (intransitive)] > be worthy of notice
to have some show1556
figure1749
to make history1830
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > probability, likelihood > be or seem likely [verb (intransitive)]
appeara1530
to have some show1556
think1579
to look like1594
to put fairc1595
had liked to1600
to show for ——1776
fare1850
show1901
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > promise, ground of hope > promise, encourage expectation [verb (intransitive)]
to have some show1556
promisea1616
frame1863
to have (something) going for one1948
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > create or maintain appearance [phrase]
to have some show1556
to set a face on (something)1590
to save or keep up appearances1603
to give (also lend) colour1687
1556 tr. A. Mainardi Anatomi f. 226v The third reason the which semeth to haue some shew is this.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cljv At the fyrst, he couered his mynde craftely, that his writte myght haue some shewe [L. ut aliquam haberet speciem diploma].
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 5 Education can haue no shew, where the excellencie of nature doth beare sway.
1581 P. Wiburn Checke or Reproofe M. Howlets Shreeching sig. Cv The coloures of your Rethoricke carry shew, but moue not.
1650 Andrewes's Pattern Catechistical Doctr. (new ed.) ix. i. 496 This reason of the dependance hath some shew in it.
b. With infinitive. Apparent likelihood or chance of doing something. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1568 H. Billingsley tr. P. M. Vermigli Most Learned Comm. Epist. Romanes ix. f. 239v And this thinke they, is, to be made accursed for his brethren. And to haue some shew to proue this: [etc.].
1606 R. Knolles tr. J. Bodin Six Bks. Common-weale i. v. 34 These arguments haue some good show to proue that seruitude is naturall, profitable, and honest.
1694 W. Strachan Some Remarks upon Late Pamphlet iii. 59 They..might have some shew or pretence to colour their own barbarous Practices against them.
†7. Theology and Philosophy. An observable property of a thing which is not essential to its nature. Cf. accident n. 6b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [noun] > phenomenon
accidentc1405
effectc1405
apparition1481
show1560
appearency1646
appearance1667
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > [noun] > attribute > accident
accident1395
accidencea1475
inseparable quality1551
show1560
adjunct1581
1560 J. Jewel Serm. f. 141 in J. Jewel & H. Cole True Copies Lett. The accidents of the bread, (that is to say,) ye whitenes, or roundnes, or other such outward fourmes, or shewes of breade, as he seeth with his eye.
1609 J. Wybarne New Age Old Names i. 7 All knowledge is by species and shewes, called intelligible, which are prooued by Scaliger to bee meere accidents.
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. i. 7 Intentional Species or Shews, propagated from the Objects to our Senses.
1704 E. Pelling Disc. conc. Existence of God II. vii. 255 All that we behold are the Outward Accidents, Shows, or Forms.
8. Ostentatious or pretentious display of wealth, status, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [noun] > (an) ostentatious display
pompc1330
vaunterya1492
pomping pridec1503
braga1513
flaunt-a-flaunt1576
plume1580
affecting1584
top and topgallant1593
ruffle1609
parado1621
riota1649
flutter1667
show1713
sprunk1746
to make a splash1804
show-off1811
paraffle1816
shine1819
splurge1828
gaud1831
spludge1831
poppy-show1860
razzle1885
razzmatazz1917
foofaraw1933
showbiz1970
glitz1977
1563 L. Humphrey Nobles or of Nobilitye ii. sig. q.iv What glisteringe Nobles? what pompe? What shew?
1620 T. Wilson Saints by Calling i. 23 A maruellous great simplicity..far from worldly shew, pompe, and power.
a1656 J. Hales Golden Remains (1659) 169 To carry marks and notes and devices, may well beseem the world which is led by fancy and shew.
1713 J. Addison Late Tryal Count Tariff 14 The Court..upon Examination found him a True Spaniard: Nothing but Show and Beggary.
1775 Lady's Mag. May 239/2 An hundred and thirty citizens went to court masked, with great shew and finery.
1817 M. Edgeworth Ormond II. i. 11 Sir Ulick..loved shew and company.
1859 Habits Good Society v. 233 Yet it [sc. the zither] is not calculated for large concerts: we English must have noise and show.
1909 Boonville (Indiana) Weekly Enquirer 26 Feb. If a family prefers show to comfort..they should not be censured for indulging the taste.
2015 Bihar (India) Times (Nexis) 9 Mar. Nitish Kumar believes more in pomp and show instead of development.
9. North American. Horse Racing. The third place, or one of the first three places, in a race. Cf. show v. 37c, place n.1 18.See also Compounds 2e.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > [noun] > place
situation1864
place1885
show1907
1907 Goodwin's Official Ann. Turf Guide p. ccxli One horse straight, another for place and a third for a show.
1925 W. L. Comfort in Sat. Evening Post 11 July 124/4 I wouldn't back Black Ball right now for any better than place or show.
2000 A. Guglielmo & C. Lynn Walrus on My Table v. 93 The horses are then assigned points by their performance: three points for a win, two points for a place, one point for a show.
** An indication, a prospect, and related senses.
10. An indication or sign of a fact, quality, etc.; a trace or vestige of something. Chiefly with of. Later only in negative contexts. Now rare except as passing into sense 3c.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > [noun] > an indication or sign
tokeningc888
fingereOE
senyeOE
markOE
showing?c1225
blossomc1230
signa1325
signifyingc1384
evidencea1393
notea1398
forbysena1400
kenninga1400
knowinga1400
showerc1400
unningc1400
signala1413
signification?a1425
demonstrancec1425
cenyc1440
likelinessc1450
ensign1474
signifure?a1475
outshowinga1500
significativea1500
witter1513
precedent1518
intimation1531
signifier1532
meith1533
monument1536
indicion?1541
likelihood1541
significator1554
manifest1561
show1561
evidency1570
token-teller1574
betokener1587
calendar1590
instance1590
testificate1590
significant1598
crisis1606
index1607
impression1613
denotementa1616
story1620
remark1624
indicium1625
denotation1633
indice1636
signum1643
indiction1653
trace1656
demonstrator1657
indication1660
notationa1661
significatory1660
indicator1666
betrayer1678
demonstration1684
smell1691
wittering1781
notaa1790
blazonry1850
sign vehicle1909
marker1919
rumble1927
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun]
signa1382
stepa1382
ficchingc1384
marka1400
tracesc1400
scentc1422
footstep?a1425
tidinga1440
relicc1475
smell?a1505
stead1513
vestigy1545
print1548
token1555
remnant1560
show1561
mention1564
signification1576
footing?1580
tract1583
remainder1585
vestige1602
wrack1602
engravement1604
footstepping1610
resent1610
ghost1613
impression1613
remark1624
footprint1625
studdle1635
vestigium1644
relict1646
perception1650
vestigiary1651
track1657
symptom1722
signacle1768
ray1773
vestigia1789
footmark1800
souvenir1844
latent1920
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iv. f. 156v They should not beare any shewe of womanlyke trimming.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Inform. ii. sig. Vvv j Yet let vs not be scorners..for that is the vttermost token & shewe of a reprobate.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies i. xxv. 79 These markes and shewes of a deluge.
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. xv. 640/1 Vexation of minde and distemperature of body, carried apparant shewes in his face.
1652 C. Cotterell tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Cassandra ii. i. 196 Hephestion held Parisatis's head, who languished with little show of life.
1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell i. i. 2 It fell into Decay, and now hath no Shew of its ancient Grandeur.
1876 M. Oliphant Makers of Florence xiii. 323 The answers given by him in this case being entirely falsified, and bearing no trace or show of reality.
1905 Ann. Rep. Children's Inst. Dept. (Boston) 26 The slightest trace or show of neglect has been sufficient cause for transfer.
2004 P. Faye Chétan viii. 143 There was no show of tiredness in the strength of his body.
11.
a. An indication of a future event or situation; a possibility or likelihood that something will happen; esp. a prospect of a good or bad crop, as indicated by the appearance of the plant or part of the plant early in the season. Chiefly with of or for. Now rare (in later use chiefly regional).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > promise, ground of hope > [noun]
i-wonc1275
wonec1290
likelinessa1450
hopec1480
likelihood1526
promise?1533
show1600
expectance1602
expectation1611
auspiciousness1649
hopefulness1651
promisingness1665
expectancy1696
brilliancy1781
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > of some quality > of something to come
show1600
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique ii. liv. 380 You may not be too hasty in vncouering of them, vpon some shew and promise of gentle, meeke, and faire weather.
1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 90 The Indians comforted us with the shews of fair weather.
1700 S. Patrick Comm. Fifth Bk. Moses xxvii. 509 A show of Fruit, which came to no perfection.
1769 Ann. Reg. 1768 133/1 The season seems critical and the shew for plenty not yet to be relied upon.
1823 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 6 Sept. 581 There was no show for rain till about one o'clock.
1831 Hampshire Tel. & Sussex Chron. 16 May The show for fruit on the same estate was estimated by competent judges to be worth from 400l. to 500l., and it is not now worth 100l.
1888 Ann. Rep. Bureau Industries Ont. 68 Apple trees seem healthy, but the show for fruit is not very promising in this locality. Cherries give a better show, and so do pears, which are loaded with blossom.
1908 Scotsman 11 Sept. 8/4 Turnips are the crop of the season..and now make a bold show for a good crop.
1922 Casa Grande (Arizona) Disp. 11 Aug. 1/3 There is developing a nice show for fruit.
c1960 Wilson Coll. in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (2002) IV. 935/2 We've got a good show of taters.
b. Originally U.S.; later chiefly Australian and New Zealand. A chance of success; an opportunity for doing something. Also as a mass noun: chance, opportunity. Esp. in to give (a person) a show, to have a (also no) show and variants.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > [noun]
chance1297
occasiona1382
leisurec1386
opportunitya1387
advantage1487
portunity1516
in the nick1565
mean1592
vantage?1592
occasionet1593
overture1610
hinta1616
largeness1625
convenience1679
tid1721
opening1752
offer1831
slant1837
show1842
showing1852
show-up1883
window of opportunity1942
op1978
1842 Spirit of Times 9 Apr. 67/1 So far as the two fillies were concerned they had ‘no show for the money’; ‘the Hum-bird’ was already in difficulty and getting no better very fast, while Liz seemed to have got enough.
1864 ‘M. Twain’ in B. Harte & ‘M. Twain’ Sketches of Sixties (1926) iv. 141 Give him another show.
1866 H. W. Harper Lett. from N.Z. (1914) 102 There was a general response: ‘We'll be there, and give you a show’, a bit of diggers' slang, which I found meant—‘Here's your chance, can you use it?’
1914 ‘B. M. Bower’ Flying U Ranch 188 Our only show is to stop with our toes on the right side of the dead line.
1960 N. Hilliard Maori Girl 238 Was there any show of his busting out of it? None that he could see.
2010 Morning Bull. (Rockhampton, Queensland) (Nexis) 6 Feb. 89 Ces Ringuet also has a show in this race with his nomination Team Onyx.
12.
a. Mining and Oil Industry. A discernible indication of the presence of a desired metal or mineral in a mining ground, or (in later use) of oil or natural gas in a well; a discernible deposit of a metal, etc.gas-show, oil-show: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [noun] > indicators of presence
mother of gold1596
show1600
shoad1602
squad1674
prospect1709
indication1855
showing1877
lode-light1883
indicator1894
society > occupation and work > industry > mining > [noun] > prospecting > indication of metal in mine
show1756
society > occupation and work > industry > drilling for oil or gas > [noun] > prospecting for oil or gas > indication of oil in well
show1864
1600 R. Hakluyt tr. J. Gonzalez de Mendoça in Princ. Navigations (new ed.) III. 394 Here are many mountaines that beare shewes of mettals, but they went not to see them.
1600 Voy. Sir F. Drake in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (new ed.) III. 738 There is no part of earth heere to bee taken vp, wherein there is not some probable shew of gold or siluer.
1756 W. Fairfax Let. 26 Apr. in S. M. Hamilton Lett. to Washington (1898) I. 231 Prospect of great Wealth from his Share of a Copper Mine..which has a Show of much rich Ore.
1864 Harper's Mag. Dec. 60/2 A young farmer..was eloquent upon the ‘show’ the new well had made.
1878 H. G. Vennor in Rep. Progress 1876–7 (Geol. Surv. Canada) x. 304 The best shows of the mineral [apatite] occur on the first part of lot nineteen.
1916 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 29 July 4/3 The copper deposits which have been examined have not advanced beyond the stage of prospectors' shows.
1975 North Sea Background Notes (Brit. Petroleum Co.) 19 Ten days later a more encouraging show was found at a deeper level, but it was two months before the company was able to announce..the first commercial discovery of gas in the North Sea.
2006 R. H. Groshong 3-D Struct. Geol. (ed. 2) iii. 84 A show is a trace of hydrocarbons in a well, and can indicate the presence of a nearby hydrocarbon trap that is otherwise unseen.
b. Australian. A mine.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun]
minea1393
work1474
mineral?a1500
minery1567
balc1600
groove1666
bargh1693
winning1708
working1708
wheal1830
show1898
1898 E. Dyson Below & on Top 130 Jump this show, Humpy! Why there is not gold enough in a mile of it to buy a peanut.
1931 V. Palmer Separate Lives 186 He's sitting on twelve thousand since he got rid of his cobalt show, and he can't spend that here.
1942 C. Barrett On Wallaby iii. 43 Tim..owned a copper show in the Never Never country near the West Australian border.
1973 C. E. Goode Stories Strange Places 142 George said we'd run in and have a look at an old show he had worked on. It was the famous Westralia Mine.
2007 Townsville (Queensland) Bull. (Nexis) 27 Nov. 770 Jim Judge..had a gold show at Ravenswood.
†13. Piquet. A score of either twenty-eight for the non-dealer or fourteen for the dealer, considered as the minimum score which that player has an even chance of obtaining. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > piquet > [noun] > hand
show1744
carte blanche1820
1744 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Piquet i. 6 If on the contrary you are to be younger-hand, and are eighty-six to fifty or sixty, never regard the losing two or three Points for the gaining of one, because that Point brings you within your Shew.
?1770 ‘De Chateauneuf’ New Treat. Piquet v. 53 He should make twenty-eight, which is called the stroke or show of the eldest hand.
1889 ‘Cavendish’ Piquet (ed. 6) 132 The Show, elder hand (when small cards are counted in play), is twenty-eight; younger hand is fourteen. That is, it is about an even chance the elder hand will score twenty-eight or more, and that the younger hand will score fourteen or more.
†14. Mining. A blue flame glowing faintly above the ordinary flame of a candle or lamp when firedamp (flammable gas) is present; cf. cap n.1 11c. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [noun] > flame or blaze > a flame > blue, showing fire-damp
show1817
blue cap1838
cap1877
1817 A. Rees Cycl. (1819) XXXVI. at Ventilation of Mines The experienced collier knows accurately enough all the gradations of show (as it is called) upon the candle, and is very rarely fired upon, excepting in sudden discharges of inflammable gas.
1849 G. C. Greenwell Gloss. Terms Coal Trade Northumberland & Durham 47 Show, the pale blue ‘top’, or lambent flame, which appears above the ordinary flame of a candle, when it is burning in an atmosphere mixed with fire-damp.
1909 Second Rep. Royal Comm. Mines 47 (table) [Percentage of Firedamp] 1·80..Not observed by either of these officials. Overman admitted seeing a ‘show’.
II. A performance, exhibition, etc., organized as a public event or form of entertainment, and related senses.
15.
a. A grand or elaborate display or spectacle organized as a form of public entertainment; a pageant, a masque, a procession, an occasion. In later use frequently spec. (often in plural): a form of public entertainment in ancient Rome involving athletic contests, gladiatorial fights, etc. (cf. game n. 9). Also in extended use: any public ceremony. Now historical or merged in sense 16a. [Called in Latin spectacula , plural (see spectacle n.1), lūdī , plural (see lude n.2).] See also Lord Mayor's Show n. at Lord Mayor n. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > type of show or spectacle > [noun] > elaborately arranged
show1486
1486 in A. F. Johnston & M. Rogerson Rec. Early Eng. Drama: York (1979) I. 138 The making and directing of the shew to be maide ayenst the kinges next commyng heder.
1541 in A. F. Johnston & M. Rogerson Rec. Early Eng. Drama: York (1979) I. 2+75 Iohn fflemyng & Rychard Grayves Carvers..tuyk appon them for to mayke & finysshe the Showe yat was proposyd by the sayd presens ageynst the commyng of the kynges grace.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 1 Too be prezent at any sheaw or spectacl.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. i. 106 The King would haue me present the Princesse..with some delightfull ostentation, or show, or pageant. View more context for this quotation
1629 T. Hobbes tr. Thucydides Eight Bks. Peloponnesian Warre ii. 90 All the dedicated vessels belonging to the Shewes and Games.
1696 B. Kennett Romæ Antiquæ Notitia ii. i. iv. 263 The excellent Titus exhibited a Show of Gladiators, wild Beasts, and Representations of Sea-sights.
1736 Daily Gazetteer 20 Dec. The Amphitheatre erected for this Show is almost entirely finished.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives III. 262 A few months after he presented the people with a show of gladiators.
1797 E. Burke Lett. Peace Regic. France iii, in Wks. (1815) VIII. 393 It is a shew, and a spectacle, not a play, that is exhibited.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 474 It is surely the height of absurdity to shut out the populace from a show of which the main object is to make an impression on the populace.
1863 G. A. Sala in Temple Bar 8 278 It has been my vocation to see shows... Royal marriages and funerals;..layings of first stones; openings of railways.
1892 C. W. C. Oman Byzantine Empire xviii. 230 He suppressed shows and sports, and turned all the public revenues into the war budget.
1911 T. S. Holmes Origin Christian Church Gaul ii. 43 It was the last day of the shows.
1980 S. Viswanathan Shakespeare Play as Poem iii. 81 Timon of Athens is more a show or pageant than a play.
2007 N. B. Crowther Sport in Anc. Times xii. 106 Trajan had 10,000 gladiators fight in a single show.
b. As a mass noun: spectacle, pageantry; theatrical display.In some instances perhaps a mass noun use of sense 16a. Sometimes with connotations of false or ostentatious display, and overlapping with senses 3 and 8.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > spectacular, sensational, or dramatic display > [noun]
stage-work1649
scenery1726
theatricalness1727
dramatizing1808
show1822
theatricality1837
pyrotechny1845
theatricalism1854
sensational1861
sensationalism1862
sensationism1862
theatricism1872
theatricalization1875
dramaticism1878
dramatism1880
spectacularity1883
spectacularism1888
theatre1926
son et lumière1968
1822 Edinb. Mag. & Literary Misc. May 666/1 When there was nothing of show or spectacle in the bill of the day to attract, the pit and boxes were scarcely half filled.
1857 W. Johnston Nightshade xxxviii. 335 Yet the Romans, so fond of show, had no eyes for the pageantry.
1912 Stage Year Bk. 9 Without stage show Shakespeare would not be so popular.
1941 T. M. Parrott in B. Maxwell et al. Renaissance Stud. in Honor H. Craig 239 Daniel's Masque..was all show and spectacle, distinguished especially by the costumes of the lady masquers.
2009 A. M. Stott Pantomime Life of J. Grimaldi (2010) p. xxv Grimaldi's clown was a Londoner in hyperbole:..infusing his clowning with its manic energy, flamboyant theatricality and love of show.
16.
a. A dramatic or theatrical performance, esp. (since the mid 19th cent.) one that includes singing, dancing, or comedy; spec. a musical. Also more generally: any staged or live performance.Recorded earliest in dumb show n. 1, and otherwise rare before the mid 19th cent., when it appears to have first become common as a slang term among the theatrical community. N.E.D. (1914) commented that show was ‘not applied to a regular dramatic performance’. Pageants and other forms of public spectacle are treated at sense 15a; puppet shows and other performances associated with fairs, carnivals, and the like are treated at sense 17a. There is often overlap between these senses, but sometimes a clear distinction is made (see e.g. quots. 1797 and 1980 at sense 15a, quot. a1629 at sense 17a).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > [noun]
spectaclea1340
speculationc1440
steracle14..
triumphc1503
show1565
sprank1568
ostentation1598
presentationa1616
exposition1649
gauds1652
raree-show1681
spectacle1749
exhibition1761
draw1881
spectacular1890
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > a play > [noun]
playeOE
joyc1440
sportc1475
historya1509
drama?1521
stage playa1535
gameplay1560
show1565
device1598
piece1616
auto1670
action1679
natak1826
speakie1921
1565 T. Norton & T. Sackville Gorboduc sig. A. iiv The Order of the domme shewe before the firste Acte, and the Signification therof.
1606 Returne from Pernassus Prol. sig. A2v You may doe better to busy your selfe in prouiding beere, for the shewe will be pittifull drie.
1706 G. Farquhar Recruiting Officer (ed. 2) iv. 38 Plume. I'll..give you a Ticket to see a Play. Bull. A Play, Wauns Ruose take the Ticket, and let's see the Show.
1805 H. Summersett Happy at Last Epil. There is Jack t' huntsman, in first row, Why, Jack, and is thou come to see the show?
1844 J. Cowell Thirty Years among Players xvii. 42/2 I consented to become his guest for a week, and ‘show my show’ in the town-hall.
1866 Era 14 Jan. 10/1 The abundant variety of ‘Shows’, Theatrical, Musical, [etc.].
1895 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 16 Feb. 217/1 Stage shows with nothing to redeem their obvious silliness but a promise of as much lewdness as the audience will stand.
1907 H. Wyndham Flare of Footlights viii ‘I hate matinées,’ exclaimed Miss Assherton. ‘Giving two shows in one day quite tires me out.’
1943 J. Cannon Sergeant Says 80 At night he plays a vaudeville show at the rec hall.
1991 Christian Sci. Monitor 28 Oct. 18 The effect was like a Super Bowl halftime show.
1996 E. Lovelace Salt xi. 205 Then to a shitty recital and a dance show where his daughter was dancing their little ballets.
2014 Guardian 30 Aug. 9/2 Izzy..found herself trying out for a big role in a Broadway show.
b. The projection of a film on to a screen; (later) the screening of a film in a cinema. Cf. showing n. 8c.See also movie show n. at movie n. Compounds 2, picture show n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > projection > [noun]
projection1687
screen image1876
show1897
front projection1910
rear projection1913
back projection1933
projecting1959
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > film show > [noun] > action of showing film
show1897
showing1908
screening1914
1897 Phonoscope Nov. 6/1 The young ladies..might be induced to visit a moving-picture show in the city.
1912 W. Owen Let. 23 June (1967) 142 Methought I was treating you to a Show at a Picture Palace!
1987 P. C. P. Siu Chinese Laundryman x. 138 This cinema is so close by here, do you go to see a show often?
2005 L. Heron tr. M. Liebman Born Jewish i. 1 I set off for the Sunday show at the cinema.
c. A television or radio programme; esp. a light entertainment programme.chat show, game show, panel show, quiz show, radio show, reality show, talk show, TV show, etc.: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > broadcasting > a broadcast programme or item > [noun] > types of
news bulletin1857
news summary1875
police message1886
newsflash1904
headline1908
play-by-play1909
feature1913
spot ad1916
magazine1921
news1923
time signal1923
outside broadcast1924
radiocast1924
amateur hour1925
bulletin1925
serial1926
commentary1927
rebroadcast1927
school broadcast1927
feature programme1928
trailer1928
hour1930
schools broadcast1930
show1930
spot advertisement1930
spot announcement1930
sustaining1931
flash1934
newscast1934
commercial1935
clambake1937
remote1937
repeat1937
snap1937
soap opera1939
sportcast1939
spot commercial1939
daytimer1940
magazine programme1941
season1942
soap1943
soaper1946
parade1947
public service announcement1948
simulcasting1949
breakfast-time television1952
call-in1952
talkathon1952
game show1953
kidvid1955
roundup1958
telenovela1961
opt-out1962
miniseries1963
simulcast1964
soapie1964
party political1966
novela1968
phone-in1968
sudser1968
schools programme1971
talk-in1971
God slot1972
roadshow1973
trail1973
drama-doc1977
informercial1980
infotainment1980
infomercial1981
kideo1983
talk-back1984
indie1988
omnibus1988
teleserye2000
kidult-
1930 Pop. Sci. Dec. 59 (headline) Phil Cook mikes his whole show at once.
1932 Radio Times 29 July 239/2 Peter Creswell will produce Ball and Dance, a German radio show built up from scenes at famous balls of history.
1944 Billboard 24 June 8/2 As the war tension mounted so did the interest in news shows.
1956 ‘B. Holiday’ & W. Dufty Lady sings Blues xv. 141 If you're an American citizen and unless you go to bed early these nights, you're liable to see me on the late-late show.
1964 Mrs. L. B. Johnson White House Diary 22 Apr. (1970) 116 I got a call from Lyndon's office saying, ‘Turn on TV and watch the David Brinkley Show.’
1990 R. Critchfield Among British iii. 200 ‘The Underclass—A World Apart’, a public affairs show produced by London Weekend Television.
2014 Radio Times 23 Aug. (South/West ed.) 20/1 The Great British Bake Off winner Frances Quinn..didn't own a television so would watch the show at friends' houses.
17.
a. An exhibition or attraction at a fair, carnival, or the like, typically in a booth, stall, or tent, and with a charge for admission; spec. (a) a puppet play; (b) an exhibition of people, things, or animals regarded as curiosities, such as wild animals or people with physical deformities (now historical); (c) an act involving performers such as trained animals, acrobats, magicians, etc. (passing into sense 16a).Earliest in puppet show n.See also freak show n. at freak n.1 Compounds, peep show n., raree-show n., sideshow n. 1, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > type of show or spectacle > [noun] > in booth
show1574
1574 G. Fenton tr. J. Talpin Forme Christian Pollicie iii. vii. 143 All Stage Playes, and Enterluders, Puppet shewes, and carelesse Boyes (as wee call them),..haue been alwayes noted of infamie.
a1629 T. Goffe Careles Shepherdess (1656) Prol. 9 If only Monsters please you, you must go Not to the Stage, but to a Bartholomew Show.
1655 tr. C. Sorel Comical Hist. Francion v. 10 The Showes at the Fair of St. Germans, which he had seen not long before for a Souse.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 16. ⁋2 When we came to Noah's Flood in the Show, Punch and his Wife were introduced dancing in the Ark.
1722 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack 16 To pay at her going into the Booth to see a Show.
1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 246 All were obliged to pay treble prices, on account of the unprecedented novelty of the shew [sc. a lion and dog in one cage].
1825 W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1826) I. 1175 Atkin's Menagerie..one of the largest shows in the fair.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. I. 326 The travelling menageries, or, to speak more intelligibly, the ‘Wild-beast shows’.
1865 C. F. Browne Artemus Ward his Bk. (new ed.) Note before title page At the Door of the Tent. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Show is about to commence.
1932 Evening Democrat (Fort Madison, Iowa) 27 June 3/2 Conroy Brothers staged an animal show in a tent on the vacant lot.
1960 Billboard 21 Nov. 83/4 (advt.) 10-in-1 or Illusion Show for committee money only. Also want Snake or any worth-while Grind Show.
1994 Minnesota Monthly Aug. 8/2 There were the degrading girlie shows, the midget shows, the Siamese twins on display.
2004 S. Hall Electric Michelangelo 155 The..turnstiles into the fairgrounds were almost deserted, the rides and the shows were quiet.
b. The booth or structure in which an attraction of this kind is located. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [noun] > booth or portable building
show1823
1823 Mammon in London I. Pref. p. i To hang outside of their booth or show, a correct representation of the wonderful sight within.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xix. 200 At his heels went Thomas Codlin, bearing the show as usual.
1874 T. Frost Old Showmen 22 The practice of displaying in front of the shows large pictures of the wonderful feats, or curious natural objects, to be seen within.
1930 L. Hughes Not without Laughter ix. 111 The two of them went around together for a while, looking at the large painted canvas pictures in front of the shows.
c. A funfair, a carnival.
(a) In plural with the.
ΚΠ
1917 Billboard 14 Apr. 27/1 Elma Moore, the fat girl, will be back with the shows again this year.
1979 R. Cameron Diary 7 Apr. in Nineteen Seventy-Nine (2003) iv. 112 We had a hot shower, got changed and went to the shows... Valerie was showing off that she wasn't scared of the Big Wheel.
2001 A. Bissett Boyracers 103 If..we saw lights of a town far in the distance, we'd always think it was the shows.
(b) In singular.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > place of amusement or entertainment > fairground or amusement park > [noun] > fun fair
fair1763
funfair1908
carnival1931
carny1931
show1949
1949 Billboard 5 Nov. 71/1 The show came to town this past week-end, and young Alaskans were getting their first rides on a Merry-Go-Round.
1979 E. L. Doctorow Loon Lake iii. 17 The Hearn Bros. carnival, a traveling show of tattered brown tents, old trucks, kiddy rides and paint-peeled wagons.
2002 Sydney Morning Herald 23 Mar. 9/3 It sounds like every child's dream: spending all day at the show, surrounded by carnival rides and candy floss, then travelling to the next town where you help set up and start over again.
18.
a.
(a) A public display of animals or plants arranged to facilitate inspection or comparison; (originally) a display of livestock, produce, etc., to prospective buyers; (later also) a competitive event in which pure-bred animals are judged according to the established standard for their breed; (also) a competitive display of flowers or other plants.agricultural show, cat show, cattle show, dog show, poultry show, sheep show; flower show, horticultural show, etc.: see the first element. See also Best in Show at best adj., n.1, and adv. Phrases 4h(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > [noun] > agricultural show
show1765
field day1837
royal1958
1765 G. Culley Jrnl. 1 Nov. in M. Culley & G. Culley Trav. Jrnls. & Lett. (2002) 41 A foal show on Tuesday 19 November.
1788 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Yorks. II. 172 Malton has the only horse show in this District... At this fair great number of made-up horses are sold.
1790 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Midland Counties I. 369 He had a lot of cows at Loughborough, the 12th of August, the fattest in the show.
1813 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire II. ix. 213 Gooseberry or other Fruit or Flower Shows..are found useful, for promoting attention to the best varieties of cultivated Trees and Plants.
1816 J. Austen Emma III. xviii. 338 You were both talking of other things; of business, shows of cattle, or new drills. View more context for this quotation
1864 Field 2 July 71/3 The aristocratic shows of the Royal Horticultural Society.
1877 G. Stables Pract. Kennel Guide ix. 98 The black-and-white, or Landseer Newfoundland. This is quite a distinct breed, not as yet properly recognised at shows.
1910 R. Leighton Dogs & All about Them xlv. 290 At shows there should be two distinct classes; the Palace dog and the Pekin Spaniel.
1969 Times 27 Jan. 10/8 Brucellosis accredited cattle only will be shown at the Surrey county show.
1992 N. Searle Your Rabbit ii. 15 If you are purchasing purebred rabbits, you will want them to be free from any conditions that would prevent them from winning prizes at a rabbit show.
2005 Dogs in Canada Jan. 51/3 The Manitoba Canine Association's four days of all-breed shows.
(b) spec. A competitive event for horses and their riders involving various equestrian sports such as showjumping and dressage.
ΚΠ
1855 Knickerbocker Apr. 347 Unfortunately at this time a monster horse-show was imminent over the peaceful village.
1856 Porter's Spirit of Times 15 Nov. 181/2 The performances at the horse show..were very interesting.
1867 Brit. Farmer's Mag. July 68/2 The opinion of the meeting was that jumping was essential to the success of the show.
1895 Baily's Mag. Nov. 858/2 At the large majority of horse shows the jumping competitors are judged solely by their capability of getting over the obstacles without touching them.
1932 Times 16 Apr. 6/7 The class events will be similar to those of previous shows.
1986 Lydney Observer 12 Sept. 5/1 With the demise of Gymkhana rings in many other local shows, it was..rewarding to see the large turnout.
2014 Horse & Rider Apr. 81/4 At larger shows, you may be required to dismount and strip your tack off for the conformation section.
b. A public exhibition of the work of an artist or fashion designer. Cf. showing n. 8b.See also fashion show n. at fashion n. Compounds 1a(a).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [noun] > types of
show1793
World's Fair1850
world fair1851
science fair1930
art installation1960
Expo1963
lollapalooza1993
1793 True Briton 29 Apr. 2/4 The merit or demerit of the Paintings which compose the show, seem to be of little consequence.
1830 J. Constable Let. (1965) III. 26 I have laid by my Wood, to enable me to pay some old and just debts, to Smith, to Woodburn, & others—which I shall have ready for the ‘show’ I hope.
1888 Artist 1 Jan. 21/1 A new feature in Suffolk-street shows is the appearance of M. Claude Monet, a leading French impressionist.
1914 Corset & Underwear Rev. Jan. 43 These motion pictures of the new fashions will be themselves exhibited to add to the interest of the show.
1963 Listener 31 Jan. 210/1 That these painters were not a handful of isolated figures was made plain by the Whitechapel show devoted to recent Australian painting.
1995 Fashions of Times Spring 20/2 (caption) The model Carla Bruni wore this version at the designer Marc Jacobs's spring show.
2006 New Yorker 6 Nov. 130/1 There are fifty-six paintings in the show.
c. gen. An event at which things of a particular kind are displayed, esp. with the aim of advertising or promoting particular products.Frequently with modifying word, as air show, motor show, trade show, etc.: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [noun]
display1661
exhibition1761
show shop1772
travelling exhibition1800
show1831
exposition1851
showing1885
exhibit1894
étalage1900
show-up1931
installation1969
1831 Niles' Weekly Reg. 8 Oct. 99/1 If the members of that body will attend this splendid show of the products of American industry,..many will think that they had better staid at home.
1877 Spirit of Times 24 Nov. 450/1 A great international show of manufactured goods, industrial processes, and art products.
1913 Illustr. London News 22 Feb. 260/1 In previous years the Aero Show..has utterly failed to attract the general public.
1962 Motor Boating Mar. 174/2 Three steel hulls were at the show this year whereas there were none last year.
1999 Brit. Blacksmith Summer 25/1 The major shows where exhibitions and competitions for decorative ironwork are organised.
2002 Grocer 9 Mar. 50/1 We are presenting new products at the show, in particular a range of Jamaican patties.
19. colloquial. In extended use.
a. Originally U.S. A situation or series of events; a matter, an affair. Frequently with modifier, as good, bad, poor, etc. Now chiefly British, and often regarded as old-fashioned.rare before 20th cent.See also to give the show away at Phrases 2d, and interjectional and elliptical uses of good show, etc., at Phrases 6.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [noun] > business claiming attention > an occupation or affair
charec897
matter?c1225
journeya1352
affairc1390
notea1400
incident1485
concernment1495
actiona1500
business1524
concern1680
job1680
ploya1689
show1797
game1812
caper1839
pigeon dropping1850
shebang1869
hoodoo1876
racket1880
palaver1899
scene1964
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > affair, business, concern > [noun]
thingeOE
charec897
cause1393
gleea1400
affaira1425
articlea1425
conversement1455
concernment1495
subject?1541
gear1545
concerning1604
concern1659
interest1674
lookout1795
show1797
pidgin1807
put-in1853
chip1896
thang1932
1797 H. W. Foster Coquette 138 The show is over, as we yankees say; and the girl is my own.
1867 D. R. Locke Swingin' round Cirkle 243 The delegashens bein all in, it wuz decided to go on with the show.
1893 Boy's Own Paper 25 Mar. 403/2 Jolly good show for us.
1900 W. S. Churchill in Morning Post 12 Apr. 5/7 ‘Yes,’ replied the subaltern laconically, ‘shoulder smashed up.’ We expressed our sympathy. ‘Oh, that's all right; good show wasn't it? The men are awfully pleased.’
1922 ‘R. Crompton’ More William (1924) ix. 156 Life was a rotten show.
1935 J. Reith Diary 4 July (1975) 121 This [party] was a very good show, interesting people, plenty of room, and plenty to eat.
1959 Listener 5 Nov. 766/1 He..came back with the bowl empty, which was taken by his mother as a jolly good show.
1974 D. Seaman Bomb that could Lip-read xi. 92 It's a bad show, Dickie... Why didn't you go straight in to clobber those terrorists?
2005 Supply Managem. 12 May 4/1 It is a pretty poor show when employees anywhere need to rely on the BBC..to discover the fate of their jobs.
b. Originally U.S. An undertaking or situation which is a particular person's responsibility or interest; a piece of business, a concern. Frequently with possessive.
ΚΠ
1851 N. Kingsley Diary 29 Jan. (1914) 171 He got 500 dollars for his share, which takeing the show as we now have it I think was a plenty.
1885 Punch 12 Dec. 277 Lord Randolph's my mark; there's a Statesman!.. Make him boss of the Show.
1897 ‘M. Gray’ Sweethearts & Friends xvii. 224 ‘Come, Amy,’ remonstrated the bridegroom, ‘you've no right to these weaknesses; it's not your show this time.’
1909 W. S. Churchill Let. 19 Sept. in W. S. Churchill & C. S. Churchill Speaking for Themselves (1999) ii. 31 Foreign affairs are not—after all—my show.
1940 W. R. Burnett High Sierra xv. 98 Big Mac was the boss and this was his show.
2008 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 24 Sept. (Sport section) 18 I was happy to carry out the orders on the field but I was conscious that I was a stand-in captain and that it was not my show.
c. Military slang. A military operation, engagement, or campaign; a battle, a war. Cf. sideshow n. 2, big show n. at big adj. and adv. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > [noun]
service?1560
operation1749
show1892
mission1910
op1916
party1918
1892 R. Kipling Barrack-room Ballads 59 What was the end of all the show, ‘Johnnie, Johnnie?’ Ask my Colonel, for I don't know.
1914 R. Brooke Let. Dec. (1968) 644 I entered this show (Sub-lieutenant R. Brooke R.N.D. at your service) in September and by the end of the month was in a trench.
1924 J. Galsworthy White Monkey ii. xi. 205 I should very much dislike being blown up..but I should still more dislike missing the next show.
1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 18 Apr. 10 At the end of the show I flew to Mosul.
1977 Daily Tel. 15 Mar. 12/6 He was there in '98, I think, for the Malakand show.
2012 D. L. Wright Iraq Full Circle (2013) ii. 27 During Desert Storm, I was completing my undergraduate degree... I was six months from making the show.
†d. depreciative. A group of people. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a company or body of persons > [noun]
ferec975
flockOE
gingc1175
rout?c1225
companyc1300
fellowshipc1300
covinc1330
eschelec1330
tripc1330
fellowred1340
choira1382
head1381
glub1382
partya1387
peoplec1390
conventc1426
an abominable of monksa1450
body1453
carol1483
band1490
compernagea1500
consorce1512
congregationa1530
corporationa1535
corpse1534
chore1572
society1572
crew1578
string1579
consort1584
troop1584
tribe1609
squadron1617
bunch1622
core1622
lag1624
studa1625
brigadea1649
platoon1711
cohort1719
lot1725
corps1754
loo1764
squad1786
brotherhood1820
companionhood1825
troupe1825
crowd1840
companionship1842
group1845
that ilk1845
set-out1854
layout1869
confraternity1872
show1901
crush1904
we1927
familia1933
shower1936
1901 Essex Weekly News 8 Mar. 3/3 I want to know whether I can be tried by Quarter Session. I do not wish to be tried by this court, because I have never had any pity from this show—not since I've been born.
III. A person who or thing which is shown or seen, and related senses.
20.
a. A thing that is seen or can be seen (without any implication of intentional display); esp. a striking or remarkable sight; a spectacle. Usually with modifying word.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [noun] > sight or spectacle
sightc950
showingOE
spectacle1434
inspectionc1460
show1536
object1588
eyemark1595
theatre1606
theorya1626
exhibit1676
exhibition1786
something to see (or look at)1808
eyeful1858
spectacular1890
1536 Bp. J. Longland Serm. Good Fryday sig. Gi They beynge then present in the cytye, ranne in multitudes to this spectacle, to this shewe, to this syght.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Evagrius Scholasticus ii. xiii, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 437 This lamentable destruction reached..from Constantines market vnto the market of Taurus, a pitiefull shewe and dredfull to behold.
1638 F. Rous Heavenly Acad. iii. 25 So neither are they presented to us as bare sights, shewes, and spectacles.
1675 N. Grew Compar. Anat. Trunks ii. ii. 48 In the leaves of Pine, they [sc. the Pores] are likewise, through a glass, a very elegant show.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 412. ¶6 We no where meet with a more glorious or pleasing Show in Nature, than what appears in the Heavens at the rising and setting of the Sun.
1806 W. Wordsworth Addr. to Child 27 That one upright twig..Studded with apples, a beautiful show!
1863 Public Opinion 31 Jan. 140/2 It is at last intended to make the Thames Tunnel something more than a damp unpleasant show.
1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 28 The golden Alyssum grows, a beautiful show in the spring.
2008 R. Leuci in T. McLoughlin & T. Adcock Brooklyn Noir 3 i. 63 Back in the day,..those Brooklyn streets were a glorious show. When the full moon was out, there was no better place to be.
b. A group of things, esp. animals or plants, seen together. In later use frequently spec. (with modifier) in the context of hunting or fishing: a good, fine, poor, etc., supply of animals or fish seen to be available.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > [noun] > a show (of something)
sight1390
presentationa1616
exhibit1654
show1695
re-exhibition1758
layout1869
shop window1894
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 269 July, and August..exhibit a still different Shew of Vegetables.
1794 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Southern Districts Perth vii. 98 There is, around the noblemen and gentlemen's houses, a fine show of stately trees of various kinds.
1837 New Sporting Mag. Feb. 100 There was a fine show of pheasants congregated on the hill side.
1885 Field 7 Feb. 147/3 The chief feature of the day was the fine show of foxes at Gumley.
1928 Scotsman 1 Nov. 11/3 The poor show of grouse on many a let has been remarked upon by different sportsmen.
1976 Redlands (Calif.) Daily Facts 27 Aug. Check with local nurseries for container plants already displaying their fall show of berries.
2010 Newcastle (Austral.) Herald (Nexis) 1 Jan. (Sport section) 28 There's been a good show of snapper along the coastal rock shelves.
21.
a.
(a) A person or thing that is or may be exhibited or displayed as an object of interest. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > [noun] > person or thing
show1547
1547 A. Cope Godly Meditacion sig. C.ivv The Phylistians..cut of ye head of Saull & sent it wt hys harneis through there countrye for a shewe.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxxvjv The kyng and his two fellowes were caried hither and thither vnto Prynces, for a shewe and mockery.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. x. 24 Then yeeld thee Coward, And liue to be the shew, and gaze o' th' time. View more context for this quotation
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iii. iii. 255 Theutobocchus,..being apprehended..was single an whole shew himselfe.
1655 J. Davies tr. Apocalypsis 28 in A. Ross Πανσεβεια (new ed.) Carry me into all parts of thy Country to be seen for a shew.
1724 A. Gavin Master-key Popery i. 79 His Chair, or part of it is kept in the Bishop's Palace for a show, and a piece of Antiquity.
1791 ‘G. Gambado’ Ann. Horsemanship x. 45 I could have sold my horse for a hundred guineas, as a shew.
1810 G. Crabbe Borough ii. 21 That marble Arch our Sexton's favourite show.
1818 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto IV xviii. 12 [Venice] Perchance even dearer in her day of woe, Than when she was a boast, a marvel, and a show.
1842 Murray's Hand-bk. N. Italy 17/2 The Armeria Regia..is considered as one of the principal shows of Turin.
1998 M. Homans Royal Representations ii. 60 Victoria was aware that she was a show or spectacle for her people.
(b) colloquial. A person whose unusual appearance attracts attention, curiosity, or mockery. Cf. sight n.1 1e.See also to make a show of oneself at Phrases 2f(b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > lack of beauty > [noun] > odd person
show1700
image1851
1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical iii. 28 That Wheezing Sickly Shew..is the Devil's Broker.
1749 S. Johnson Vanity Human Wishes 25 And Swift expires a Driv'ler and a Show.
1828 L. Hunt Ld. Byron & Some Contemp. 108 He was a monster and a show.
1889 J. W. Kelly Slide, Kelly, Slide! (song) in G. Mitchem & M. Durr Play Ball (2006) 144 The way my nose was swelling up, I must have been a show.
1905 J. M. Synge Well of Saints iii. 70 I'll never rest easy, thinking you're a gray, beautiful woman, and myself a pitiful show.
1984 C. Boylan Last Resorts viii. 86 He did look a show with his damp hair and his stubble and his streaming eyes.
2011 E. Caldecott Operation Eiffel Tower x. 47 I can't take you out looking like that. You look a right show.
†b. Something presented or exhibited as a specimen or sample. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > [noun] > thing shown
showing?c1225
show1582
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > [noun] > typical or representative case > part as representative of the whole > sample or specimen
taste1390
muster1400
sample1428
scantillon1465
say1525
casta1556
assay1581
show1582
shave1604
trial1612
essay1614
pattern1648
trial-piece1663
dasha1672
swatch1697
spice1790
sampler1823
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xxix. f. 72v With this Caruel he sent a man of that Countrey for a shew, by what kinde of people the same was inhabited.
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events A iiij This booke is so little, that it is but a shew, which breeds a wish for an ampler piece.
†c. A structure or contrivance made to be put on display. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [noun] > exhibit
show1587
showpiece1802
flower-show1845
rose show1852
exhibit1862
1587 L. Mascall First Bk. Cattell iii. 236 Others sette vp shewes of dead Doggesheads, which is to feare anie wilde beast in comming to the foldde.
1590 E. Webbe Rare & Wonderfull Things (new ed.) sig. C3v I my selfe was then constrayned to make a cunning peece of fire woorke framed in forme like to the Arke of Noye... In which shew or Arke there was 12. thousand seuerall peeces of fire worke.
d. A display of objects of a particular kind, as in a shop window, display case, etc.
ΚΠ
1676 M. Hale Contempl. Moral & Divine: 2nd Pt. 210 I have seen a Lottery with a goodly show of fine Plate, and a great many persons parting with certain money for an uncertain Lot.
1776 S. J. Pratt Pupil of Pleasure I. 26 A goodly show of bandboxes.
1788 J. L. de Lolme Observ. Taxes upon Windows or Lights 94 The Tax-Collector, when coming into the shop, does not talk to the Shop-keeper of..the fine show of goods it contains.
1848 C. Dickens Haunted Man ii. 57 There was a good show of literature in the window, chiefly consisting of picture-newspapers out of date, and serial pirates, and footpads.
1894 A. Morrison Tales Mean Streets 41 There was a milliner's window, with a show of nothing but fashionable plush-and-feather hats.
1921 Drug Trade Weekly 15 Oct. 6/1 The front window on Broadway had a show of elegant imported perfumes.
1943 C. Richter Free Man xii. 115 He was a week late for the fair with its show of merchandise in the square.
2006 M. E. Brown & R. Power Exhibits in Libraries ix. 179 You could have a show of books on fashion next to one of books on industrial history.
†22. A phantom, a vision, an apparition. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > supernatural being > ghost or phantom > [noun]
soulOE
huea1000
ghostOE
fantasyc1325
spiritc1350
phantomc1384
phantasmc1430
haunterc1440
shadowa1464
appearance1488
wraith1513
hag1538
spoorn1584
vizarda1591
life-in-death1593
phantasma1598
umbra1601
larve1603
spectre1605
spectrum1611
apparitiona1616
shadea1616
shapea1616
showa1616
idolum1619
larva1651
white hat?1693
zumbi1704
jumbie1764
duppy1774
waff1777
zombie1788
Wild Huntsman1796
spook1801
ghostie1810
hantua1811
preta1811
bodach1814
revenant1823
death-fetch1826
sowlth1829
haunt1843
night-bat1847
spectrality1850
thivish1852
beastie1867
ghost soul1869
barrow-wight1891
resurrect1892
waft1897
churel1901
comeback1908
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. vi. 429 As I slept, me thought Great Iupiter vpon his Eagle back'd Appear'd to me, with other sprightly shewes Of mine owne Kindred.
1645 J. Ussher Body of Divinitie 117 What mean you by Visions? Their appearing..to the mind and inward senses, either in the night by dreams..or in the day by some strange shows, as they did to the Prophets.
1700 J. Dryden Flower & Leaf in Fables 401 What you saw, was all a Fairy Show.
1841 B. Green Valedictory Addr. Oneida Inst. 19 The specters, which haunt the church—the shows, which ignis fatuus-like every where deceive, mislead and destroy.
23. Medicine. Blood-streaked mucus discharged from the vagina around the time of the onset of labour; the emergence of such mucus; an instance of this; cf. labour-show n. at labour n. Compounds 2. Also: a discharge of blood from the vagina, esp. at the beginning of the first or a subsequent menstrual period.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > discharges before or after childbirth > [noun]
purgationa1398
lochia1612
cleansing1655
cleaning1661
show1734
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > menses > [noun] > first appearance of
show1734
menophania1853
menarche1900
1734 E. Hody Giffard's Cases Midwifry lxxxi. 192 I was sent for to a Lady in Labour..: she told me she had a shew of blood, and that a slimy matter slipped from her.
1753 R. Russell Diss. Use of Sea Water 385 I was called to a young Lady, who had a Shew of the Menses at twelve Years old.
1822 J. M. Good Study Med. IV. 39 The mucous fluid, secreted in the beginning of labour..and hence vulgarly denominated its show, or appearance.
1837 A. Tennant Veg. Materia Medica 422 It [sc. dysmenorrhea] usually commences by a slight menstrual show, which is sometimes suddenly arrested, when pains almost immediately ensue.
1893 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 30 Sept. 55 A lady aged 42 had never seen any vaginal ‘show’ for thirteen years.
1928 C. S. Whitehead & C. A. Hoff Ethical Sex Relations (new ed.) i. v. 180 A natural labor is usually divided into three stages, and in order that it may be better understood, we will explain that the premonitory or first stage comprises the subsidence (dropping) of the womb and the coming away of the blood-tinged mucus from the vagina, sometimes called the ‘show’.
1982 J. Hill in A. M. Voda et al. Changing Perspectives Menopause xi. 163 Postmenopausal status was defined as not having had a menstrual show in over one year.
2004 T. Booth Pregnancy Q&A ii. 84 After the mucous plug is gone, the cervix secretes slippery mucus called ‘show’.
†24. English regional. A picture or print in a book. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > book > illustration of books > [noun] > an illustration
figurec1400
baby?1600
gay1630
showa1794
illustration1817
a1794 M. Palmer Dialogue Devonshire Dial. (1839) 1 I..was looking to zee if there be any shows [Note prints or pictures] in en.
1901 F. E. Taylor Folk-speech S. Lancs. (at cited word) Aw loike a book wi' plenty o' shows in it.
†25. English regional. A part of an animal prominently displayed; spec. (a) Norfolk the plumage of a male bird displayed during courtship; (b) Somerset the udder of a cow. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > domestic animal > [noun] > livestock > stock or breed > animals kept for breeding > animal bred for display > display
show1845
1845 R. Lubbock Observ. Fauna of Norfolk i. 68 In a month this bird's ‘show’ would be complete.
1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 54/2 The cock-bird, when out of his nuptial attire, or, to use the fenman's expression, when he has not ‘his show on’, [etc.].
1886 Fowler's Catal. of Guernseys in F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (1888) (at cited word) Grand heifer, splendid show.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) A farmer said of a cow, ‘Look what a winderful show her've a-got.’

Phrases

P1. Phrases with prepositions.
a. at the first show of: at first sight or appearance of (now chiefly literary). Formerly also simply †at the first show: at first sight (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > sight of something > [adverb] > at (first) sight
at (the, as to the) first sightc1390
at prime facea1413
by the first visage1422
at a lookc1450
on (also upon) (the) view of1489
prima faciec1500
at one sight1508
at the first show of1549
at first gaze1577
prima fronte1622
on (also in) the face of ita1656
on the view1823
1549 tr. J. Calvin Short Instr. Good Christian People sig. E.viiv At the fyrste shewe it appeareth that there is no euyll in thys Article.
1560 A. L. tr. J. Calvin Serm. Songe Ezechias i. 8 These thinges at the firste shew, seme very straunge.
1673 J. Sergeant Errour Non-plust iii. 24 This Discourse seems at the first show to carry so clear an evidence with it.
1845 Southern & Western Mag. & Rev. May 327 At the first show of commotion, Col. H. had armed himself.
1932 T. E. Lawrence tr. Homer Odyssey (1991) viii. 104 At the first show of Dawn, great Alcinous left his couch.
2000 W. Kaufman Coming out of Woods vii. 40 One morning in late July at the first show of light, while the air was still cool, [etc.].
†b. by show of: under pretext or pretence of; under the mask or alleged authority of; = under show of at Phrases 1h. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [phrase] > on the pretext of
under show of1563
by show of1625
under the umbrage of1674
under the salvo of1705
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 316 And by Shew of [1612 by colour of] Antiquitie, to introduce Noueltie.
c. for show: (with reference to action, speech, behaviour, etc.) merely for the sake of appearances (in contrast with a person's true nature, intentions, etc.); (with reference to a thing) for the sake of appearance or display rather than for use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > for show or appearance [phrase]
for (a) countenancec1386
for show1563
for the look of the thing1753
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adverb] > to save appearance
for show1563
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > useless [phrase] > and ostentatious
for show1563
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [adverb] > in appearance
colourably1433
in show1556
for show1563
affectedly1637
speciously1647
ostensibly1762
ostensively1763
lamb-fashion1810
pretencedly1885
1563 L. Humphrey Nobles or of Nobilitye ii. p.iiv Almes is to be geuen not in mens syght, for shewe.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Evagrius Scholasticus iv. xviii. in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 478 So many conduites partely for profitte and partely for showe.
1613 G. Wither Abuses Stript ii. i. sig. L6 Our Almes-deeds and guifts of Charitie, Are done for shew and with hypocrisie.
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1641 (1955) II. 50 A very faire payre of Organs, which I could not find they made any use of in Divine-Service..but onely for shew.
1715 T. Burnet Second Tale of Tub xiv. 164 The Citizens..had a vast Number of Boats, some for Show, and others for Use.
1766 J. Fordyce Serm. Young Women I. iv. 152 Those Fine Ladies who seek conquest only for show.
1849 Duke of Rutland in Croker Papers (1884) III. 195 I apprehend that for night use they [sc. the pillows] were large, and were replaced by small ones for show during the day.
1885 J. Ruskin Præterita I. vi. 184 My father..never would have paid the cost of an extra horse for show.
1924 Pop. Sci. Monthly Aug. 109/2 The propeller does not propel, but is for show.
1977 Daily Tel. 13 Jan. 17 (advt.) The Celeste's low slung, pacey appearance isn't just for show.
2013 Etownian (Elizabethtown, New Jersey) (Nexis) 26 Sept. 1 I was struck with the fear that kindness was just for show.
d.
(a) in show.
(i) In appearance; esp. in appearance but not in nature; ostensibly, superficially. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adverb] > seemingly or apparently
in semblant?a1366
quasi1485
cloakedlya1500
appearingly1554
in show1556
apparentlya1572
pearinglya1578
with show1614
seeminglya1616
seemingly1715
seemly1821
in semblance1864
semblably1889
mbu2002
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [adverb] > in appearance
colourably1433
in show1556
for show1563
affectedly1637
speciously1647
ostensibly1762
ostensively1763
lamb-fashion1810
pretencedly1885
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie xxxi. sig. Piiiv One tale in two tellers: with one entente tolde, May differ in show: as doth brasse and fine golde.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. ii. sig. B8v While hee was speaking, there came a boy in shew like a Merchants prentice.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. xlviii. 100 Otherwise they are but in shew opposite and not in truth.
1597 J. Gerard Herball i. 48 The small Flower de-luce of Dalmatia is in shew like to the precedent.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 173 The place of the chiefe Justice was in shew but one Office.
1674 J. Moodey Souldiery Spiritualized 5 A Christian Souldier and that in deed, in reality, not in show or appearance.
1732 T. Lediard tr. J. Terrasson Life Sethos II. x. 365 She had let the council of state..subsist in shew.
1773 E. Burke Let. 29 Sept. in Corr. (1844) I. 445 The wheat was large in show upon the ground, but the yield in flour is not extraordinary.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India III. vi. i. 51 To have two governing bodies; the one real, the other only in show.
1910 H. Walker Lit. Victorian Era ii. v. 418 Browning's pieces are dramatic in essence and not merely in show.
2015 C. Matusiak in S. M. Deats & R. A. Logan C. Marlowe at 450 xi. 289 His ignorance and malfeasance reveal him to be a divine merely in show.
†(ii) In the process of being shown or exhibited; on display; = on show at Phrases 1f. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1532 R. Whitford Pype or Tonne f. li Ye beaute of infideles: whiche beauty was set out in shewe by wantone and mysordred araye.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. G.ij To sell suche marchaundyse, sette it not in so yll a shewe.
c1590 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta ii. ii. 748 On this condition shall thy Turkes be sold. Goe Officers and set them straight in shew.
1592 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) Ded. sig. A2 In signification of the will I haue to do vnto your Lordship any acceptable seruice, [I have] no other matter in shew, then a fresh renouation of the self same title by a second presentment.
(b) in show of: by way of indicating or expressing; as a sign of, in token of.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > [adverb]
in show of1576
indicantly1607
1576 R. Peterson tr. G. della Casa Galateo 47 To kisse in shewe of reuerence, of very right appertayneth to the reliques of Saints.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xix. 68 Vailing their two top sails in shew of obedience.
1656 J. Smith Myst. Rhetorique Unvail'd 248 When in shew of disdainful contempt of a person or thing we fling up our nose.
1740 W. Oldys Life Sir W. Ralegh 381 In Shew of some Kind of Recompence, four hundred Pounds a Year Pension..was granted.
1808 R. Bland Edwy & Elgiva 75 Golden sandals, which her trusty guard In show of honour secretly prepared.
1839 H. D. Burdon Friends of Fontainbleau I. iii. 49 Many a knee was bent in show of reverence.
1909 Bluefield (W. Va.) Daily Tel. 30 June 4/3 The pastor thanked the women on behalf of the men, many of whom clapped their hands in show of gratitude.
1986 Off our Backs Oct. 11/2 One woman..came to swim in show of her support of her lesbian sister.
2007 Guardian (Nexis) 21 Nov. He pressed his palms together in show of respect for the judges.
†(c) in the show of the world and variants: (a) according to public perception or opinion; in the eyes of the world; (b) on display (rare). Cf. to the show of the world at Phrases 1g(c). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1562 Certayn Serm. preached in Lincs. in H. Latimer 27 Serm. ii. f. 141v Iohns lyfe was more painfull, in the outward shew of the world.
1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 58 God hath placed his church in the sight and shew of the worlde.
1567 T. Stapleton Counterblast iii. xxxviii. f. 367 They were certaine to loose bothe goods and life, and also their good name, in the shew of the worlde.
a1624 R. Crakanthorpe Vigilius Dormitans (1631) xxxvi. 490 At Rome, and in shew of the world a Catholike; at Constantinople, and in his secret and close actions an heretike.
1654 F. G. tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Artamenes II. iv. iii. 309 To counterfeit as you have done; to condemn Love,..and in the shew of all the world to abhor it, whilst in the mean time you loved Artelinda.
e. of show: (as postmodifying phrase) suited for display; fine, splendid; (sometimes) spec. suited for display rather than use; merely decorative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > splendour > [adjective] > of fine or gay appearance
gay?c1225
jollyc1380
gallantc1420
show-worthy1542
gaud-glorious1555
brave1568
of show1580
gaudy1583
braving1600
cavalier1670
showish1675
showy1712
braw1724
branky1790
viewy1850
cheesy1858
cheesy1863
jazzified1920
jazzed1922
zizzy1966
1580 T. M. in Baret's Aluearie (rev. ed.) To Rdr. sig. A.vi/2 These floures of shewe..Are here in Hiue.
1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo i. vii. 75 Piedras de muestra, or stones of shew.
1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) ii. 196 They shewed me..curious saddles, harnesse, liueryes of show embrodered with gold and syluer.
1733 tr. C. Noldius Lives of Herods in J. Court tr. Josephus Wks. 972/2 He dismiss'd from the court..all superfluous magnificence, and things of show.
1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France II. 169 Wealth diffused makes all men comfortable, and leaves no man splendid... Objects of show are therefore unfrequent in England.
1828 London Mag. Nov. 518 As for love of things of show, there is..as much love of things of use.
1854 Illustr. Mag. Art 4 84/2 Some of the articles of show are elaborately carved and lackered.
1909 Nation 6 Mar. 862 Ornaments of show, Trinklets and mirrors—these can go Outside.
1958 P. Binder Peacock's Tail 196 Such waistcoats were garments of show in their own right.
2011 M. B. Skinner Clodia Metelli iii. 43 Gold jewelry, purple-dyed garments, and carriages were singled out as particular items of show.
f. on show: in the process of being shown or exhibited; available for people to see; on view, on display.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > [adverb]
on show1785
on view1882
1785 W. Marshall Minutes in Rural Econ. Midland Counties (1790) II. 84 This year there were about thirty [stallions] on show.
1851 Jrnl. N.-Y. State Agric. Soc. 2 61/2 A choice display of Cincinnati wines was on show.
1890 Spectator 22 Nov. 733/2 We proceed to look at the tables and chairs and other things on show.
1938 Burlington Mag. June 308/2 One of the most powerful works here on show is the magnificent little Goya, The Monk.
1981 Times 16 Apr. 3/1 Two dolphins..will go on show at a dolphinarium near Liverpool.
1995 Focus Aug. 17/2 As the only organ that is always on show, your skin reveals a lot about who you are.
2012 RAF News 18 May (R'n'R section) 3/2 There is an undeniable level of gusto and enthusiasm on show from the actors throughout.
g. to the show.
†(a) So as to be seen; on display. Later also to show. Chiefly in to set to (the) show and variants: to put on display, to exhibit. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)]
to set beforea1000
openOE
showlOE
to put forth?c1225
kithe1297
to make (a) showing ofc1330
presenta1398
representa1398
to lay forthc1420
splayc1440
discovera1450
advisea1500
to set to (the) show?1510
to stall out1547
outlay1555
exhibit1573
strew1579
wray1587
displaya1616
ostentate1630
elevate1637
re-exhibita1648
expound1651
unveil1657
subject1720
flare1862
skin1873
patent1889
showcase1939
?1510 T. More tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. d.iiiv These grete fortunes lift vp a man hie and settith him owt to the shew.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 715/1 This felowe hath set out his marchandyse to the shewe.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas sig. F.ij These things (my Lord) my glasse now sets to shew.
1583 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses sig. Fii The trimming and tricking of their heds in laying out their hair to the shewe.
1609 R. Parsons Quiet Reckoning vi. 468 M. Mortons mincing his imputations before produced about Goodman, Knox, Buchanan, Syr Thomas Wiat, & the like, seuerally set forth to the shew.
1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 22 Dissembling Joy, he sets himself to show.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 255. ¶8 His Actions..lose their Lustre when they are drawn at large, and set to show by his own Hand.
1775 W. Hilton Poet. Wks. I. 246 See, on each hilloc's verdant brow, Nature's broidery set to show!
†(b) In appearance only; ostensibly, superficially.
ΚΠ
1556 R. Robinson tr. T. More Utopia (ed. 2) sig. Diiv This iustice is more beautiful in apperaunce, & more florishynge to the shewe, then either iuste or profitable.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Isa. vi. 13 She..shal be to the shew [L. in ostensionem] as a terebinth, and as an oke.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §499 There is a virtuous Bezoar and another without virtu which appear to the show alike.
1669 I. Bourne Gold Chain of Direct. 55 A husband must not be like unto a Crab, Orange, or Lemon; fair on the outside to the shew, and soure and bitter within.
1700 J. Brydall Non Compos Mentis i. iii. 34 If an Idiot, or Natural Fool, should make his Testament wisely, and reasonably to the shew.
†(c) to the show of the world: (a) for the sake of appearances; (b) so as to be seen; on display; (c) according to public perception or opinion; in the eyes of the world. Cf. in the show of the world at Phrases 1d(c). Obsolete.Common in 16th and 17th centuries.
ΚΠ
1547 A. Cope Godly Meditacion sig. A.ii Hipocritical workes, onely to the showe of the worlde.
1562 tr. J. Jewel Apol. Church Eng. f. 23v We do not take vpon vs now at this time to bring to light & to the shewe of the worlde those doings.
1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 163/2 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II Albeit to the vtter shew of the world, he seemed at the first to dislike with them at their landing.
1612 W. Attersoll Comm. Epist. to Philemon 285 He yt hath done greater things to the iudgment of the eie, to the shew of the world and to the sight of men.
1616 B. Rich My Ladies Looking Glasse 21 Mine intent is not here to instruct women how to adorne themselues to the show of the world.
1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes IV. x. xiv. 1942 Setting to the shew of the world the fruits of their Ualour and Trauailes.
1643 ‘F. Greville’ Five Yeares King James 11 To the shew of the world, his bond was indissolvable.
h. under (a) show of: under pretext or pretence of; under the mask or alleged authority of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [phrase] > on the pretext of
under show of1563
by show of1625
under the umbrage of1674
under the salvo of1705
1563 L. Humphrey Nobles or of Nobilitye i. sig. D.i Many, vnder shew of vertue & piety to their countrey sought to restore to libertye.
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1119/2 Under a shew of friendship, per simulationem amicitiæ.
1790 G. Laughton Serm. Doctr. & Duties Christianity v. 112 He was dragged, like an offender, from prison, and put to death under a show of justice.
1865 N.Y. Evangelist 9 Nov. 1/5 This system of swindling by false pretences is often practised under a show of great fairness and generosity.
1925 Times 12 Jan. 11/3 A mere device to secure pickings for Anfu men under a show of legality.
2001 Independent (Nexis) 2 May 10 The usurper Bolingbroke, under a show of righting legitimate wrongs, staged a cunning coup d'etat.
†i. upon a (also the) show: in the process of being shown or exhibited; on display; = on show at Phrases 1f. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. i. 34 They generally buy Horses when upon a Shew (as it is called) in the Dealer's Hand, which is the Way to be deceived.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. i. 35 As to his Spirit which appears upon the Shew, it is all forced.
†j. with show: in appearance only; ostensibly, seemingly. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adverb] > seemingly or apparently
in semblant?a1366
quasi1485
cloakedlya1500
appearingly1554
in show1556
apparentlya1572
pearinglya1578
with show1614
seeminglya1616
seemingly1715
seemly1821
in semblance1864
semblably1889
mbu2002
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia v. 187 With shew the Vrne the lots decides.
P2. Phrases with verbs.
a. Originally U.S. to boss the show: to be in charge; to make the important decisions regarding an undertaking, organization, etc.; cf. to run the show at Phrases 2h(a). Now esp. (chiefly British): to be the dominant player or team in a sporting competition.
ΚΠ
1882 Youth's Compan. 25 May 216/1 The chairman ‘bosses the show’, relieving the lecturer of the uncomfortable sense of responsibility.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. vi. [Hades] 100 Father Coffey...Bosses the show.
1974 Princeton Alumni Weekly 19 Feb. 16/2 For 16 years he bossed the show We're sorry that he had to go.
1996 People (Nexis) 3 Nov. 54 City..bossed the show early on after a bad miss by old boy Ormondroyd at the other end.
2016 South Wales Echo (Nexis) 3 May 52 He increasingly bossed the show as his team surged away to win.
b. colloquial (originally U.S.). to get (also put) the show on the road and variants: to begin a planned activity, esp. after a delay; to get started, to get going. Frequently in let's get this show on the road. Cf. to keep the show on the road at Phrases 2e.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)]
beginc1000
onginOE
aginOE
ginc1175
to go tillc1175
to take onc1175
comsea1225
fanga1225
to go toc1275
i-ginc1275
commencec1320
to get (also get down, go, go adown, set, set down) to workc1400
to lay to one's hand(sc1405
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to set toc1425
standa1450
to make to1563
to fall to it1570
to start out1574
to fall to1577
to run upon ——1581
to break off1591
start1607
to set in1608
to set to one's hands1611
to put toa1616
to fall ona1625
in1633
to fall aboard1642
auspicatea1670
to set out1693
to enter (into) the fray1698
open1708
to start in1737
inchoate1767
to set off1774
go1780
start1785
to on with1843
to kick off1857
to start in on1859
to steam up1860
to push off1909
to cut loose1923
to get (also put) the show on the road1941
to get one's arse in gear1948
1941 Daily Texan (Univ. Texas, Austin) 10 Apr. Let's put the show on the road, sugarpuss; we're going to a rat race.
1944 E. Liverpool (Ohio) Rev. 1 Apr. 4/5 He picked up his microphone and roared his unique battle cry: ‘Let's get the show on the road boys, turn 'em loose and let 'em graze!’
1973 M. Russell Double Hit ix. 67 Now we can start to make plans... There's no harm in getting the show on the road.
1988 M. Brooks Paradise Café & Other Stories 107 Just when I think we're never going to get this show on the road, she rings up the bill.
2013 Swindon Advertiser (Nexis) 13 Oct. And here are the players after a truly mammoth delay. Let's get this show on the road.
†c. Scottish. to give (a person) a show of: to let (a person) use or have a share of. Cf. show v. 5a. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)] > offer or set before a person
showc1300
purpose1563
propose1592
to give (a person) a show of1788
the mind > possession > giving > distributing or dealing out > distribute or deal out [verb (transitive)] > divide into shares > give a share of
partc1330
participate1531
partake1561
share1592
to give (a person) a show of1788
1788 E. Picken Poems & Epist. 58 Come tak' a seat, an' gies a shaw O' your snuff-horn.
d. to give the show away and variants: to disclose or reveal something secret or confidential, esp. inadvertently; to reveal the true nature of a person or thing. Cf. to give the game away at game n. Phrases 8.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > disclose or reveal secrets
tell1537
blaba1616
to let the cat out of the bag1760
to blow the gab or gaff1834
to shoot off one's mouth1864
to give the show away1879
unload1904
to spill the beans1919
to shoot the works1922
1879 L. Troubridge Jrnl. June in Life amongst Troubridges (1966) 152 Tanner [i.e. the maid] was tweaked up in a cap as our ‘Aunt’. She rather gave the show away by dashing forward to open the cab door!
1900 B. Delannoy ‘£19,000’ xxx. 229 I gave the name of Brown to your boy because I didn't want to give the show away.
1920 Everybody's Mag. Sept. 99/2 Can't go out on patrol, without giving the whole show away to the Turks!
1972 Transcript (North Adams, Mass.) 29 Nov. 15/2 Instead of squirming and giving the show away, he smoothly discarded a club.
2002 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 13 Apr. 18 [He] liked to pretend he was something of a martinet, yet he invariably gave the show away with his twinkling eyes, and mischievous little lopsided grin.
e. colloquial (originally U.S.). to keep the (also this) show on the road: to continue with an undertaking, activity, etc., esp. in the face of difficulties. Cf. to get the show on the road at Phrases 2b.
ΚΠ
1892 Definance County (Ohio) Republican Express 1 Sept. The People's party will hardly pay the Democratic National Committee for the money expended by that body to keep the show on the road.
1959 Burlington (Iowa) Hawk-eye Gaz. 2 Mar. 2/4 Eileen Delaney is in charge of finances ‘to keep the show on the road’.
1971 New Scientist 26 Aug. 459/1 Most self-made people happen to need to work day and night to keep the show on the road.
1990 J. Eberts & T. Ilott My Indecision is Final vii. 71 The burden of keeping the show on the road fell increasingly on..the Indian government.
2000 H. Simpson Hey Yeah Right (2001) 94 It took an incredible amount to keep the show on the road, what with the mortgage and childcare.
f. to make a show of and variants.See also senses 5, 4a.
(a) To make a pretence of (doing something); to give a false or misleading impression of; (occasionally) to make a half-hearted beginning or attempt at. Also (and earliest) simply to make a show, and also with as though, as if, †for, or †infinitive clause as complement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > make half-hearted attempt
to make a show ofa1500
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, dissemble [phrase]
makec1275
to make wise1447
make as though?c1450
to let fare1483
to make a show ofa1500
to set a face1560
to take on (also upon) one(self)?1560
to make (a) miena1657
to make believe1773
to put it on1888
to play (the) fox1894
a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1980) ii. 198 (MED) Ȝif a man lende certeyn monye to anoþir only to makyn a schew or for to leyn it to wedde, it is non vsure, þou he take a certeyn prys for þat lendynge.
1559 J. Feckenham in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) ii. App. ix. 25 Every Booke made a shewe to be set furthe accordinge to the syncere Word of God.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 340 Such as were wicked and maliciously mynded, would not depart, but made a shewe as though they would do somewhat.
1611 Bible (King James) Gal. vi. 12 As many as desire to make a faire shew in the flesh. View more context for this quotation
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth iii. 41 Whatsoeuer he reuealed, the Queene made shew as if she vnderstood it all before.
1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes ii. l. 195 Trasiclea..peradventure is not so much displeased, as she makes shew for.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures x. 30 They made shew as though they would be gone.
1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Persian Wars i. 3 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian The Ephthalites made shew to be much affraid.
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xi. 133 They made great shews of being mutually glad to see each other.
1787 W. Eden Hist. New Holland ii. 29 The natives made a show of defending their territories.
1829 W. Scott Legend of Montrose (new ed.) xv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 224 The Lowland cavalry made a show of charging.
1863 C. Dickens Let. 24 Sept. (1998) X. 292 Two little men who did nothing made a show of doing it all.
1934 Jrnl. Royal Anthropol. Inst. Great Brit. & Ireland 65 269 The young girl..made a show as if to cook.
2006 National Rev. (U.S.) (Nexis) 5 Sept. We made a show of being interested in the alumni building, the least interesting building on campus.
(b) To make a public spectacle of (a person); to expose to ridicule or contempt. Later esp. in to make a show of oneself: to behave in an ostentatious way; esp. to make a fool of oneself; cf. to make an exhibition of oneself at exhibition n. 5e. Now chiefly British and Irish English.
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Coloss. ii. B And hath spoyled rule and power, and hath made a shewe of them openly.
a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 109 They might insult and make a shew of him, with a Title, pind over his Head.
1690 R. Strutton True Relation Cruelties French 17/2 We remained in this place to be made a show of to the People.
1756 Gentleman's & London Mag. Mar. 123/1 He yields himself to the king, is made a show of, put in the stocks.
1814 European Mag. & London Rev. Apr. 314/1 To be made a show of? exposed to the impertinent curiosity of strangers?
a1863 R. Whately Misc. Remains (1864) 150 A woman who is really beautiful and is always making a show of herself..would be justly censured as ostentatious.
1914 Ames (Iowa) Evening Times 9 Nov. 5/1 The captain was simply making a show of him to manifest his own dignity and importance.
1966 Antioch Rev. 26 282 She wanted Thomas to devote himself seriously to his poetry instead of making a show of himself in public.
1989 P. McCabe Carn (1993) v. 87 You've made a show of me in front of everyone.
2012 S. Townsend Woman who went to Bed for Year liv. 355 His crazy wife had disgraced the family by making a show of herself.
(c) To make evident (a feeling, quality, etc.); to display or reveal (a thing). Formerly also †to give show of.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)]
uppec897
atewOE
sutelec1000
openOE
awnc1175
kithec1175
forthteec1200
tawnec1220
let witc1275
forthshowa1300
to pilt out?a1300
showa1300
barea1325
mythc1330
unfoldc1374
to open outc1390
assign1398
mustera1400
reyve?a1400
vouchc1400
manifest?a1425
outshowc1425
ostendc1429
explayc1443
objecta1500
reveala1500
patefy?1509
decipher1529
relieve1533
to set outa1540
utter1542
report1548
unbuckle1548
to set forth1551
demonstrate1553
to hold forth1560
testify1560
explicate1565
forthsetc1565
to give show of1567
denudec1572
exhibit1573
apparent1577
display?1578
carry1580
cipher1583
laya1586
foreshow1590
uncloud?1594
vision1594
explain1597
proclaim1597
unroll1598
discloud1600
remonstrate1601
resent1602
to bring out1608
palesate1613
pronounce1615
to speak out1623
elicit1641
confess1646
bear1657
breathe1667
outplay1702
to throw out1741
evolve1744
announce1781
develop1806
exfoliate1808
evince1829
exposit1882
pack1925
society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)]
tokenc888
sayOE
tellc1175
note?c1225
signifyc1275
notifyc1390
signc1390
ossc1400
testify1445
point1477
betoken1486
indike?1541
demonstrate1558
to give show of1567
argue1585
portend1590
speak1594
denotate1597
denote1597
evidence1610
instance1616
bespeak1629
resent1638
indict1653
notificate1653
indicate1706
exhibit1799
to body forth1821
signalize1825
to speak for ——1832
index1862
signal1866
1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello Certaine Tragicall Disc. f. 202 He forbare, as then, to gyue any show of his grudge.
1586–7 in R. S. Rait & A. I. Cameron King James's Secret (1927) 167 My lord Hunsdon..gave litle shawe of any great contentement.
1596 T. Danett tr. P. de Commynes Hist. vi. xiii. 242 I haue seene his pourtraiture..the lineaments whereof made shew of an excellent wit.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 152 The good and aproued hounds..when they haue found the Hare, make shew therof to the hunter.
1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. Bv Those parts the eye is near give not the shew Of any colour.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xvii. 488 Shaking their Lances at us, [they] made all the shew of hatred that they could invent.
1727 E. F. Haywood Secret Hist. Present Intrigues Court of Caramania ii. 101 I am not without a just Sensibility of Favours done me, tho' I do not always make show of it.
1882 S. D. Lorca Let. 15 Feb. in J. S. Keltie Hist. Sc. Highlands (1887) 538/2 My father charged me never to make..any show of the flag, but to guard it carefully.
1992 H. G. Goldman Fanny Brice iv. 55 Fanny made no show of the tremendous hurt she felt.
2015 K. Charish Owl & Japanese Circus 290 ‘Stop right there, birdbrain, or I'll shoot,’ Bindi said, making a show of the gun in her hand.
(d) To make an exaggerated or pointed display of (doing something). Esp. in to make a big (great, etc.) show of.
ΚΠ
1658 J. Davies tr. H. D'Urfé Astrea III. 73 To shew my discretion towards Cercinea, seeing in what trouble she was when Clorian saw me alone with her, I made a shew of going to receive him and Lucindor also, and of doing them the honour of the house.
1842 C. Mathews Career Puffer Hopkins xiv. 111 One of the company..shambled across the floor, and made a show of inserting a vote in the green box before Puffer Hopkins.
1884 J. J. Dilley & L. Clifton Tom Pinch iii. 45 (stage direction) Pecksniff makes a great show of dusting his hat.
1949 ‘G. Orwell’ Nineteen Eighty-four 295 They settled down to their work almost eagerly, making a tremendous show of entering up their minutes and drafting long memoranda.
1994 J. Coe What a Carve Up! (1995) 103 ‘Look,’ I said at last, making a big show of glancing at my watch. ‘I really have to go.’
2009 E. Thom Tin-kin 80 Do you know who these pictures are of, Dad? He took the open album and made a show of holding it in an outstretched arm before telling her he couldn't say.
g.
(a) to put up a good (also decent, etc.) show: to do well, make a good effort, give a good account of oneself (esp. in a sporting contest). Similarly to put up a poor (also bad, disappointing, etc.) show: to do badly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > behave well [verb (intransitive)]
to be (or stand) on or upon one's behaviour, or one's good behavioura1538
to keep one's nose clean1841
to put up a good show1904
1904 North-China Herald 14 Oct. 858/3 They were certainly expected to put up a better show than was the case.
1940 Ld. Alanbrooke Diary 19 Mar. in War Diaries (2001) 47 51st Division was making use of it [sc. a firing range] at the time, and putting up a very bad show.
1942 Financial Times 11 Aug. 1/4 Prices put up a poor show on the Stock Exchange yesterday.
1986 Irish Times 10 Feb. 14/5 Queen's put up a disappointing show and were never able to match the sterling play of the Dublin side.
2010 J. Holland Battle of Brit. (2011) iii. 407 Churchill..felt that the army now had enough equipment to be able to put up a decent show.
2015 Hereford Times (Nexis) 21 Oct. Despite losing both games, we put up a good show.
(b) to put on (also up) a show: to behave deceptively, pretend; to put on an act; spec. to assume a guise of happiness, confidence, etc., which conceals one's true feelings; to put on a brave face.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)] > present good appearance
to put on (also up) a show1937
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, dissemble [verb (intransitive)]
letc1000
faitc1330
counterfeitc1374
dissimulec1374
feignc1400
showc1405
supposea1450
fare1483
simule?a1500
dissemble1523
pretend1526
frame1545
cloakc1572
jouk1573
pretent1582
disguisea1586
devise1600
semble1603
coin1607
insimulate1623
fox1646
sham1787
dissimulate1796
gammon1819
to let on1822
simulate1823
possum1832
simulacrize1845
to put on an act1929
to put on (also up) a show1937
prat1967
1937 Motor Boating Jan. 31/1 We don't put on a show in each port, but try to act like fishermen and talk fishermen's language.
1953 B. Gordon-Cumming Gentle Rain 140 ‘It was encouraging to see her looking so nice, wasn't it?’.. ‘I expect she was putting on a show for our sakes.’
1960 O. Manning Great Fortune iii. xviii. 215 He had learnt to ‘put up a show’. He had hidden his fears and uncertainties.
2010 J. Black Shadowspell vi. 71 He tapped his chin and furrowed his brow as if thinking hard, though I got the feeling he was just putting on a show.
h.
(a) Originally U.S. to run the show: to be in charge; to make the important decisions regarding an undertaking, organization, etc. (sometimes spec. when another person or group is ostensibly in charge); ‘to call the shots’.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > control > be in control [verb (intransitive)]
stightlea1375
to have the law in one's own hands1573
boss1856
to run the show1878
to call the tunea1915
to carry the ball1924
to run with the ball1926
to call the shots1967
1878 Daily Kennebec Jrnl. (Augusta, Maine) 28 June The loud approval with which the bondholders and nose-shavers who run the show greeted the diatribes against wealth and aristocracy.
1932 Sun (Baltimore) 23 Sept. 1/5 Farm representatives viewed the decision as another victory for the banker element which they fear intends to ‘run the show’.
1957 J. Braine Room at Top vii. 61 The accountants and the engineers run the show no matter who's in charge.
2015 Northern Territory News (Austral.) (Nexis) 3 Mar. 13 Who is running the show—our elected officials or the heavily subsidised henchmen of Big Oil?
(b) to run one's own show: to be independent; to be free from the influence or authority of others.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > independence > be independent [verb (intransitive)]
to have one's own rulea1393
to be one's own man (also woman, person)a1425
to be one's own master?1510
to stand on one's own bottom1564
to sit loose1591
independa1657
to paddle one's own canoe1828
to go it alone1842
to run one's own show1892
to go one's (own) gait1922
1892 Goshen (Indiana) Weekly News 1 Apr. The state central prohibition committee decided Friday not to merge into the third party movement and will run their own show.
1921 Scotsman 3 Dec. 11/3 Unless the localities took up the work voluntarily and ran their own show it was not much good to run it through a central body.
1969 New Yorker 12 Apr. 115 The astronauts..like to think they are running their own show.
2014 F. Dawkins Family Entrepeneur v. 56 I like running my own show, doing things the way I feel they should be done.
P3. Noun phrases.
a.
show of force n. a demonstration of the forces at one's command, and of one's readiness to use them.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > [noun] > show of force
show1548
show of force1606
armed demonstration1806
demonstration1806
demonstrationizing1882
society > communication > manifestation > [noun] > a manifestation > public display by a government
show of force1606
manifestation1823
1606 J. Clapham Hist. Great Britannie i. iii. ii. 107 Partly, by policie.., and partly, by shew of force, (his very name striking a terror in the inhabitants..) he in short time appeased them.
1795 J. Mills & T. Blackwell Mem. Court Augustus V. 238 He armed all his Rowers and Mariners like Soldiers, placed them upon the Decks, and with that false Show of Force sailed up into the Mouth of the Gulph.
1899 M. H. Krout Looker on in London xxii. 291 To enter the Transvaal with the intention, either by a show of force, or by action interfering with the Transvaal laws,..to substitute [etc.].
1951 H. Macmillan Diary 20 June (2003) 80 They will cover this [area]..by a show of force. But they will not use force to protect this immense property.
2012 M. R. Gordon & B. E. Trainor Endgame vi. 91 An F-16 had dropped a satellite-guided bomb on the palace as a ‘show of force’.
b.
show of hands n. a vote carried out among a group by each person in favour raising one of his or her hands, numbers typically being estimated rather than counted; any indication of agreement, volunteering, etc., made in this way.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > voting in other specific ways
silent vote1659
show of hands1742
voice vote1897
card vote1900
voice1924
queue voting1986
1742 Gentleman's Mag. Sept. 497/2 Sir Joseph Hankey and Alderman Benn having the greatest Show of Hands, these two were put up a second time.
1822 J. Haggard Rep. Consistory Court 1 13 It often happens that on a shew of hands, the person has the majority, who on a poll is lost in a minority.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) xiii. 133 There was a show of hands; the Mayor decided in favour of the honourable Samuel Slumkey... Horatio Fizkin, Esquire..demanded a poll.
1870 Lippincott's Mag. Oct. 397/1 I decide that the show of hands has been in favor of Sir Launcelot Pyke.
1912 Times 19 Dec. 18/5 At each of the meetings the scheme appeared to be approved on a show of hands.
1942 W. Stegner Mormon Country 37 Apostles rose and asked for a show of hands of those who were willing to volunteer as Republicans.
1990 R. A. Stebbins Laugh-makers iii. 42 How many men here have never cheated on their wives or girlfriends? Let's have a show of hands.
2011 J. Connor Anzac & Empire v. 90 Speakers..regularly called their audiences for a show of hands against conscription.
P4. Originally U.S. the show must go on: used to assert that a performance or (in extended use) an event, activity, etc., must carry on as planned regardless of difficulties or disruptions. Similarly the show will (should, etc.) go on.In quot. 1957 attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > [phrase] > continuing despite difficulty
the show must go on1862
1862 Indiana True Republican 12 June We think..that ‘the show will go on’, if David should not get a seat in Congress.
1870 Fort Wayne (Indiana) Daily Democrat 8 Oct. We sympathize deeply. But the show must go on: The elephant goes round, goes round, The band begins to play, [etc.].
1889 Deseret Weekly (Salt Lake City, Utah Territory) 9 Nov. 640/2 The audience having gathered, the show must go on.
1941 E. Holding Speak of Devil xvii. 281 The hotel business is like the theatre. No matter what happens, the show must go on.
1957 ‘Gypsy Rose Lee’ Gypsy xxxiv. 309 Gertrude Lawrence, with a true show-must-go-on attitude had accepted my degree in absentia.
1978 R. Hill Pinch of Snuff i. 10 How'd she look at the end of the film? I've heard that the show must go on, but this is ridiculous.
1997 A. Taylor Lover of Grave (2003) vii. iii. 199 The life of the school must continue... Bernard had telephoned Sir Anthony and discreetly sounded him out on this; he, too, thought that the show should go on.
2011 N. Segaloff A. Penn xvi. 190 When two of them are killed, the others decide that the show must go on.
P5. all over the show: throughout or in every part of an area; in every aspect; (in extended use) disordered, irregular, in disarray, in a state of chaos; = all over the place at place n.1 Phrases 2e, all over the shop at shop n., adj., and int. Phrases 13.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > confusion or disorder > in confusion or disorder [phrase]
out of (also from, off) (one's) bias1590
all over the place1719
all over the shop1866
all over the show1888
in a clutter1890
1888 Isle of Man Times 28 Nov. 3/7 Douglas were more or less beaten all over the show.
1893 Bristol Mercury 20 May (Weekly Suppl.) 8/5 My arms are in slings, my back I can't bend, My teeth are all over the show.
1934 C. Brooks Jrnl. 10 June (1998) 60 From that moment it was a shambles. Free fights all over the show.
1947 ‘A. P. Gaskell’ Big Game 24 Is he very shickered? Yes; he's all over the show.
1980 M. Drabble Middle Ground 171 The district's not what it was... Arabs, all over the show. Shocking, isn't it?
1998 P. Jooste Dance with Poor Man's Daughter (1999) iv. 76 I mustn't spread this kind of talk all over the show.
2015 Hutt News (N.Z.) (Nexis) 25 Aug. 34 Before we got to him, he was just all over the show and didn't know what he wanted to do.
P6. Chiefly British. In interjectional or elliptical uses of sense 19a. good show, jolly good show: used to express approval or admiration; ‘excellent’; ‘well done’. In early use also bad (also poor) show: used to express disapproval (now rare).Now generally considered old-fashioned and upper-class. Modern uses are frequently humorous or intended to characterize upper-class speech.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [interjection]
primea1637
à la bonne heure1750
shabash1843
all righty1877
fid1898
quaiss kitir1898
show1916
that's (also it's) the gear1925
swell1930
bakgat1969
solid1978
awesome1984
amazeballs2008
daebak2009
1916 H. W. Yoxall Jrnl. 18 Sept. in Fashion of Life (1966) iv. 37 They intend to do nothing to provide us with battle hdqrs. Bad show.
1924 St. George's Gaz. Jan. 6/1 There was Redwood bumping along,..hanging on to a rope with one hand, and ejaculating ‘Good show, old boy! push up a bit.’
1936 ‘M. Innes’ Death at President's Lodging x. 187 ‘Poor show,’ said Horace. ‘Distinctly where we step off,’ said Mike.
1940 ‘Gun Buster’ Return via Dunkirk ii. xvi. 195 The Battle of All Time is about to commence. Probably shan't get back. Jolly good show, chaps. Jolly good show.
1963 N. Marsh Dead Water (1964) v. 123 ‘Bad show,’ he said. ‘Apologise. Not myself.’
1995 V. Chandra Red Earth & Pouring Rain (1996) 592 ‘Well done, Swami’, I said. ‘Good show.’
2013 Times (Nexis) 18 Nov. (Times2 section) 2 Congratulations, Oxford University! Spiffing news! Jolly good show!
P7. Best in Show: see best adj., n.1, and adv. Phrases 4h(a). show of misrule: see misrule n. 5. to stage to the show: see stage v. 3a. to steal the show: see steal v.1 4h. to stop the show: see stop v. 21c(b).

Compounds

C1. General attributive and objective, esp. with reference to exhibitions or performances.
ΚΠ
1622 J. Wing Best Merchandise 67 It is mart-time (in this merchandise) all the yeare long, yea, and every day of our life, is shew-day.
1691 Case Ewelm Hosp. against Corporation of Andover (single sheet) License to take Toll, Show-Money, and other usual Perquisites of a Fair.
1715 London Gaz. No. 5329/3 Shew-keepers of Wild Beasts.
1766 Leeds Intelligencer 23 Sept. The Whole or any Part of the Stock to be sold; also the Shop-Furniture, as Counters, Drawers, Shew-Sashes, &c.
1841 Bentley's Misc. Apr. 399 The pallid face of a waxwork figure that has weathered the vicissitudes of a show-life for the last thirty years.
1865 ‘C. Bede’ Rook's Garden 190 Much the same sort of thing existed in the Show world.
1888 Times 10 Oct. 5/5 Barnaby [i.e. a bloodhound] is better known on the show benches.
1901 Munsey's Mag. 24 567/1 Have you been in the show-line ever since you left home.
1959 I. Gershwin Lyrics on Several Occasions 42 What comes first, according to show-writers in demand, is the contract.
1963 E. H. Edwards Saddlery xvii. 126 The English show saddle..approximates more nearly to the dressage saddle than any other type.
1997 Boards Mar. 43 With show hours on Saturday extended to 1930 the Big Party starts at 1730 with a live band on stage.
2009 D. O'Briain Tickling Eng. x. 146 I tried to look casual while conducting a post-mortem, shirtless and glistening, with show host Toby Foster.
C2. attributive.
a. With the sense ‘that is shown or displayed’, ‘characterized by show or display’, ‘that is suitable for display, esp. as a specimen, or as being particularly excellent or attractive’, as show-garden, show-pupil, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [adjective] > ostentatiously displayed
show1573
ostentate1615
paraded1855
the world > animals > domestic animal > [adjective] > of livestock > kept for breeding > for display
show1573
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > [adjective] > relating to or suitable for
show1573
exhibitional1882
showpiece1945
preview1954
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > [adjective] > kept for breeding > bred for desired quality > for points of beauty > for show
show1573
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 48 As he is marvelously given to be popular for a show matter.
1777 J. Potter Let. 5 Nov. in G. Washington Papers (2002) Revolutionary War Ser. XII. 136 I am oppresed with Bad Officers. I wold Rather be a show boy than what I am if it wold sarve my Cuntrey as well.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 238 There is a shew article or two for public exhibition.
a1821 J. Keats Otho i. ii, in R. M. Milnes Life, Lett. & Lit. Remains Keats (1848) II. 128 For, without thee, this day I might have been A show-monster about the streets of Prague.
1826 T. B. Macaulay Let. 26 July in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. iii. 143 He is not one of those show-talkers who reserve all their good things for special occasions.
a1855 C. Brontë Emma: a Fragm. i, in Cornhill Mag. (1860) Apr. 489 To judge whether the acquisition now offered was likely to answer well as a show-pupil.
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. i. 13 This quadrangle is the show part of the college.
1862 F. W. Robinson Owen ii. iv Owen was the show-boy now when visitors came.
1901 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 433 That tendency to display, fostered by the vanity of parents, which is the hall-mark of what has been, in late years, designated the show-child.
1941 F. Thompson Over to Candleford xiii. 200 She was the show pupil of the school; good at every subject.
2015 Straits Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 23 May Mr Toh, 53, built a show garden which showed off Singapore's tropical foliage to cool London.
b. With the sense ‘existing only in appearance rather than in substance or reality’, ‘not real or genuine’, ‘pretended, spurious’.
ΚΠ
1645 W. Constantine 2nd Pt. Interest Eng. 10 They are suspected for Shew-Conformists, and racks for the soule are provided to undisguise them.
1744 R. North & M. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North 65 (margin) He had a Shew-Audience before the Grand Signor.
1819 P. B. Shelley Let. 23 Mar. (1964) II. 89 Hobhouse, Eustace, & Forsyth will tell all the shew-knowledge about it.
1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain i. ix It would be hollow, show-goodness.
1877 Leeds Mercury 14 July 12/3 We need to be satisfied that this historic school is not..cultivated chiefly as a ‘show’ charity.
1995 U. K. Le Guin in G. Westfahl Sci. Fiction Quotations 57 Not the show-wealth of the city, but the deep richness of the land.
c. Designating an animal or plant which is entered in, or is of a standard suitable to be entered in, a show (sense 18a), as show dog, show cattle, show horse, show flower, show rose, etc. See also show pony n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > wild and cultivated plants > [adjective] > cultivated or planted > bred for display
show1790
1790 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Midland Counties I. 448 The extreme neatness with which the sheep of this district are sometimes shorn; especially the show rams.
1821 Plough Boy (Albany, N.Y.) 12 May 395/1 Why not apply the extra feed consumed by the show cattle, sheep and hogs, to the fattening thrice the number of head.
1841 Florist's Jrnl. 2 266 The form is almost perfect, with great depth of petals,..and thus it is an excellent show Dahlia.
1869 S. R. Hole Bk. Roses ix. 138 Paul Ricaut..is not reliable as a show Rose, expanding rapidly..on his arrival at the exhibition.
1950 E. Blunden John Keats 33 His friends..cultivated him with vague praise, as though they were raising the most scented, gorgeous show-rose ever exhibited.
1992 Independent 14 May 32/5 A farm mainly given to breeding pedigree show cats.
1999 BBC Gardeners' World Apr. 130/3 This milestone in auricula history..led to its status as a show flower nonpareil.
2003 N.Y. Times Mag. 9 Feb. 60/1 (advt.) When looking for a show dog, buyers should be patient.
d. With the sense ‘intended for display rather than for use’, ‘arranged and exhibited as an advertisement, model, or sample’ (often in commercial contexts), as show bathroom, show furniture, show kitchen, etc. See also show flat n. at Compounds 3, show house n. 3b, show home n. 2.
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1851 Eliza Cook's Jrnl. 26 July 207/2 Give us furniture that is made for wear... We have an especial spite against show furniture.
1880 McBride's Mag. Nov. 640/2 The drawing-rooms are Fairyland to look at, but might as well be a show suite in upholsterers' shops.
1906 Valve World Jan. 9/1 Two handsomely equipped show bathrooms, with tiling and art glass.
1969 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 13 Apr. 2 e/2 The show kitchen..was the top award winner at the Chicago Home Show.
2003 C. Green Art in France, 1900–1940 84 Ranson painted murals of pastoral scenes for the show dining room..; Denis..designed the furniture for the show bedroom.
e. North American. Horse Racing. In sense 9, as show bet, show spot, etc.
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1907 Washington Post 3 Mar. iv. 7/7 Play horses to run second or third—from accepting the ‘place’ and ‘show’ prices.
1925 W. L. Comfort in Sat. Evening Post 11 July 13/3 He had broken into show money this afternoon. Yesterday he had won and placed.
1964 A. Wykes Gambling viii. 197 There is no ‘show’ betting in England.
1975 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) 23 Mar. 13- c/2 Hail to Springtime was moved into the show spot and Top of the Morn dropped to fourth.
2011 Daily News Los Angeles (Nexis) 25 Dec. (Sports section) c11 Don't make large show bets on short-priced favorites.
C3.
show bill n. (a) a poster or advertisement announcing a show or performance; (b) a programme of events at a show or performance.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publishing or spreading by leaflets or notices > [noun] > placarding, postering, or billing > a placard, notice, or bill
bill1480
placard1560
ticket1567
pancart1577
affix1589
si quis1597
affiche1602
placketa1605
programme1633
programmaa1661
advertisement1692
clap-bill1699
handbill1718
daybill1731
show bill?a1750
notice1766
play-card1778
card1787
posting bill1788
poster1818
sticker1862
flyer1889
paper1896
?a1750 in W. Hals Compl. Hist. Cornwal xxii. 46 (note) I..stood by a Learned old Farmer while he was reading a posted Show-Bill.
1796 Monthly Rev. 21 App. 557 The deformity termed bronchocele, Derbyshire neck, or (in the language of the show-bills) the monstrous craw.
1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iii. vi. §23 The following show-bill [announcing an exhibition of sword-play].
1906 Pop. Sci. Monthly Aug. 141 Let us look at the actual performance, first as it is presented on the show-bills.
1955 Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, Illinois) 1 July 9/6 The show bill includes quartets from Pinckneyville and Du Quoin.
1993 R. F. Gish First Horses 48 Thanks to some of Ben's hot licks on his battered Fender Telecaster, [we] got a spot on the show bill.
2010 A. Shadd Journey Tollgate to Parkway 19 The show bills were painted over with whitewash.
show book n. (a) a book on display or intended for display; spec. a school exercise book containing final corrected versions of pieces of work (now rare); (b) a book issued to accompany a show, exhibition, etc.
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1818 N. Amer. Rev. Jan. 282 It is in the Oxford collection in the British museum, where it is a Show Book.
1841 Cottager's Monthly Visitor Oct. 335 His name was entered in the show-book, and No. 50..written beside it, with a list of everything he had brought.
1868 Schools Inq. Comm. VII. 184 in Parl. Papers 1867–8 XVIII. vi. 1 It is then corrected by the master, and finally copied out in the show book.
1875 Musical Times 17 20/2 We may recommend it as a show-book for the drawing-room table.
1974 J. H. Blackie Changing Primary School vi. 49 It was not unusual in traditional schools to find a high standard of neatness and presentation in the ‘show’ book and nothing but a ghastly mess in the ‘rough’ books.
2014 Victor Harbor (Austral.) Times (Nexis) 12 June 14 All exhibit details will be in the show book enclosed with The Times in September.
show bottle n. now historical a large glass bottle filled with coloured liquid and displayed in a pharmacist's window; cf. show globe n.
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1809 J. Green & E. Hazard Epitome Electr. & Galvanism iv. 13 Their place..may be very well supplied by the large show bottles of the apothecaries.
1900 Western Mail 7 Sept. 1/2 (advt.) Four large show bottles, shelving and nests of drawers.
2011 Frederick (Maryland) News-Post 13 Oct. (72 Hours Weekend section) 11/3 Their logo depicts medicine show bottles from the 1800s.
show breeder n. a person who breeds animals, esp. dogs, to be entered in shows.
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1872 Bell's Life in London 8 June 11/3 In the pointer classes we have..the lemon and white, which have been so much run upon by show breeders.
1931 Bks. of Month Jan. 7 Discussions with famous show-breeders.
2008 B. Belmonte Training Your Pug iii. 24 To find a show breeder you should plan to attend a local dog show.
show carboy n. now historical a large globular glass bottle filled with coloured liquid and displayed in a pharmacist's window; = show globe n.; cf. carboy n.1
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1856 Sheffield & Rotherham Independent 15 Nov. 4/3 (advt.) Show Carboys, Spice Jars, Syrup Bottles.
1899 Liverpool Mercury 15 Sept. 6/2 (advt.) Bent glass showcases, three show carboys, patent cash till.
1981 W. A. Jackson Victorian Chemist & Druggist (2005) 5/2 Large show carboys and elaborately decorated specie jars replaced the earlier crude glass containers.
show-cart n. now historical a cart, esp. one in which live animals are exhibited, forming part of a travelling show or fair.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > cart or wagon for conveying goods > [noun] > types of > cart (usually two-wheeled) > forming part of travelling show
show-cart1804
caravan1805
1804 T. Holcroft Trav. Hamburg to Paris I. xlviii. 209 There are various moveable booths, and show-carts; but none more remarkable than those that collect and exhibit deformity: no matter what the animal.
1865 E. L. Brown Master Gregory's Cunning 41 ‘I ought to set you up with a show-cart, Janet, and let you make your rounds with Prince Charlie,’ said Mr. Tamplin, laughing; ‘he would soon make your fortune.’
2004 P. Pearce Little Gentleman xii. 113 The showman had pitched our tent among all the other tents and booths and show-carts.
show cave n. a cave which is accessible to the public for viewing, esp. one that is managed by an organization which charges an entrance fee and provides lighting, safe pathways, information, etc.
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1856 J. Forbes Sight-seeing in Germany & Tyrol xviii. 321 This cave is of immense extent, and is worth seeing as a mere show-cave, without reference to the remarkable animal remains preserved in it.
1871 London Society Jan. 360/1 Famous,..as Wookey is, Cheddar is very far richer in stalactite; it is, too, a perfectly clean ‘show’ cave.
1993 USA Weekend 29 Aug. 8/1 Besides tourist-friendly show caves, a growing number of ‘wild’ caves, left in their natural state, offer tours.
2005 Tate Etc. Autumn 111/1 When Turner visited Yordas it was a show cave on the Victorian tourist trail, complete with local guides carrying candles and torches.
show-cloth n. now historical a cloth hung in front of a booth at a fair, painted with a representation of the show inside.
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society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > advertising > advertising specific thing > [noun] > show within booth
show-cloth1733
1733 Daily Jrnl. 21 Aug. (advt.) A set of Wax-Work Figures..together with several Scenes and Show Cloths.
1758 H. Walpole Let. 24 Oct. in Corr. (1941) IX. 227 I am a little sorry that my preface, like the show-cloth to a sight, entertained you more than the Bears that it invited you in to see.
1825 W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1826) I. 1172 I..examined the promising show-cloths and inscriptions on each show.
2013 H. Velten Beastly London v. 162 At Bartholomew Fair that year, the show cloths outside the exhibit were covered with images of the fight.
show court n. Sport (chiefly Tennis) any of the most impressive courts in a sports complex, esp. a court with greater than usual seating capacity and on which the most popular matches are played.
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1912 Manch. Guardian 31 Dec. 12/3 The run back on the ordinary courts is six metres, on the ‘show court’ as much as 8.5.
1988 Times 13 May 47/8 This is his fourteenth British Open and the showcourt at Wembley Squash Centre is familiar ground.
2006 D. Kauffman Not so Snow White 103 My first match in grand-slam play and I'm on a show court.
show day n. a day on which a show (in various senses) takes place; in later use spec. the day on which an agricultural show, horse show, etc., is held.
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c1563 in E. K. Chambers Mediæval Stage (1903) II. App. W. 346 Paid unto the Mynstrolls for the Show day and for the play day.
1675 R. Leigh Poems 7 Those gay Adornments..Are not with Robes put off, nor yet confin'd To the Show-day.
1791 I. Wood Acct. Shrewsbury House of Ind. 88 Monday and Tuesday in the Easter and Whitsun weeks, and Shrewsbury Show day, which are to be regarded as holidays.
1874 J. Ruskin Let. in Hortus Inclusus (1887) 42 Then the Crystal Palace came,..bringing every show-day, from London, a flood of pedestrians.
1912 Otago Witness (Dunedin, N.Z.) 25 Dec. 71 What a lot of friends you meet on Show Day.
2012 L. Ward Let's go to Show iv. 40 Give your horse a bath the day before the show—not on show day.
† show-fellow n. Obsolete an itinerant actor.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > actor > [noun] > strolling player
stroller1608
strolling actor1621
strolla1627
show-fellow1756
budgeter1815
omee1859
1756 Life & Mem. E. T. Bates 38 Intimate with a vagabond Shew-fellow.
showfield n. chiefly British a field in which a show, esp. an agricultural or trade show, is held; = showground n.
ΚΠ
1806 Monthly Mag. 1 July 583/1 Some very good flock exhibited in the show-field.
1843 W. Dyott Diary Sept. (1907) II. 374 Both attended in the show field, and afterwards at the dinner.
1977 Western Morning News 1 Sept. 8/5 This year a vast number of traders throughout the area will be displaying their goods in the large marquee on the showfield.
2015 Carrick Gaz. (Nexis) 29 July The showfield will be packed with a wide variety of trade stands, craft and food stalls, displays and demonstrations.
show flat n. a flat which is furnished and decorated to be shown to prospective buyers of other similar flats in the same development; cf. show house n. 3b.rare in North American use; cf. note at show house n. 3b.
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society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > a dwelling > a house > types of house > [noun] > flat or apartment > type of
studio flat1882
studio apartment1884
mansard1886
penthouse1892
single end1897
walk-up1907
railroad flat1908
simplex1912
service flat1913
studio1918
kitchenette1920
duplex1922
garden flat1922
flatlet1925
show flat1929
quadruplex1939
council flat1941
garden apartment1942
walk-back1945
multilevel1959
tower apartment1961
condominium1962
triplex1962
condo1984
1929 Time 20 Nov. 27/4 Show flat on second floor can be viewed at any time on application to the agents.
1974 Country Life 14 Mar. 602/1 The first five-storey block of 20 flats is expected to be completed at the end of the year... A show flat is expected to be ready in the summer.
2004 A. Hulley How to be Prop. Millionaire v. 57 Try to look beyond the glamorous image of the show flat and imagine how your furniture will fit.
show folk n. people who present or produce shows as an occupation; (originally) people who work at a circus, fair, or other travelling show; (later chiefly) people who work in the theatre industry; = show people n.In quot. 1819 as part of an extended metaphor in which churches are compared to stalls at a fair.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > [noun] > show-people
show folk1735
show people1735
1735 H. Carey Honest Yorkshire-man 19 The Country and Court, Have lost all their Sport, And Shew-Folks their Trades.
1755 C. Charke Narr. Life vii. 252 The very chairmen had something to say, by way of exultation, on the misfortunes of the poor show-folk, as they impudently and ignorantly termed them, not considering that Play-Nights very greatly enlarged their Incomes.
1819 F. Moore (title) The Age of Intellect, or, clerical Showfolk and wonderful Layfolk.
1899 F. H. Groome Gypsy Folk-tales 124 The slang of our English show-folk contains a good many Rómani words.
1927 Escanaba (Mich.) Daily Press 9 Apr. 4/6 Admitting a ‘flop’ does not come easy to the show folk of Broadway.
1952 Pop. Mech. May 84/2 Coordination is the secret of the circus' mobility. The show-folk are divided into special working crews.
1977 Time 7 Feb. 9/1 The custom of kissing has spread from showfolk to the general population.
2006 E. Burstyn Lessons in becoming Myself (2007) 80 It was my introduction to the great camaraderie of show folk.
show globe n. now historical a large globular glass bottle filled with coloured liquid and displayed in a pharmacist's window.Such vessels served as pharmacists' signs as well as to entice customers, and were widely regarded as symbols of the pharmacist's profession during the 19th and early 20th centuries; cf. pestle and mortar at pestle n. 1a.
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1824 Liverpool Mercury 24 Sept. 100/4 (advt.) The [Druggist's] Shop Fixtures..comprise..24 large Show Globes, 12 Glasses with Covers, Mortars and Pestles, [etc.].
1920 Pract. Druggist June 20/1 Wherever one may go he will find the show globe as the sign and symbol of pharmacy.
2014 L. C. Webster Pharmacy Pract. Today i. 9 American drugstores also displayed show globes.
showground n. an area of land on which a show, esp. an agricultural or trade show, is held.
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1807 Newcastle Courant 8 Aug. No stock will be admitted into the Show Ground.
1846 Amer. Agriculturist Nov. 333/1 The show-ground was located in the heart of the village.
1870 H. H. Dixon Saddle & Sirloin iv. 94 When the great unknown descended from his van on the show ground, in the shape of a three-year-old.
1955 Times 4 July 5/7 The showground, extending over 166 acres,..will be fully occupied by the trade stands..and the livestock lines, judging rings, and the pavilions.
2000 Land (N. Richmond, New S. Wales) 1 June 73/5 The main event is staged in the indoor arena of the showground all week.
show hall n. a room or building in which a show (in various senses) is held.rare before 19th cent.In quot. 1562 spec.: a theatre.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > [noun]
houseOE
playhouseOE
playing-placea1375
showplace1560
show hall1562
theatre?1577
theatre-house1578
cockpita1616
stage-house1638
show house1674
saloon1747
theatrum1786
spellkenc1800
hippodrome1811
spell1819
show-box1822
1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 51 The theues war brought into the great theatre or shewhall agayn.
1845 Trans. N.-Y. State Agric. Soc. 1844 4 398 The admission of strangers into the show hall.
1886 Boston Investigator 10 Mar. 3/4 There is a fortune awaiting him in the show halls of America.
1996 P. Maggitti Birman Cats 71/1 New exhibitors should check in early at the show hall.
show people n. people who present or produce shows as an occupation; (originally) people who work at a circus, fair, or other travelling show; (later chiefly) people who work in the theatre industry; = show folk n.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > [noun] > show-people
show folk1735
show people1735
1735 London Evening Post 28 Aug. Yesterday several of the Show-People went to petition the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor for Leave to continue Bartholomew Fair.
1853 Diogenes 9 Apr. 159/2 Here is a description of the President's inauguration costume, to which we call the attention of Tussaud, Springthorpe, and other waxwork show-people.
1942 Billboard 31 Jan. 3/1 The newspapers give a disproportionate amount of space to activities of show business and show people.
2002 J. M. Davis Cicus Age iii. 71 Show people still saw themselves as part of a closely knit traveling community.
2006 M. Ward Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown ix. 85 After mingling with the show people and being photographed, he was brought out front to be seated in a private box.
show poker n. originally and chiefly Australian and New Zealand a form of poker in which players stake an ante and receive a single hand of cards face up; cf. showdown poker n. at showdown n. Compounds.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [noun] > varieties of
vaunt1598
brag1734
draw poker1847
penny ante1855
freeze-out1856
draw1857
straight poker1864
stud poker1864
mistigris1875
highball1878
whisky-poker1878
stud-horse poker1881
stud horse1882
stud1884
showdown poker1892
show poker1895
red dog1919
showdown1927
strip-poker1929
manilla1930
Hold 'Em1964
Texas Hold 'Em1968
pai gow poker1985
1895 Clipper (Hobart, Tasmania) 13 July 6/2 Readers who assemble to discuss show poker.
1897 Star (Christchurch, N.Z.) 27 Sept. 3/6 Walter Hodren..was convicted for allowing drunkenness and the game of show poker on his premises.
1930 ‘Sapper’ Finger of Fate 40 Being show poker he dealt the cards face upwards from a new pack.
2008 Echo (Austral.) (Nexis) 18 Mar. 23 We play games of random chance such as dice, show poker and cut the deck.
show ring n. an enclosed, usually circular, space in which animals are displayed, as at a dog show, horse show, etc.
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1839 Spirit of Times 13 July 217/2 By means of an inclined plane from the side of the show ring, they [sc. carriages for horses] are drawn up into the second story.
1924 I. Maddison Riding Astride for Girls xiv. 226 I will now give a few hints on tack..in the show ring.
2014 L. Begin-Kruysman Dog's Best Friend iv. 98 The key to winning in the show ring was not about rubbing elbows with the judges.
show stealer n. originally U.S. a person who or performance which outshines the rest of the cast of a show; a person who ‘steals the show’ (see to steal the show at steal v.1 4h); (in extended use) a person or thing that attracts more attention and praise than others in a particular situation.
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1930 Evening Huronite (S. Dakota) 18 Jan. 5/3 A revue whose cast would be made up of all the ‘show-stealers’ in filmland... A show-stealer is a featured player with a small part who..takes the honors from the star of the show.
1945 Billboard 31 Mar. 31 The contrib[ution] of Judy Holliday..as a dumb but amicable trollop is practically a show-stealer.
1955 Life 24 Jan. 53/1 (advt.) You're looking at the profile of the greatest show stealer since ‘The Great Profile’ himself—the new Chevrolet!
2010 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 10 Mar. c6/5 One show-stealer was..a slow-motion cat walk that turns into a fight between snarling felines.
show-stealing adj. originally U.S. that outshines the rest of the cast of a show, or attracts more attention than others in a particular situation; that ‘steals the show’ (see to steal the show at steal v.1 4h).
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1930 Daily Texan (Univ. Texas, Austin) 10 Apr. 9/5 Most memorable of these show stealing minor roles was the performance of Elizabeth Culbert as Zinida, the lustful lion tamer.
1962 Jet 28 June 33 (caption) Show-Stealing Kitt... Eartha Kitt steals the show at the Schiaparelli press preview in New York.
1984 Pop. Photogr. June 74/1 In addition to the show-stealing Pentax 645, there were many new items in the SLR and lens category.
2001 Times 22 Jan. i. 9/3 The show-stealing, backless dress with gold strap work that Cate Blanchett wore at the Oscar awards last year.
show-stone n. now archaic a stone or crystal used for divination; a crystal ball.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > object used in
crystal stonea1387
crystala1400
crystal ball?a1513
prospective glassa1584
prospective stonea1584
show-stone1583
prospective1604
seeing-stone1680
ink-mirror1905
1583 J. Dee Jrnl. in True & Faithful Relation Spirits (1659) i. 6 I had..set the shew-stone with the mystery in it, on the Table.
1693 I. Mather Cases Conscience 66 How often have they..been known..to shew in a Glass or in a Shew-stone persons absent?
1841 W. H. Ainsworth Guy Fawkes xv. 111 I have just consulted my show-stone, and know why you are come hither.
2007 M. Hooper House of Magician xii. 136 'Tis called a show-stone and they say miraculous things can be seen in't.
Show Sunday n. now historical (a) Oxford University the Sunday before Commemoration Week (see commemoration n. 2c), on the evening of which a parade was formerly held in the Broad Walk of Christ Church; (b) a Sunday on which artists open their studios to the public to display works of art before submitting them to an exhibition; esp. an annual event of this kind taking place in London prior to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
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society > education > educational administration > university administration > [noun] > special day or week
Le day1574
commencement day1606
Show Sunday1825
class day1833
presentation day1843
June Week1889
spirit week1923
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > display of pictures > [noun] > admission > Sunday before
Show Sunday1825
1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. Pl. XIV (following p. 244) Shew Sunday—Sketches of Character, in the Broad Walk, Christ Church Meadows, Oxford.
1854 ‘C. Bede’ Further Adventures Mr. Verdant Green (ed. 2) xii. 105 In the evening they attended the customary ‘Show Sunday’ promenade in Christ Church Broad Walk.
1871 Observer 26 Mar. 3/2 This is Show Sunday, and we may see the pictures.
1971 Times 11 Dec. 11/5 The frontispiece is the scene in Christ Church Meadow on Show Sunday.
2013 B. Bryant in M. Bills F. Holl 67/1 One of the key reasons for building a studio house was to provide a setting for the phenomenon of ‘Show Sunday’.
† show token n. Obsolete a sign, an indication; a portent, an omen.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > an omen, sign, portent > [noun]
foretokenc888
tokeningc888
beaconc950
token971
handsela1200
boding1297
wonder1297
bodec1374
signa1387
foreboding1387
prenostica1393
prognosticc1425
prophetc1430
prognostication?a1439
ostentationa1450
prenostication?a1450
prodigy?a1450
augurationc1450
preparative1460
prenosticate?a1475
prenosticative?a1475
prodige1482
prenosticature1490
tokener1513
weird1513
show token1535
luck1538
prognosticate1541
preamble1548
proffer1548
presagition?c1550
foreshower1555
presage1560
portent1562
ostent1570
presagie1581
omen1582
presagement1586
luck sign1587
augury1588
prognosticon1588
forerunner1589
presager1591
halfner1594
spae1596
abode1598
oss1600
assign1601
augur1603
bodement1613
predictiona1616
prognosticala1618
bespeaker1624
portender1635
pre-indicant1659
foreshadow1834
boder1846
prognosticant1880
sky sign1880
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xii. 6 I haue made the a shewtoken vnto the house of Israel.
1597 J. Payne Royall Exchange Pref. 7 Beinge suche a shew token to patrons of benefices.
1614 H. Brereton Newes Present Miseries Rushia vii. 26 He doth..neither..present shew tokens of any feare or affrightment [etc.].
† show trade n. Obsolete rare the business of displaying and selling made-to-measure clothing; cf. show shop n. 2.
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society > trade and finance > specific types of trade > [noun] > trade in cheap or showy goods
show trade1850
1850 Morning Chron. 29 Jan. Suppl. 48/1 At the slop trade..the average rate of earnings was 1 ¼ d. per hour... Since the above meeting I have devoted my attention to the investigation of the West-end show trade.
1850 C. Kingsley Alton Locke I. x. 147 Our young employer intended to enlarge his establishment, for the purpose of commencing business in the ‘show-trade’.
show trial n. a judicial trial held in public with the intention of influencing or satisfying public opinion, and typically having a predetermined verdict; esp. a trial of political dissidents in a totalitarian state, held with the intention of suppressing dissent or demonstrating the power of the state. [After Russian pokazatel′nyj process (1922 or earlier) < pokazatel′nyj , adjectival derivative of pokazyvat′ to show, demonstrate + process trial (see process n.).]
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society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > trying or hearing of cause > [noun] > trial > other types of trial
oyer?a1475
trial by proviso1676
political trial1774
drumhead court-martial1835
trial at bar1866
speedy trial1894
show trial1928
treason trial1930
war trial1949
split trial1960
spy trial1972
1928 Times of India 29 Dec. 26/3 The local Communist Party has decided to hold what is called here [sc. in Moscow] ‘a show trial’ of a miner named Matchenko... These show trials are usually held in a theatre or public hall and are broadcast.
1937 E. Lyons Assignment in Utopia (1938) iii. x. 373 Sitmin..was the one whose young son had demanded his death... This was by now a standardized piece of business in important show trials.
1978 P. P. Read Train Robbers viii. 145 Because it was a show trial..many of the best barristers in England were retained.
2011 Independent 29 Aug. 1/2 Many of those who stood against Mr Lukashenko in last December's disputed elections have since been thrown in jail after a series of show trials.
show tune n. a song from a well-known stage show (as a musical, etc.), esp. one that has become popular in its own right; the melody from such a song.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > type of piece > [noun] > other types of piece
tinternel1573
aubade1678
nome1705
accompaniment1728
potboiler1783
raga1789
elegy1808
improvisation1824
pièce d'occasion1830
morceau de salon1854
tum-tum1859
murky1876
test-piece1876
invention1880
monodia1880
serenata1883
monody1887
dumka1895
incidental number1904
a cappella1905
folk-tune1907
realization1911
nosebleeder1921
show tune1927
sicilienne1927
estampie1937
ballad1944
Siciliana1947
hard rocker1957
rabble-rouser1958
display1959
mobile1961
soundscape1968
grower1973
lounge1978
1927 Pittsburgh Courier 5 Mar. ii. 3/3 Virginia Rea, delightful young soprano who is especially talented in the presenting ‘show tunes’.
1962 J. Heller Catch-22 vii. 59 He was a short-legged, wide-shouldered, smiling young soul who whistled bouncy show tunes continuously.
2013 R. Vincent Party Music vii. 264 ‘Ol' Man River’ was a popular show tune throughout the mid-twentieth century.
show window n. a shop window in which goods are displayed; also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > [noun] > place for
theatre1581
show window1785
showcase1917
goldfish bowl1924
society > trade and finance > trading place > place where retail transactions made > [noun] > shop > shop-front > shop window
shop window1415
in the window1700
show window1785
display window1934
1785 Billy Brass 8 The vapid words at his tongue's top, Show-windows to his tinsel shop.
1786 Monthly Rev. Feb. 153 What is the present rage of pulling down the show-windows, and erecting others of greater parade.
1826 ‘N. Nondescript’ The —— iii. 30 Have you not noticed a shew window full of pictures, and a sign with the words ‘visiting cards for sale’?
1880 G. W. Cable Grandissimes xlviii A nameless fellow in the throng..dropped two bricks through the glass of the show-window.
1905 W. Whitman in Westm. Gaz. 16 Oct. 4/2 Dr. Japp's intellectual stock-in-trade would have gone far to fill up the mental show-window of half a dozen ‘popular’ reputations.
2013 M. J. Lisicky Woodward & Lothrop 50 Woodward & Lothrop covered its show windows on Sundays with large black drapes.
show-wood adj. and n. (a) adj. designating an upholstered chair or sofa having parts of the wooden frame exposed; (also) designating the frame itself, or a part of it; (b) n. the exposed wood of such a chair or sofa.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > parts of chairs > other parts
round1599
staff1851
show-wood1864
shoe-piece1867
1864 Times 20 Jan. 15/1 (advt.) A shew wood settee.
1880 Cabinet Maker 2 Aug. 20/1 The working drawing given will answer equally well for a stuff-over back chair if beech rails are placed in back instead of show-wood.
1921 F. Palmer Pract. Upholstering xii. 39 In some show-wood frames the whole surface is polished.
1976 Canadian Collector (Toronto) Sept. 16/2 The show-wood in this piece [sc. a sofa] is mahogany and the frame is birch.
2008 M. Hopkins New Holland Professional 74 Trimmings are used to cover tacks along a decorative show-wood edge.
show yard n. an enclosure in which an agricultural show is held.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal enclosure or house general > [noun] > enclosure > show-yard
show yard1803
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > [noun] > an enclosed space or place > an enclosed piece of ground > in which objects are exhibited
show yard1803
1803 Bury & Norwich Post 19 Oct. 579/5 That no stock be received in the Show-yard without Certificates delivered with them.
1847 Illustr. London News 10 July 27/2 The Race-course, which is set apart as a show-yard for the exhibition of prize-cattle.
1877 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2nd Ser. 13 533 His handsome chestnut colt..seems to have a deal of Showyard mettle in him.
2014 Bush Tel. (Queensland, Austral.) (Nexis) 11 Feb. 3 The calibre of cattle in the show yards reflected the strength of the Southern Downs beef industry.

Derivatives

ˈshow-worthy adj. (originally) deserving of display; fine or splendid in appearance; (later) of sufficient quality to be in a show, exhibition, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > splendour > [adjective] > of fine or gay appearance
gay?c1225
jollyc1380
gallantc1420
show-worthy1542
gaud-glorious1555
brave1568
of show1580
gaudy1583
braving1600
cavalier1670
showish1675
showy1712
braw1724
branky1790
viewy1850
cheesy1858
cheesy1863
jazzified1920
jazzed1922
zizzy1966
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 283v (margin) What triumphe is honourable and shewe woorthie.
1949 Billboard 19 Mar. 8/12 Paul Nickell's direction provided hep and show-worthy accoutrement for the playwright's lofty lingo.
1992 L. McDaniel Sixteen & Dying 57 I'd like to get the bay to the point where he's show-worthy.
2014 Burnie (Austral.) Advocate (Nexis) 30 Dec. 12 An auction at the end of the show of all cut flowers and floral art will mean anyone can go home with a show-worthy flower.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

shown.2

Brit. /ʃəʊ/, U.S. /ʃoʊ/, Scottish English /ʃo/, Irish English /ʃoʊ/
Forms: Irish English (northern) 1800s shough, 1900s– shou, 1900s– show; Scottish 1700s sho, 1700s– show, 1800s shaw, 1800s shoa, 1800s shoe.
Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: shove n.2
Etymology: Variant of shove n.2
Chiefly Scottish and Irish English (northern). Now historical.
The woody core of the stalk of a flax plant, esp. when separated from the surrounding fibre; a fragment of this; = shove n.2
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > plants, grasses, or reeds > [noun] > vegetable fibre > part of fibre
show1765
1765 Museum Rusticum 4 459 When the flax is sufficiently watered, it feels soft to the grip, and the harle parts easily with the boon or show.
1772 Weekly Mag. 5 Mar. 291 Shos, the broken stalks of the flax separated by the first dressing of the lint.
1798 Repertory Arts & Manuf. 8 63 The shows prevented the earth under them from being dried by the sun.
1828 H. Steuart Planter's Guide x. 432 ‘Shows’, as the refuse of a flax-mill is usually called, in this part of the kingdom, when freed of dust and other impurities, form an excellent thatch for houses.
1829 J. Lambert Observ. Rural Affairs Ireland 240 The leaves of this tree [sc. the larch] cling together after falling, like moist flax shows.
1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down Frush, brittle, as applied to wood, &c.: said of flax when the ‘shoughs’ separate easily from the fibre.
1900 Scotsman 23 Oct. (E.D.D.) The shows being now removed, the heckling process followed.
1942 E. E. Evans Irish Heritage 64 Old houses in the north-east sometimes have a thick layer of flax waste or ‘shows’ under the thatch.
1984 W. A. McCutcheon Industr. Archaeol. N. Ireland (new ed.) v. 284/2 The flax straw was..pounded with this utensil [sc. a hand roller] until the various ligneous substances—collectively referred to as the shows or boon—had been sufficiently loosened to be easily removed in hand scutching.
2005 W. H. Crawford Impact Domest. Linen Industry Ulster 51 After the flax straw was pounded with a beetle, women scutched it with a long wooden blade over a scutching block to strike most of the ‘shous’.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

showv.

Brit. /ʃəʊ/, U.S. /ʃoʊ/
Inflections: Past tense showed /ʃəʊd/; past participle shown /ʃəʊn/, (less commonly) showed;
Forms: 1. Present stem.

α. Old English scæwian (rare), Old English sceauia (Northumbrian), Old English sceawian, Old English sceowia (Northumbrian), Old English scewian (rare), early Middle English sceawe, early Middle English sceawie, early Middle English scepie (transmission error), early Middle English scewie, early Middle English scheau (imperative), early Middle English scheawe, early Middle English schewi, early Middle English seawi (south-eastern), early Middle English seawy (south-eastern), early Middle English sewi (south-west midlands), early Middle English seywe (south-eastern), early Middle English shæwenn ( Ormulum), early Middle English sseawy (south-eastern), early Middle English sseue (south-western), early Middle English ssewi (south-western), early Middle English ssewy (southern), Middle English cheu (northern), Middle English chewe, Middle English sceu, Middle English scewe, Middle English scewi (south-western), Middle English scheauwe, Middle English scheu, Middle English scheuȝ (imperative), Middle English scheuh (imperative), Middle English scheuwe, Middle English schewȝ (imperative), Middle English schewȝe, Middle English schewh (imperative), Middle English schewy, Middle English schewye (south-western), Middle English schiewe, Middle English schue, Middle English schw, Middle English schwe, Middle English scwewe, Middle English sheew, Middle English sheu, Middle English sheue, Middle English shue, Middle English siewe, Middle English sschewe, Middle English ssewe (chiefly southern), Middle English swewe (transmission error), Middle English–1500s schew, Middle English–1500s schewe, Middle English–1500s sewe, Middle English–1500s sheawe, Middle English–1600s shewe, Middle English– shew (now archaic), late Middle English sche (transmission error), late Middle English scwende (present participle, transmission error), late Middle English sew (perhaps transmission error), late Middle English shwew (in a late copy), late Middle English sue, 1500s sheaw, 1500s sheowe; Scottish pre-1700 scew, pre-1700 scheu, pre-1700 schew, pre-1700 schewe, pre-1700 seow, pre-1700 sew, pre-1700 sheu, pre-1700 sheue, pre-1700 shewe, pre-1700 shw, pre-1700 1700s– shew.

β. (chiefly northern and north midlands in later Middle English) Old English scawian (rare), early Middle English scawie, early Middle English schawi, early Middle English schwau (transmission error), early Middle English shauwe, Middle English scau, Middle English scaw, Middle English scawe, Middle English schau, Middle English schaue, Middle English schauwie, Middle English schaw, Middle English schawe, Middle English shaw, Middle English shawe; English regional 1800s shaw (Lincolnshire); Scottish pre-1700 saw, pre-1700 scaw, pre-1700 schau, pre-1700 schaue, pre-1700 schav, pre-1700 schawe, pre-1700 schawin, pre-1700 sha, pre-1700 shaiffis (3rd singular indicative), pre-1700 shau, pre-1700 shaue, pre-1700 shawe, pre-1700 1700s– schaw, pre-1700 1700s– shaw, 1900s– schaa, 1900s– shaa.

γ. early Middle English schowi, early Middle English ssow, early Middle English ssowe (south-western), Middle English schou, Middle English schowve, Middle English showies (3rd singular indicative), Middle English–1500s schow, Middle English–1500s schowe, Middle English–1500s sho, Middle English–1500s (1800s English regional) shoo, Middle English–1600s scho, Middle English–1600s showe, Middle English– show, 1500s shoue, 1500s–1600s shoe; Scottish pre-1700 scho, pre-1700 schou, pre-1700 schoue, pre-1700 schow, pre-1700 schowe, pre-1700 sho, pre-1700 shoe, pre-1700 showe, pre-1700 sow, pre-1700 1700s– show.

2. Past tense. a. Weak.

α. Old English sceauade (rare), Old English sceawade, Old English sceowade (Northumbrian), Old English sceowode (in prefixed forms), Old English (Northumbrian)–early Middle English sceaude, Old English (Northumbrian, in prefixed forms)–early Middle English sceawde, Old English–early Middle English sceawede, Old English–early Middle English sceawode, early Middle English sæwæde (transmission error), early Middle English scæwede, early Middle English sceowede, early Middle English scewede, early Middle English scheaude, early Middle English scheauwede, early Middle English scheawde, early Middle English scheawede, early Middle English seawede, early Middle English seowede, early Middle English sseawede, Middle English sceud, Middle English scheud, Middle English scheued, Middle English scheuwede, Middle English schewd, Middle English schewde, Middle English schewed, Middle English schewede, Middle English scheweed, Middle English scheweid, Middle English schewet, Middle English scheweyd, Middle English schewid, Middle English schewide, Middle English schewude, Middle English schued, Middle English schwede, Middle English schwid, Middle English sewde, Middle English sewede, Middle English sheewide, Middle English sheude, Middle English shewde, Middle English shewede, Middle English shewet, Middle English shewide, Middle English shewt, Middle English shewyd, Middle English shewyt, Middle English sschewede, Middle English ssewede, Middle English–1500s chewed, Middle English–1500s schewyd, Middle English–1500s shewid, Middle English–1600s shewd, Middle English– shewed (now archaic), late Middle English shewethst (2nd singular, perhaps transmission error), 1500s schuyd, 1500s shued, 1600s–1700s (1800s regional) shew'd; also Scottish pre-1700 scheuit, pre-1700 schewed, pre-1700 schewit, pre-1700 shuid, pre-1700 shwed.

β. early Middle English sawedon (plural, transmission error), early Middle English scawede, early Middle English schawde, early Middle English schawede, Middle English schaud (northern); Scottish pre-1700 schavit, pre-1700 schawit, pre-1700 schawyd, pre-1700 schawyde, pre-1700 schawyt, 1700s shaw'd, 1700s– shawed.

γ. early Middle English ssowede, Middle English schovede, Middle English schowede, Middle English shouuede, Middle English– showed, 1500s schoyd, 1500s showde, 1500s shoyd, 1600s–1700s (1800s regional) show'd; also Scottish pre-1700 shod.

b. Strong.

α. Scottish pre-1700 scheu, pre-1700 schev, pre-1700 schew, pre-1700 schewe, pre-1700 schiev, pre-1700 sheu, pre-1700 sheve, pre-1700 shewe, pre-1700 1700s– shew; English regional 1800s sheu, 1800s–1900s shew ( /ʃuː/).

β. Scottish pre-1700 schaw.

γ. Scottish pre-1700 schow.

δ. English regional 1800s shown.

3. Past participle. a. Weak.

α. Old English gesceawod, early Middle English ȝesceawod, early Middle English isceawed, early Middle English isceaweð, early Middle English isceawod, early Middle English ischeawed, early Middle English ischeawede, early Middle English ischeawet, early Middle English scehwed (probably transmission error), early Middle English ysseawed, Middle English ischewed, Middle English ischewet, Middle English ischewid, Middle English ishewed, Middle English ishewet, Middle English issewed, Middle English iswewed (in a late copy, transmission error), Middle English sceud, Middle English sceued, Middle English sceuid, Middle English scheud, Middle English scheude, Middle English schewd, Middle English schewde, Middle English schewed, Middle English schewede, Middle English schewid, Middle English schewide, Middle English schewyd, Middle English schewyde, Middle English sewde, Middle English sewid, Middle English shewde, Middle English shewede, Middle English shewet, Middle English shewide, Middle English shuyd, Middle English swewod, Middle English yschewed, Middle English yschewede, Middle English yschewid, Middle English ysheued, Middle English yshewed, Middle English yshewyd, Middle English–1500s shewyd, Middle English–1600s shewd, Middle English–1600s shewid, Middle English– shewed (now archaic), late Middle English shued (in a late copy), 1600s chewed, 1600s–1700s (1800s regional) shew'd; also Scottish pre-1700 schewid, pre-1700 schewit, pre-1700 shewit.

β. Old English gescawod, early Middle English ischawed, early Middle English ischawet, Middle English schaud (northern), Middle English shawede (north-west midlands), 1900s shawed (English regional); Scottish pre-1700 schauyt, pre-1700 schavit, pre-1700 schawed, pre-1700 schawit, pre-1700 schawyt, pre-1700 shaued, 1900s– shawed.

γ. early Middle English ishoweð, Middle English schouuet, Middle English schowed, Middle English schowid, Middle English yschowed, Middle English– showed (now rare), 1600s shoued, 1600s–1700s (1800s regional) show'd; also Scottish pre-1700 schouit, pre-1700 schowd.

b. Strong.

α. (a) Middle English schewin, Middle English–1600s shewen, 1500s shewyn, 1600s shewne, 1600s– shewn (now archaic); Scottish pre-1700 scheuin, pre-1700 scheuine, pre-1700 scheuyn, pre-1700 schevin, pre-1700 schewen, pre-1700 schewin, pre-1700 schewine, pre-1700 schewing, pre-1700 schewn, pre-1700 schewyne, pre-1700 sheune, pre-1700 shevin, pre-1700 shewen, pre-1700 shewin, pre-1700 shewne, 1800s– shewn; N.E.D. (1914) also records a form Middle English shene; (b) Middle English scheu.

β. (a) early Middle English shawenn ( Ormulum), Middle English scaun (northern), Middle English schaun (northern), Middle English shawen (northern); Scottish pre-1700 sawin, pre-1700 schauen, pre-1700 schauin, pre-1700 schauine, pre-1700 schauuing, pre-1700 schavein, pre-1700 schavin, pre-1700 schavine, pre-1700 schavvin, pre-1700 schawen, pre-1700 schawin, pre-1700 schawine, pre-1700 schawn, pre-1700 schawne, pre-1700 schawyn, pre-1700 schawyne, pre-1700 shauen, pre-1700 shaune, pre-1700 shawen, pre-1700 shawene, pre-1700 shawin, pre-1700 shawine, pre-1700 shawne, 1800s– shawn; N.E.D. (1914) also records a form Middle English scawin; (b) Scottish pre-1700 schaw.

γ. (a) 1500s shoun, 1500s–1600s showen, 1500s–1600s showne, 1600s– shown; also Scottish pre-1700 schowin, pre-1700 schowne, pre-1700 shoen, pre-1700 shoune, pre-1700 shovin, pre-1700 showene, pre-1700 showne, pre-1700 1700s showen; (b) Scottish pre-1700 schow.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian skāwia , skouwia , skōwia , skūa (West Frisian skōgje ), Old Saxon skauwon (Middle Low German schouwen ), Old Dutch scouwōn (Middle Dutch scauwen , schauwen , Dutch schouwen ), Old High German scouwōn (Middle High German schouwen , schowen , schawen , German schauen ), all in sense ‘to look, look at, see, examine, inspect’; further related to the Germanic base of sheen adj., both ultimately < an Indo-European base seen also in the second element of ancient Greek θυο-σκόος priest, sacrifice diviner, and also (without movable s- ) in Sanskrit kavi wise man, ancient Greek κοεῖν to perceive, hear, classical Latin cavēre to beware of (see cave int.).Semantic development. In all the continental West Germanic languages the verb has the meaning ‘to look at’ (compare sense 1), and the complex sense development shown in English, in particular the development of the causative sense ‘to cause to be seen’ (which may be considered the core meaning of all the later sense branches), is unparalleled. Evidence for this development in Old English is comparatively late (none of the later sense branches is attested before the first half of the 12th cent.); however, similar uses are attested earlier (albeit rarely) for the Old English prefixed form gescēawian , especially in the phrase āre gescēawian to show respect or favour (compare quot. OE at sense 26a(a)), but also in senses ‘to present, exhibit’ (one isolated and disputed attestation; compare sense 3a) and ‘to grant, award’ (compare sense 18). The details of the semantic development are not entirely clear; perhaps from ‘to look at’ to ‘to cause to be looked at or seen’ (compare branch II.), ‘to present, exhibit, display’ (compare branches II. and IV.), ‘to make known formally’, ‘to grant, award’ (compare branch III.), although all of the latter senses could alternatively show a development via sense 2 (‘to look for, seek out, to choose, select’). Compare also quot. OE at showing n. 2a, but it is uncertain whether this can be taken as implying earlier currency of sense 24. Inflection. In Old English a weak verb of Class II. During the course of the Middle English period a strong conjugation developed alongside this (with a past participle in -en attested already from the 12th cent. and a past tense shew from the 15th cent.), probably by analogy with know v. In the past tense this is obsolete except in Scots; but for the past participle shown is now the usual form; the older past participle showed is still occasionally found (outside regional and nonstandard use) in the active voice (chiefly with material object), although this is now deprecated in usage guides; in the passive it is obsolete except as a deliberate archaism. Form history. The α. forms of the present stem (Middle English stem vowel ē ) show regular development from Old English scēawian , with falling diphthong (and with palatalization and assibilation of the initial consonant group). The corresponding pronunciation with /juː/ or /uː/ continued until at least c1700, as indicated by rhymes with e.g. view , true , and by the evidence of 17th-cent. orthoepists. The spelling shew appears to have persisted for longer: prevalent in the 18th cent. and not uncommon in the first half of the 19th cent., it is now obsolete except in legal documents and as a conscious archaism. (The Old English (Northumbrian) form scēowia typically shows the diphthong without unrounding of the second element.) The β. forms of the present stem (Middle English stem vowel ā ) appear to reflect shift of stress within the diphthong in Old English scēawian . The γ. forms of the present stem (Middle English stem vowel ō ) represent the regular southern continuation of these forms (and the usual current standard pronunciation and spelling). Specific senses. With sense 22a compare French montrer to teach, instruct (late 14th cent.; see muster v.1). Many senses in branches VI. and VII. may show development from various reflexive uses of similar meaning; compare e.g. senses 3b, 3d, 11, 25. Prefixed forms. In Old English the prefixed form gescēawian (compare y- prefix; early Middle English ȝesceawie ) is also attested in the senses ‘to see, regard, to examine, consider, to show, display’; compare also ætscēawian to show (oneself) (compare at- prefix1), beforanscēawian (see before-show vb. at before adv., prep., conj., and n. Compounds 3), bescēawian to look, see, to watch, examine, consider, to care about, take care of (compare be- prefix), efnescēawian , an element-by-element gloss of Latin considerare to contemplate (compare even adv.), eftscēawian , an element-by-element gloss of Latin respicere to take notice of (compare eft adv.), foranscēawian to provide (compare forne adv.), geondscēawian to survey (compare yond adv.), oferscēawian to superintend (compare over- prefix), ymbscēawian to look round (compare umbe- prefix).
†I. To look (at).
1.
a. transitive. To look at, gaze on, behold, view; to inspect, examine, consider; to reconnoitre, spy out (land, etc.); to read or find (in a book). See also Phrases 4. Obsolete.In quots. OE2, a1425: to regard with favour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > look at or behold
to look to ——eOE
showeOE
lookeOE
lookOE
behold971
beseec1000
seeOE
to see on ——OE
yseeOE
yseeOE
belookc1175
to look against ——c1225
to lay eyes onc1230
biwaita1250
holde1303
aseea1325
to see upon ——a1350
rewardc1350
to look of ——?c1400
eyea1425
visage1450
aviewa1513
gove1513
regard1523
to look unto ——1545
respect1567
survise1600
aspect1610
reflect1611
inspeculate1694
spectate1709
to look for ——1786
deek1825
lookit1908
lamp1916
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > consider, deliberate [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
showeOE
i-mune971
thinkOE
overthinkOE
takec1175
umbethinkc1175
waltc1200
bethinkc1220
wend?c1225
weighc1380
delivera1382
peisea1382
considerc1385
musec1390
to look over ——a1393
advise?c1400
debatec1400
roll?c1400
revert?a1425
advertc1425
deliberc1425
movec1425
musec1425
revolvec1425
contemplec1429
overseec1440
to think overc1440
perpend1447
roil1447
pondera1450
to eat inc1450
involvec1470
ponderate?a1475
reputec1475
counterpoise1477
poisea1483
traversec1487
umbecast1487
digest1488
undercast1489
overhalec1500
rumble1519
volve?1520
compassa1522
recount1526
trutinate1528
cast1530
expend1531
ruminate1533
concoct1534
contemplate1538
deliberate1540
revolute1553
chawa1558
to turn over1568
cud1569
cogitate1570
huik1570
chew1579
meditatec1580
discourse1581
speculate1599
theorize1599
scance1603
verse1614
pensitate1623
agitate1629
spell1633
view1637
study1659
designa1676
introspect1683
troll1685
balance1692
to figure on or upon1837
reflect1862
mull1873
to mull over1874
scour1882
mill1905
eOE tr. Orosius Hist. (BL Add.) (1980) i. xi. 32 Þæt mæg mon eac on bocum sceawigean, hu monega gewin..he ðær dreogende wæs.
OE Beowulf (2008) 132 Syðþan hie þæs laðan last sceawedon.
OE Old Eng. Hexateuch: Exod. (Claud.) xxxiii.13 Gyf ic ænige gyfe hæbbe beforan þe, ætyw me þinne ansyne, þæt ic cunne þe & hæbbe gyfe beforan þinum eagum. Sceawa þis folc.
OE West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xii. 27 Sceawiaþ þa lilian hu hi wexað.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1086 Se cyng ferde to Winceastre & sceawode þæt madmehus.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7032 & sen. & shæwenn þurrh innsihht..All þatt tatt erþliȝ mann maȝȝ sen Þurrh clennsedd sawless eȝhe.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2404 He scawede [c1300 Otho sewede] þa wuodes. & þa wildernes.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 2136 Þe knithes þouth of hem god gamen, Hem forto shewe, and loken to.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1565 His swerd, sche gan it schewe, And broken hye fond it þare.
a1425 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 143) (1978) C. x. l. 161 (MED) The sonne sumtyme for cloudes May nat shyne..on schawes on erthe, So let lecherye..That god sheweth nat suche synnefole men, and soffreth hem mysfare.
c1450 (a1400) R. Lavynham Treat. Seven Deadly Sins (Harl. 211) (1956) 7 (MED) Mawmetrie of money is whan a man..hath a likynge to se his catel..to telle it & to schewe it.
b. intransitive. To direct one's sight in a particular direction; to look or gaze upon. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (intransitive)] > look or behold
belookeOE
lookeOE
beseec1000
stareOE
showOE
beholdc1175
seec1225
heedc1275
witec1320
advisec1325
to see to ——a1375
rewarda1382
to cast an eye, glance, lookc1385
blush?a1400
glift?a1400
visea1400
considerc1400
vizy1513
regard1523
spectate1709
to have a see1839
look-see1862
vision1898
screw1905
shufti1943
to take (or have) a shufti1943
OE Stowe Psalter cxli. 5 Considerabam ad dexteram et uidebam et non erat qui cognosceret me : ic sceawode to swiþran [eOE Vespasian Psalter sceawade to ðere swiðran] & ic geseah & næs se ðe oncneowe me.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2661 Ðor-quiles he seweden him up-on.
2. transitive. To look for, seek out; to choose, select. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
OE Old Eng. Hexateuch: Num. (Claud.) x. 33 Hi foron of Drihtnes munte þreora daga færeld, & Drihtnes earc for beforan him ðry dagas sceawiende þa wicstowe [L. providens castrorum locum].
OE Dispute between Edwin & his Mother (Sawyer 1462) in A. J. Robertson Anglo-Saxon Charters (1956) 153 Þa sceawode man þreo þegnas of þam gemote þær ðær heo wæs.
lOE King Ælfred tr. St. Augustine Soliloquies (Vitell.) (1922) i. 3 Gyf ðu enigne godne heorde hæbbe, þe wel cunne healdan þæt þæt ðu gestreone and him befæste, sceawa hyne me.
II. To cause or allow to be seen, looked at, inspected, etc.
* Uses implying intentional action on the part of the subject.
3.
a. transitive. To present or display (an object) in order that it may be looked at; to expose or exhibit to view. Often with the viewer as indirect object (in Old English in dative), or (in later use) with to.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > offering for inspection or consideration > offer for inspection or consideration [verb (transitive)]
i-taechec888
to lay … beforec1000
showlOE
givec1175
to lay outc1440
produce1459
propose1548
cite1549
product1563
broach1573
offer1583
to hold up1604
to bring in1608
project1611
to bring ona1715
to trot out1838
to bring up1868
muster1904
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)]
to set beforea1000
openOE
showlOE
to put forth?c1225
kithe1297
to make (a) showing ofc1330
presenta1398
representa1398
to lay forthc1420
splayc1440
discovera1450
advisea1500
to set to (the) show?1510
to stall out1547
outlay1555
exhibit1573
strew1579
wray1587
displaya1616
ostentate1630
elevate1637
re-exhibita1648
expound1651
unveil1657
subject1720
flare1862
skin1873
patent1889
showcase1939
lOE Extracts from Gospels: John (Vesp. D.xiv) xiv. 9 in R. D.-N. Warner Early Eng. Homilies (1917) 77 Se mann þe me gesicð, he gesicð eac minne Fæder. Hwu segst þu, Sceawe us þone Fæder?
c1175 ( Homily: Hist. Holy Rood-tree (Bodl. 343) (1894) 8 He sceolde..sceawan him alle þa ðing... Butan hure þingæ he nefræ þa ȝyrdan him sceawiȝen ne moste.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 216 Halt hit [sc. the cross] up to ȝein þe feont scheau hit him witerliche.
a1300 Passion our Lord 610 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 54 He schewede heom his honde and so he dude his fet.
c1390 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 491 Whon he was schewed to þe siht.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19889 And quen þis wessel thris was scaun, Again it was til heuen draun.
a1450 in R. H. Bowers Three Middle Eng. Relig. Poems (1963) 32 (MED) The fawconere..Schews to the hawke rede flesche to see.
a1500 in A. Zettersten Middle Eng. Lapidary (1968) 27 (MED) Yf he plete, shewe this stone [sc. Calcydone] to his aduersarie, she helpith moche his cause.
1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 890/2 Syr Ihon..sheweth the people theemptye chalyce.
1605 G. Buck Δαϕνις Πολυστεϕανος Pref. sig. C That coine which his Lordship shewed to me had the armes of little Britain vpon the reuerse.
1656 A. Cowley Mistress (new ed.) 72 in Poems To shew such stores, and nothing grant, Is to enrage and vex my want.
1665 R. Boyle Let. 8 July in Corr. (2001) II. 495 A stone..which..gave occasion to a very Experienc'd Physitian to whom I show it to assure me, that [etc.].
a1722 E. Lisle Observ. Husbandry (1757) 335 He shewed me the piece of fat by the brisket.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 210 A partridge is shewn him, and he is then ordered to lie down.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter III. xii. 305 Show me your tongue—let me feel your pulse.
1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children i. 3 Taking the pups indoors..to show little missie.
1917 A. F. Bronner Psychol. Special Abilities & Disabilities v. 58 He accurately reproduced drawings shown to him.
1960 S. Ullmann Image in Mod. French Novel iii. 228 Only now are we told about the real cause of his joy: his grandfather had just shown him a pink thorn.
2001 M.-J. Tarpey in M. Hickey Irish Days (2004) 71 I didn't know what it was, so I showed it to all the men that were working with me.
b. transitive (reflexive). To present oneself to a person or persons in order to be looked at. Cf. sense 11.In quot. a1500 used intransitively in same sense.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or become visible [verb (reflexive)] > present oneself publicly
showc1175
to set oneself at gaze1577
c1175 ( Homily (Bodl. 343) in S. Irvine Old Eng. Homilies (1993) 141 Hwilon he sceawæð hine seluen on engles hywe.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 71 Ite et ostendite uos sacerdotibus..goð and sheweð giu giuwer prest.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 13 [He] aros uram dyaþe to liue and sseawede him to his deciples.
c1475 tr. Secreta Secret. (Tripolitanus abbrev.) 314 (MED) The kinge aught [not] to shewe him-self to oft..nor to haunte the felauship of..the comons and olde peeple.
a1500 Rule for serving Lord in R. W. Chambers 15th-cent. Courtesy Bk. (1914) 11 (MED) Þe marshall and he to go togeder and shewe afore the lorde.
1534 W. Turner tr. J. von Watt Of Olde God & Newe sig. Bj After yt ye eternall & the verye god had shewed hym selfe vnto Adam.
1586 C. Fetherston tr. F. Hotman Brutish Thunderbolt 126 The pope shewed himselfe to the people in his Pontificalibus.
1638 R. Brathwait Spiritual Spicerie 332 O Lord look upon us, heare us, enlighten us. Shew thy selfe to us, that it may be wel with us.
1695 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) V. 220 The King went a progresse into the North, to shew himselfe to the people &c. against the calling the next Parliament.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 17 Yesterday the new king shewed himself to his subjects.
1824 S. E. Ferrier Inheritance I. ix. 90 Just turn round, my dear, and show yourself.
1864 Chambers's Encycl. VI. 351/1 Rushing to the window of the room.., [she] called for help, and shewed herself to the people half-naked.
1929 M. W. Beckwith Black Roadways 88 Although good spirits also come back to earth ‘to make holiday’, as some say, only a bad spirit is ‘facey’ enough to show himself to you.
1996 A. Ghosh Calcutta Chromosome (1997) xx. 133 He did his special dawn appearance to show himself to his followers in early-morning sunlight.
c. transitive. To exhibit (a sign or token of something); to cause to appear, reveal (a vision, dream, etc.); to bring about (a miraculous event or circumstance, or something indicative of supernatural agency); to work (a miracle) (cf. sense 7).Now usually with the viewer as indirect object.In quot. c1175 paraphrasing John 2:18; cf. quot. c1384.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] > exhibit (a sign)
showc1175
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [verb (transitive)] > work a miracle
showc1175
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > dream > [verb (transitive)] > make a dream appear to someone
showc1175
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of imagination > mental image, idea, or fancy > a vision > experience visions [verb (transitive)] > cause to appear
showc1175
vision1902
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 15586 Whatt takenn shæwesst tu till uss. Þatt dost tuss þise dedess?
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 726 Þe cwen..cleopede to hire porfirie,..ant seide him a sweuen þet hire wes ischawet.
a1325 St. Gregory (Corpus Cambr.) l. 92 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S. Eng. Legendary (1956) 84 Sein Grigori þe pope prechede hom a day And ssewede..vair miracle þat ech of hom ysay.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John ii. 18 What syngne, or tokene, schewist thou to vs, for thou doist thes thingis?
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 1341 On fele maneres sho schewed þam signe.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxi. 246 I haue sayd nothynge but he shal shew tokens that my sayenge is trewe.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Mark xiii. f. lxv For falce christes shall aryse..And shall shewe [Gk. δώσουσι] myracles and wonders.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts vii. 36 Shewynge [Gk. ποιήσας] wonders and signes in Egipte.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Neh. ix. 10 And hast..shewed tokens and wonders [1611 And shewedst signes and wonders] vpon Pharao.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 178 Two meruellis on mold maynly were shewid.
1609 T. Dekker Raueuens Almanacke sig. H Our Lord her sonne hath shewed me a vision, that he that hath an ill wife and will not beat her, shall lead Apes in hell for his labor.
a1625 J. Fletcher Rule a Wife (1640) iv. i. f. 41v Why didst thou flatter me, and shew me wonders, A house, and riches, when they are but shadowes.
1698 C. Leslie Disc. Baptism v. 34 Some say, as the Jews to Christ, shew us a sign: They wou'd have some Miraculous Effects, immediately to appear.
a1717 C. Daubuz Perpetual Comm. Revelation (1720) 71 The Spirit of Christ, which inspired the Prophets, and shewed them Visions, was of a milder Disposition.
1796 T. Bennett Life & Remarkable Conversion 120 There were some that said to our Lord, ‘Shew us a sign from heaven’, who hated him.
1862 tr. B. de Spinoza Tractatus Theologico-politicus 129 There is one thing..constantly repeated in the Scriptures, viz. that God showed signs and wonders, or wrought miracles, in order that he might become known to the Jewish people.
1872 Japan Weekly Mail 17 Feb. 84 A god showed a dream to me, saying; If thou prayest to govern peacefully, increase the pay of Fujitsuna.
1909 F. C. Doan Relig. & Mod. Mind vi. 160 Men who ignobly turn from the simple, daily duties and cares of life and cry ‘Lord, show us a sign.’
1973 H. R. Gupta Hist. Sikh Gurus vii. 141 He was then asked to show miracles. The Guru rejected the idea.
1990 T. Robbins Skinny Legs & All 100 I nodded off after supper, and God come to me and showed me a vision.
2005 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 15 Feb. 27 The apparition taught the children prayers, showing them a vision of a chalice above which he held the Eucharist.
d. transitive. With object and complement, or object and infinitive. To present to view as being in a specified state or as having a specified appearance. Often reflexive.In early use also occasionally: to cause to appear to be that which is specified.In quot. 1584 with double object.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)] > in specific condition
showa1300
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (transitive)] > give appearance
huec1000
show1484
a1300 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 91 I-seon vre louerd crist..Showen his wunden so blodi to-bleden.
c1330 Seven Sages (Auch.) (1933) l. 700 And sschewede his child hol and sound.
c1480 (a1400) St. Vincent 73 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 261 Þai schew þame fere starkare & glad, þane quhen to presone he þaim had.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxix. 160 One ought not to coynte her body for to shewe it small and better shapen.
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft xiii. xxxiii. 344 Then..he would shew you euerie leafe to be painted with birds.
1600 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1884) 1st Ser. VI. 168 That nane schaw themselffis unhorsit or wantand futmantellis.
1680 T. Otway Orphan ii. 20 I might have trusted him with all the secret, Open'd my silly heart and shewn it bare.
a1778 A. M. Toplady Serm. & Ess. (1793) 88 When he shews himself alive, his rallying troops forget their panic.
1835 W. Irving Tour on Prairies xxvii. 244 Baring his left arm, he showed it warped and contracted by a former attack of rheumatism.
1882 Cent. Mag. 1 589 She showed herself much more lavishly..bugled and bangled than the Americans.
1907 A. C. P. Haggard Real Louis XV II. viii. 445 The King showed himself terribly frightened.
1920 H. Carrington Magic is Fun iii. 65 The performer shows his right hand to be empty, and with his left picks up the claret glass.
2008 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 15 Mar. a2 17 Her divesting herself of a blue cotton dressing gown to show herself naked and scarred, her hair grown long again.
e. transitive. To hold up or position (a light source, such as a lamp) where it can be seen (as a signal, to point out the way in the dark, etc.). Also in extended use.Sometimes (as in quot. 1838) with double object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > show the light of
showc1425
shine1895
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 6290 Traitourly he gan hym for to hiȝe Vp-on þe walles..And toward Grekis gan [emended in ed. to gan to] shewe a lyȝt.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxi. 212 I pray you..make no fyer, nor shewe no lyght.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxxvi. xii. 578 The use of this watch-tower, is to shew light as a lanthorne, and give direction in the night season to ships, for to enter the haven.
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 3 Then to shewe three lightes of aequall height fore and aft.
1715 J. Fletcher Signalls 31 Dec. in Mariner's Mirror (1923) 9 115 When I would have you..to lie a Trey short, or a hull, or the head sailes braced to the Mast, I'le show four lights of Equall height.
1743 London Mag. June 188 Each respective Transport was to shew a Signal Light at Midnight.
1831 W. Scott Count Robert xii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. II. 308 The Prince of Otranto had orders to show certain lights..so as to indicate danger.
1838 C. Dickens Oliver Twist III. xliii. 147 ‘Light him down,’ said Sikes,..‘show him a light.’
1896 Law Times Rep. 73 623/1 Neither did Judges..stand by the line and show a light, as it was his duty to do.
1901 M. C. Dickerson Moths & Butterflies iii. 275 Towards night the fire-flies begin showing their lights.
1913 Carriage Monthly Jan. 64/2 The danger in night driving would be greatly lessened and accidents averted if every buggy and automobile would show a light.
2000 S. Clark in J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses II. 55 The US vessel was at battle stations and wasn't showing any lights.
f. transitive. To display, hang out, unfurl (a flag, ensign, etc.), esp. as an indication of one's allegiance or in order to transmit a signal. †Formerly also with out, up.In quot. 1698 with double object.to show the flag: see flag n.4 1c. to show false colours: see colour n.1 Phrases 3b. to show one's true colours: see colour n.1 Phrases 5a.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > standard > [verb (transitive)] > fly or hoist flags, etc.
stretchc1400
to put outa1450
show1488
wear1558
to set out1573
to set up1585
to put abroad1625
fly1655
hoist1697
rehoist1765
run1815
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 139 Quhar-off suld thow thi senȝe schaw so he?
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. bii* Ilka souerane his ensenye shewin has thair.
1591 Honourable Actions E. Glemham sig. B2 Those villains in despite shewed the Leagers flags & refused to strike.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 108 The kings bluddie sark vp tha schawe for thair ansinȝie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 158 I must shew out a flag, and signe of loue. View more context for this quotation
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 36 The Colours the Fort shewed us, was St. George's Flag.
1706 Boston News-let. 1 July 4/1 Carkeit was chased off Caplin-Bay, by a Vessel that show'd English Colours,..but he durst not Trust her.
1796 Signal-bk. Ships of War 28 If a Blue and White Striped Pendant is shewn at the same Time on the Flag-staff at the Mizen Top-mast Head, the Admiral proposes to Lye-by for setting up Rigging, &c.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. x. 161 The chase then showed Hamburgh colours, and returned the fire.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. iv. 33 We showed our colors, but the little craft declined a reciprocation.
1910 tr. E. de Goncourt & J. de Goncourt in A. R. Allinson Days Directoire ix. 153 Houses still showing the ensign of the bonnet rouge.
1971 Guardian 4 Feb. 2/3 Submarines are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag.
2006 J. F. Callo J. P. Jones vi. 89 Showing false colours was a common tactic to cause an enemy to hesitate.
g.
(a) transitive. To make the slightest possible application of (a whip), originally to encourage a horse to move more quickly. Later also with ironic understatement: to apply (any goad, instrument of corporal punishment, or the like).Also with double object.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)] > threateningly
show1833
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > threat or threatening > threaten (evil, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > move or exhibit threateningly
quetcheOE
brandishc1400
show1833
1833 Regulations Instr. Cavalry i. ii. 75 Great care must be taken not to press the horse too suddenly up to the snaffle by showing the whip.
1867 Sporting Gaz. 18 May 385/3 Blue Gown..hung so much towards the inside that Wells had to show the whip to keep him in the course.
1909 Normal Instructor (Dansville, N.Y.) Mar. 14/3 I spared not to show him the rod, Though a box (of sweets) was my favorite prod.
1963 Irish Times 10 Jan. 2/4 Eph Smith showed the whip to Aureole who responded gamely and got up to beat the French colt in a photo-finish.
2011 Racing Post (Nexis) 12 Feb. 16 Once shown the whip, the champion kept on resolutely and was well on top at the finish.
(b) transitive. More generally: to make minimal application or use of (something). Usually with double object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > make slightest application of
show1833
1833 T. Hood Lost Heir in Mirror Lit., Amusem., & Instr. Suppl. No. 637. 390/2 As for hair, tho' it's red it's the most nicest hair when I've time to just show it the comb.
1884 Hull Packet & E. Riding Times 18 Apr. 6/4 Her abundant crop of red hair looked as though it hadn't been ‘shown the comb’ for a matter of some months.
1958 Illustr. London News 22 Feb. 288 (advt.) The oh-so-sensible leather upholstery. You only need show it a duster and its colours are showroom-bright again.
2000 A. Enright What are you Like? iv. 107 She asked for the weakest tea. ‘Just show it the bag.’
2011 K. Rhienhart It wasn't Me ii. 25 I had a very quick lick of a wash, showed my face the wash flannel.
4.
a.
(a) transitive. Originally: to display (goods or wares) for sale. Later also: to display (esp. works of art or craft) in an exhibition, gallery, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > exhibit [verb (transitive)]
show?c1225
exhibit1766
lionize1830
stage1850
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 182 Ne mai he buten schawe forð sum hwet of his aȝen ware.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 44 Þe vifte manere is, oþer þing zelle þanne me heþ y-sseawed beuore.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. ii. l. 213 (MED) Marchantz..bishetten hym in here shope to shewen here ware.
c1436 Domesday Ipswich (BL Add. 25011) in T. Twiss Black Bk. Admiralty (1873) II. 105 (MED) It is ordeyned..that no regratour in the forseid fisshmarket not selle ne shewe to selle..ony maner of fyssh with ne with oute shille that be corrupt.
1483 Edinb. Hammermen in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at S(c)haw Thair sall be na..werk..schauin in handis for to sell..bot alanerly on the market day.
1517 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 120 For his licens there to shewe his seid heryng & sparlyng to sell.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 27 There were stallis by þe strete..Werkmen into won and þaire ware shewe.
1608 A. Willet Hexapla in Exodum Ep. Ded. sig. Bb4 I haue read that the women among the people called Iberi, did vse euery yeere to shew publikely their spinning work.
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida i. iii. 352 Let vs like Marchants First shew foule wares, and thinke perchance theile sell. View more context for this quotation
1658 J. Mennes & J. Smith Wit Restor'd 20 Pray you Madam sitt, ile shew good ware.
1706 N. W. Hist. George a Green ix. 57 The Boy came to shew his Wares, when her Father was busied in receiving the Earl of Kendal and his Accomplices.
1764 C. Johnstone Chrysal (ed. 4) IV. i. xv. 103 What an opinion..will the world have of me, when all these [purchases] come to be shewn for sale?
1807 Sporting Mag. Feb. 228/2 He used to show his paintings, and they were of course admired.
1836 Bell's Life in London 26 June The trustees of the late Earl of Darnley have consented to show the pictures, &c., at Cobham-hall, on Fridays, as heretofore, but visitors can only be admitted by tickets.
1854 Jrnl. Soc. Arts 7 Dec. 34/2 Canada shows some excellent specimens of timber.
1932 Art News 21 May 11/2 This brand new art form..were [sic] first shown in Paris in February.
1981 ‘Q. Crisp’ How to become Virgin 163 He tried to show at the Royal Academy's summer exhibition a picture found by the judges to have been painted over a photographic background.
2002 Observer 6 Jan. (Life Suppl.) 44/1 The designers showed their wares in the suddenly terminally cool London postcode SE1.
(b) intransitive. Of an artist, fashion designer, etc.: to present an exhibition of one's work.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > exposure to public view > an exhibition > exhibit [verb (intransitive)]
to see, or show, the lions1782
slang1789
show1903
1903 Nation 19 May 387/2 At the present moment he is showing not only at the Academy, but in three other of the principal London exhibitions.
1912 R. Fry Lett. (1972) I. 357 I'm delighted that [Augustus] John wants to show.
1960 Guardian 21 July 7/7 The autumn collections of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers began yesterday... John Cavanagh and Lachasse showed on this the first of the three days.
2003 Daily Tel. 18 Nov. 25/4 She..showed regularly with the London Group, the Leicester Galleries and the New Grafton, where she had a solo show in 1972.
b. To exhibit for the interest or entertainment of the public; to make a show of; to put on show.
(a) transitive. To display (an interesting object, a curiosity, etc.), esp. at a fair, circus, or the like.
ΚΠ
a1325 St. Matthew (Corpus Cambr.) l. 39 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S. Eng. Legendary (1956) 71 Gode men..þat holy body nome And..ladde it swuþe to Rome And bure[de] it þer wiþ gret honur, as me sseueþ ȝute In seinte Marie Churche.
c1330 Short Metrical Chron. (Auch.) l. 1419 in PMLA (1931) 46 134/1 (MED) Here liþ kenelmi y biried; Fromond at donstaple schewed is.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Princelie Pleasures Kenelworth sig. A.iijv, in Whole Wks. (1587) At which time there wer fireworks shewed vpon the water.
1640 J. Shirley Constant Maid i. sig. Bv This monster once was shewne i'th' faire, or such Another furr'd Baboone for all the world, Do'st know him?
1660 R. Stapleton tr. Juvenal Mores Hominum 202 There also were shewed tame Elephants taught to walk upon the ropes.
1701 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) V. 453 A little Dutch Boy..was by his parents carried about to shew.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. ii. 42 I was shewn ten times a Day to the Wonder and Satisfaction of all People.
1774 Descr. London p. xix. in Ambulator The British Museum... A place for the reception of natural and artificial curiosities, to be shewn to every person gratis.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xvi. 178 ‘Good!’ said the old man, venturing to touch one of the puppets,..‘Are you going to shew 'em to-night?’
1859 H. Morley Mem. Bartholomew Fair xxiii. 461 This is the famous Ram with Six Legs, shown at Bartholomew Fair, in the year 1790.
1922 Mentor Apr. 34/1 She [sc. the pioneer elephant in America] was shown in barns or tavern sheds, and everywhere she went she lured the crowds.
2007 M. DeMello Encycl. Body Adornm. 123 The first freak to be displayed in the United States was Miss Emma Leach, a dwarf who was shown in Boston in 1771.
(b) transitive. To stage, mount (a dramatic performance); to stage a dramatic representation of (something); (in later use chiefly) to perform (tricks).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performer > perform [verb (transitive)]
show?a1475
givea1500
spiel1904
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > put on public show or spectacle [verb (transitive)]
show?a1475
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 71 (MED) Ȝe han sen shewyd ȝow be-fore Of Joachym and Anne here botherys..metynge.
a1525 (?1456) Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 289 (MED) Yn euery Pagent was shewed a speche of the ix Conqueroures; yn the furst was shewed of Hector, as foloweth, [etc.].
1574 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 238 My Lord Chamberlens players did show the history Phedrastus.
1612 S. Rid Art of Iugling sig. C4 The..matters wherevpon Iuglers worke vpon, and shew their feates.
1619 in W. Kelly Notices illustr. Drama (1865) 254 Item, given to the Playors that shewed Etalion Motion xs.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 392 This Calenter..diverted us in our way, by..shewing tricks with a half-pike.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 91 Jugglers, who show Legerdemain Tricks.
1788 Alexander & King of Egypt i. ii. 4 We are the merry Actors that shew the pleasant Play.
1845 Morning Post 14 Apr. 6/1 Either of those magicians would disdain to show so self-evident and palpable a trick as that which Mr. Warburton magnifies into a miracle.
1862 C. F. Browne Artemus Ward his Bk. 34 I showed my show in Utiky.
1883 Dundee Courier & Argus 20 Mar. Cooke's troupe of acrobats showed some splendid ground and lofty tumbling.
1942 Times 18 June 2/2 Members of the agility team gave an exhibition of handsprings and somersaults; dispatch riders showed trick cycling, including a jump through a fire and smoke screen.
2011 New Indian Express (Nexis) 1 June Magician K N Kutty puts on a red bow-tie..and a top hat on his head. ‘I plan to show some tricks on the bus,’ he says.
†c.
(a) transitive. To set out for inspection with a view to military service; to muster. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > ceremonial > perform ceremony [verb (transitive)] > muster
muster1560
to muster upa1593
show1600
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > fight between animals [verb (transitive)] > make an array on either side
show1600
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxviii. xlvi. 709 Now when the day appointed was come, they shewed their horses and armour.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. viii. 39 The Queen priviledged them from shewing their Horses with the Laytie; yet so as they should muster them up for the defence of the Land under Captains of their own choosing.
(b) transitive. Cockfighting. To present (a given number of cocks) to be pitted against others in a match. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1716 London Gaz. No. 5436/4 There will..be 31 Cocks shewed of a side.
1730 J. Cheny Hist. List Horse-matches 167 Mr. Ruston fought Mr. Newton showing 21 Cocks aside for 2 Guineas a Battle.
1792 York Herald 30 June A Long Main of Cocks between Mr. Ware jun. and Mr Hawdon, will be fought at the Cock Pit..in the race week..to shew 21 Cocks on each side for the Main and 10 for the Bye Battles.
1838 N. A. Arrington Let. 22 June in Amer. Slavery as it Is (1839) 186/2 I..do propose to meet you at Rolesville..on the last Wednesday in May next, the parties to show thirty-one cocks each.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. vii. 122 On Monday there's a cock-match at Winchester..between the gentlemen of Sussex and the gentlemen of Hampshire..to show one-and-twenty cocks.
1904 Daily Rev. (Decatur, Illinois) 13 Apr. 3/1 A big cocking main is to be fought in Indiana on the night of Tuesday, April 26... Each side is to show twenty-one cocks.
d. transitive. To exhibit (an animal, flowering plant, etc.) in a show, competition, or the like. Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > rear animals [verb (transitive)] > exhibit an animal
show1802
1802 Ann. Agric. 38 513 Mr Mattison shewed two rams, both of which were judged to be better than any others in the shew.
1854 Poultry Chron. 1 572/2 The best [birds] should never be shown more than once a month.
1860 Gardeners' Chron. 2 June 506/1 No amateur Rose growers showed upon this occasion.
1919 Jersey Bull. 18 June 1137/1 The beginner or amateur show man should not attempt to start showing at the larger shows or fairs.
1976 T. Heald Let Sleeping Dogs Die i. 25 The best dog I ever had..went to a Count in Florence. He paid £3000 and never showed him.
1983 D. B. Plummer Fell Terrier (1997) 149 Alan..believes it is impossible both to show at Kennel Club Shows and work his terriers.
2003 South Bend (Indiana) Tribune (Nexis) 6 Sept. c1 For more than 25 years, he has been growing, showing and propagating award-winning dahlias.
e.
(a) transitive. To display (a slide, film, etc.) on a screen for public viewing. Cf. sense 4e(b).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > film show > show [verb (transitive)]
show1879
screen1912
to run through1913
film1915
run1915
1879 Naturalist May 156 Mr. W. Clarke showed slides of insects' wings of various species.
1908 Variety 25 Jan. 11/3 Although this film was shown at the Bijou Dream..it was also on exhibition at several ‘picture shows’ throughout the city.
1960 Farmer & Stockbreeder 8 Mar. 77/1 He showed slides of some of his farm-made, ‘home-grown’ Dutch-barn-type buildings.
1976 Oxf. Compan. Film 118/2 Local councils..gradually accepted the principle that a film passed by the Board could be shown without fear of prosecution under the 1909 Act.
2010 A. Urquhart Forgotten Highlander ii. 60 I had heard that the air-conditioned Cathay cinema was showing Gone with the Wind.
(b) transitive. Of a television set, video screen, or the like: to display (a particular programme, recording, etc.). Of a television channel: to broadcast.
ΚΠ
1950 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 8 Mar. 4/3 The television set was showing a film of his 1927 fight with Jack Dempsey.
1963 Times 10 June 10 The BBC showed excerpts from it [sc. The World in Action].
1988 R. Raynor Los Angeles without Map (1989) 22 The TV was on with no sound, showing I Love Lucy.
2007 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 5 Aug. v. 13/3 A television behind him was showing American professional wrestling.
f. intransitive. Of a film, stage play, etc.: to be presented for public viewing at a cinema, theatre, etc.; to be on (on adv. 11c). Of a television programme: to be broadcast.Chiefly in the progressive.
ΚΠ
1893 Shelbyville (Indiana) Daily Democrat 5 Apr. We want to call your attention to what the Indianapolis papers..of yesterday say of Davis' Uncle Tom's Cabin now showing at English's opera house in the above named place.
1913 Cinema 9 July 7/1 Exhibitors should see the first of this magnificent series, now showing at the offices of Walker's Exclusives.
1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags iii. 219 A film was showing in the Ministry theatre: it dealt with otter-hunting.
1971 Observer 28 Feb. 3/2 The last episode of ‘Elizabeth R’, now showing on BBC-2.
1998 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 2 Apr. (What's On section) 19/2 The movie..does face the same uphill battle as another political comedy, Primary Colours, which is now showing.
2001 Irish Times 2 Mar. 16/2 Conor McPherson [is] getting..rave reviews for Port Authority, his new play showing at the New Ambassadors theatre in London.
5.
†a. transitive. To present or offer (something) so that it may be taken or used; to bring or put forward for some purpose or use. Often with to and the person to whom the thing is offered, or with double object. Obsolete.to show a leg: see leg n. Phrases 3j.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > offer or action of offering > offer [verb (transitive)] > offer or set before a person
showc1300
purpose1563
propose1592
to give (a person) a show of1788
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) 1461 Harpe he gan schewe.
c1390 (?c1350) Joseph of Arimathie (1871) l. 587 Scheuȝ me myn hache, and I schal note hit to-day.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12405 To me þou scau þar-of þe tan ende for to drau And þou þe toþur.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 90 Þen sayde Crist: ‘Schew me þy hond’; and toke hur hond, and put hit ynto hys syde.
1583 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (ed. 4) II. 1533/2 If any had sought vnto hym to borrowe money, he would shew him such money as he had in his purse, and bid hym take it.
1689 R. Hogarth Gazophylacium Anglicanum Imburs, to tender, or shew money.
b. transitive. Scottish and Irish English. With double object. Simply: to give; to hand over. Cf. to give (a person) a show of at show n.1 Phrases 2c.Possibly simply a survival of sense 5a. Sc. National Dict. (at Shaw v.) records this sense as in use in Orkney and Caithness in 1970.
ΚΠ
a1908 H. C. Hart MS Coll. Ulster Words in M. Traynor Eng. Dial. Donegal (1953) 257/1 Show me that spade, till I show you how to dig a hole.
1931 J. T. S. Leask Peculiar People 19 Lass, for Guidsake shaw's a had o' dat ladle till I get me supper.
6.
a. transitive. To produce (a legal document, passport, etc.) for official inspection; to exhibit (something) in order to prove that one possesses it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > bring forward as evidence
to draw forthc1175
showa1325
drawc1330
allaya1387
to avouch a thing upon (a person)1393
allegea1398
adduce?a1425
induce1433
recite1509
infera1529
vouch1531
cite1550
avouch1573
relate1604
instance1608
rejourn1624
quote1663
abduce1720
invoke1879
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (transitive)] > be proof of
provea1200
showa1325
declarec1400
verifyc1430
givec1449
persuadea1525
arguea1538
demonstrate1572
argue1585
put1596
evidence1611
evident1643
to make out1795
a1325 Statutes of Realm in MS Rawl. B.520 f. 64 Þe desturbour sal aperen bi fore Justises ant sewen his chartre.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 784 The Constable..sheweth the kyng his Seel and his lettre.
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 85 (MED) Al pacient soules of persecuciouns han for to shew for hem oure lordis patent letteris.
1479 in T. Thomson Acts Lords Auditors (1839) 86/2 To pruf & schew his intra in the said landis.
1509 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1903) I. 199 They desire that the seid abbot may schow his charterys & Evidence.
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1907) I. 106 I neuer relesed ne made dede except oon shued afore all the seyd wurthy men.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 68 Wee rode a mile..to the village Treviso, where the Dutchmen shewed a pasport.
1662 in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 145 Hugh Tickell hauing the letter shown beleiues it to be the hand of John Dixon.
1704 Exact Abridgm. All Statutes 522 The Party..shall..have Re-execution upon the same Statute, with shewing it again to the Court.
1780 London Courant 11 July I hired a post-chaise for the day to go beyond Hounslow, and at eight o'clock passed through Hyde-park-corner turnpike, shewing the day ticket.
1839 Bradford Observer 25 July He went with Mr. Greaves, the defendant's solicitor, to the bank, and showed the deed of assignment.
1866 Chambers's Encycl. VIII. 91/1 A call by the guard [on the train] to ‘shew tickets’ previous to starting.
1937 C. Crawley in C. L. Perdue et al. Weevils in Wheat (1976) 79 You would get a ‘remit’ to go to dese places. You would have to show your ‘remit’.
1991 Toronto Star (Nexis) 17 Sept. a1 She showed her birth certificate, Ontario driver's licence, and social insurance, OHIP and seniors cards.
2009 New Yorker 9 Mar. 42/1 You had to show your plane ticket to buy foreign currency.
b. transitive. To demonstrate possession of or association with (an achievement, a historical record, etc.), often spec. so as to exemplify or illustrate an argument, viewpoint, or the like. See also Phrases 9.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] > be able to manifest
show1551
1551 W. Turner Perseruatiue agaynst Poyson of Pelagius sig. F.iiijv So maye a chylde haue fayth..though for lacke of tyme and age, it can shewe as yet no good workes: whych are the tokens, and fruytes of fayth.
1611 Second Maiden's Trag. (1909) i. ii. 20 The only enemye that my life can showe me.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1679 (1955) IV. 187 Such an hospitable costome, & splendid Magistrature, dos no Citty..in the world shew.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 13 Perhaps there is no House in Europe that can show a longer Line of Heroes.
1807 W. Wordsworth Composed upon Westm. Bridge in Poems II. 118 Earth has not any thing to shew more fair.
1829 C. E. Stowe in G. Gregory tr. R. Lowth Lect. Sacred Poetry Hebrews (new ed.) Pref. p. xvi The student must read much, and think closely, and habituate himself to patient and mature reflection; and perhaps have but little to show after all his toil.
1893 Ann. Rep. Secretary of War (U.S. War Dept.) IV. 781 I doubt if any issue shoe can show such wearing qualities.
1917 Archit. & Building June 51/2 What city having 250 manufacturing firms can show a record of only 29 fires a year?
1992 Independent 16 Mar. 24/1 Those that can show a good track record and the ability to manage investments through difficult times will survive.
†7. transitive. To carry out (a deed, act, declared intention, etc.) openly; to be seen to do (a deed). Obsolete.Often coloured by, and in later use indistinguishable from, other senses, especially sense 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > give effect to or show in action
haveOE
show1474
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iv. viii. 184 That thou darst not doo and shewe, that thou saist.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 22 If thou wylt correcte eny man shewe it not by vyolence.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Radegunde (c1525) sig. a.viv This noble quene had a principall mynde Upon the poore people in great penalite Shewyng werkes of mercy, acordyng to kynde Helpyng all wofull wretchesse in miserie.
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades v. 91 Wherefore some worthy deede of Armes, it you behooues to shoe.
1667 J. Caryll Eng. Princess iv. i. 35 So far my sense with your advice accords, That I'le shew Deeds more daring, then my Words.
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Jewish War i. iv, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 698 Alexander's mercenaries shewed the greatest exploits, both in soul and body.
1810 J. Porter Sc. Chiefs II. xvii. 194 And is it in war alone..that you can shew deeds worthy of a sovereign?
1904 J. L. Hurlbut Story of Bible 737 I have spoken, telling men to turn from sin to God, and to show deeds of right-doing.
8. transitive. To display (esp. a part of one's body or, in early use, an item of clothing) deliberately or ostentatiously in order to attract notice or admiration. Cf. to show off 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to show off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1, to show out 1b at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display of [verb (transitive)]
flourishc1380
show1509
ostent1531
ostentatec1540
to ruffle it1551
to brave out1581
vaunt1590
boasta1592
venditate1600
to make the most ofa1627
display1628
to make (a) parade of1656
pride1667
sport1684
to show off1750
flash1785
afficher1814
affiche1817
parade1818
flaunt1822
air1867
showboat1937
ponce1953
rock1987
1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. lxxxxii Or to be sene, and to showe his gardyd cote.
1586 in W. A. Craigie Maitland Quarto MS (1920) 2 Thair wovin hois of silk ar schawin..To gar thair courtlines be knawin.
c1610 J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1735) 98 She [sc. Queen Elizabeth] delighted to show her golden-coloured Hair wearing a Caul and Bonnet.
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 114 A Throng of Fools, of both Sexes, walking up and down to shew their new Cloaths.
1724 M. Concanen in Misc. Poems 71 These Fops, who crowd behind our Scenes, To shew their ill-shap'd Legs, and awkward Miens.
1790 Eng. Rev. Mar. 179 In a comedy a pretty frolicksome coquette may be supposed to cut an elegant caper, at once to show her legs and to display her skill in dancing.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xliii. 390 She curled her hair and showed her shoulders at him, as much as to say, did ye ever see such jet ringlets and such a complexion?
1853 C. Kingsley Hypatia I. v. 94 Taking care to show the most lovely white heel and ankle.
1909 W. B. Maxwell Seymour Charlton xliii. 409 Just when we most wanted to show his pretty face, he goes and hides it.
2011 R. J. Berry First Sunday ii. 18 This second son was a muscular boy who liked to show his physique as often as possible by not wearing a shirt.
9. transitive. Of an artist, sculptor, etc.: to represent, depict. Cf. sense 16.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)]
workOE
shapea1375
express1382
marka1393
resemblea1393
portraya1398
devisea1400
makea1400
represent?a1425
counterfeitc1440
to set on write1486
porturea1500
emporturea1529
story1532
portrait1548
show1565
decipher1567
portraiture1581
to set forth1585
emblazea1592
stell1598
defigure1599
infigure1606
effigiate1608
deportract1611
deportray1611
rendera1616
image1624
configure1630
exiconize1641
effigies1652
to take off1680
mimic1770
paraphrase1961
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare xiv. 510 Bothe the writers of stories..and also painters dooe shewe, and sette foorthe noble deedes of armes and victories.
c1590 J. Stewart Poems (1913) 86 Vith cake [= chalk], vith coll, and pensile scharp alway,..vas schawne thair happie cace.
1625 T. Dekker Rod for Run-awayes Ep. Ded. sig. A No Painter can shew the like, no Limner come neere such curious Workemanship.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. xii. 444/1 A readiness in dissection, when the Artist shews the parts of a Carcase dexterously.
1770 J. Robertson Poems 49 Nor Death appear'd that Skeleton Which modern Painters falsely shew him, (To judge from them you'd scarcely know him).
1854 H. B. Stowe Sunny Memories Foreign Lands II. xlvii. 387 With that miraculous, lifelike power that only Rubens has, he shows him to us in this moment of suppressed agony.
1890 Amer. Architect & Building News 26 Apr. 53/1 M. Rodin shows Victor Hugo seated on a rock, and in that way recalls the poet's exile.
1904 R. C. Jebb Bacchylides 6 Here is the ship..but the painter could not also show us Minos throwing the ring, or Theseus diving.
1921 Open Road Aug. 27/1 Notice in the photograph, how carefully the sculptor showed the face and how carelessly the body and legs.
1992 Times (Nexis) 28 Aug. Fragility turns to mortality when Robert Mapplethorpe shows a hand lying..with an orchid.
2004 E. Bronfen Home in Hollywood i. 56 Hitchcock shows us the mansion rising against a nocturnal sky.
†10. transitive. To fire (a broadside). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > operations or manoeuvres > perform operation or manoeuvre [verb (transitive)] > fire (a broadside)
show1630
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > management of artillery > operate (artillery) [verb (transitive)] > fire (broadside)
show1630
1630 P. Massinger Renegado v. viii. sig. M2v As a farewell they shew'd a broad side to vs.
** Uses in which being seen is an unintended or incidental result.
11.
a. transitive (reflexive). Of a person: to appear, make an appearance, allow oneself to be seen. Cf. sense 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or become visible [verb (reflexive)] > make an appearance
showa1225
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 15 (MED) Oðer ic habbe ibien ðanne ic habbe me i-sceawed.
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 134 (MED) To þe temple he wente aȝen..To shewe him aȝen þe ffeste.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17039 Þar scheud he him for mighti godd.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 3429 (MED) Bathe Besan & Anabras..baldly þam shawis.
1568 (a1500) Freiris Berwik 505 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 276 And vnto ws thow schaw the oppinlie.
1589 Summarie Drakes W. Indian Voy. 37 Our men..seeing no man of the Spaniards to shew them selues, aboorded the Spanish barkes.
1638 in W. Fraser Mem. Maxwells of Pollok (1863) II. 267 I shall be willing..to showe mysellffe.
1651 Mercurius Politicus No. 31. 518 Scarce a man that was thorough in that business dares shew himself.
1716 B. Church Entertaining Passages Philip's War i. 47 The Captain ordered one man to..show himself. Upon which the Indian ran right to him.
1778 L. Goddard Jrnl. 28 Apr. in G. H. Bell Hamwood Papers (1930) 37 They would not show themselves below today.
1824 L.-M. Hawkins Mem. II. 197 (note) The Sovereign of Great Britain has only to show himself to be adored.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 13 They..climb'd upon a fair and even ridge, And show'd themselves against the sky.
1930 X marks Spot 23/1 I wish one of these ‘wops’ would show himself.
1992 A. W. Eckert Sorrow in our Heart ii. 142 They continued roving throughout the Kentucky country in numerous parties, attacking whenever and wherever they found anyone incautious enough to show himself.
2004 L. Desoto Blade of Grass xxxi. 176 Do you think you will be able to go into town looking like this, to show yourself? Heere God, but everyone will laugh at you.
b. transitive (reflexive). Of a thing: to be or become visible.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or become visible [verb (reflexive)]
show1531
discover1548
visibilize1899
1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities v. f. 101v The holy light of nature is in maner vtterly extincte and put out, and skante appereth or sheweth it selfe at all any where.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 331 Where they saw the vre or myne shewe it selfe.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball ii. xl. 198 The flowers of these strange plantes doo shewe them selues commonly in June.
1607 E. Grimeston tr. S. Goulart Admirable & Memorable Hist. 237 Certaine haires which shewed them selues at the Orifice.
1672 N. Grew Anat. Veg. i. 5 The Coats of the Bean being stripp'd off, the proper Seed shews it self.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 257 The stems will soon show themselves, and lengthen.
1783 T. Kirkland Inq. Present State Med. Surg. I. vii. 375 A very slight erysipelas shewed itself upon the lower part of the abdomen.
1818 H. Light Trav. Egypt i. 1. 16 A solitary palm-tree once or twice showed itself amongst hills of sand.
1856 S. Warner Hills of Shatemuc iv. 33 Here and there..the lighter green of an oak showed itself.
1919 W. Graveson Brit. Wild Flowers (pocket ed.) xxviii. 275 This Meadow Saffron blooms before the leaves show themselves.
1986 J. Hobhouse November 96 A layer would lift and New York show itself.
1992 J. Peters & J. Nichol Tornado Down (1993) viii. 62 The fighters will step in whenever and wherever an opposing air threat shows itself.
2011 Independent 22 June 19/1 A species of lily which blooms just once in seven years has finally shown itself.
12.
a. transitive. To allow (a part of one's body) to be seen.Frequently in expressions in which the part of the body is understood, by synecdoche, to stand for the whole, and which thus convey the meaning ‘to allow oneself to be seen, to make an appearance’; apparently earliest in to show one's neb (also nose, etc.), and later also in to show one's face, to show one's head, etc. (see also face n. Phrases 1b, head n.1 Phrases 4o).to show a clean pair of heels, etc.: see Phrases 1a. to show one's back: see Phrases 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible > make an appearance
atewOE
splaya1400
compearc1470
to come ona1635
exhibit1656
to figure in1812
show your shapes1828
to show one's neb (also nose, etc.)1841
surface1961
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 422 He..schawde us his nebscheft ant weolc hwil his wil wes bimong worldliche men.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 73 Scheau me þi neb.
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) lxxix. 4 (MED) Conuerte vs, and shewe þi face [L. ostende faciem tuam], and we shul ben sauf.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28016 (MED) Biletts for-broiden and colers wide, For to sceu wit your quite hide.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 525 He shawith outwart his contenans As he therof takith no greuans.
a1513 W. Dunbar Ballat Abbot of Tungland in Poems (1998) I. 56 As ȝung Awrora..In orient schew hir visage paile.
1553 T. Wilson Rule of Reason (new ed.) sig. Niiijv This man..durste not ones for his life, shewe his hed.
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer i. sig. H.iv Whan..it happeneth that a woman lyfteth vp her clothes so high, that she sheweth her foote, and sometime a litle of her pretye legge vnwittinglye.
1606 Returne from Pernassus i. vi. sig. C When Don Phebus showes his flashing snout, You are sky puppies [i.e. lesser dog-stars], streight your light is out.
1659 A. Brome Ratts rhimed to Death 12 For fear of Monck, Thy Militia durst not shew its nose.
1699 tr. J. de La Bruyère Characters 395 Women that shew their Breasts and their Shoulders, are they of a less tender complexion than men, or less subject to decency?
1746 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Satires ii. vii. 18 Where a clean slave would blush to show his face.
1759 H. Walpole Let. 26 July (1906) III. 239 La Godfrey, and not at all ugly, though she does not show her thighs.
1830 New Monthly Mag. 29 130 The glove was hastily replaced, as if she fancied showing her hands an indelicacy equal to what a Spanish lady is guilty of when she shows her legs.
1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond x My aunt had so frightened him, that he never once showed his nose in the place all the time we lived there.
1899 E. H. Mott Between Ocean & Lakes 402/1 The applicant's delighted smile was so open that he almost showed his palate.
1920 Brit. Boy's Ann. 225/2 Show your ugly dial in this room again..and I'll boot you across the quad. Git!
1988 B. Desai Memory of Elephants 121 It seemed wanton for an eighteen year old to show her ankles and calves.
2012 G. Szirtes tr. L. Krasznahorkai Satantango 94 So he drinks free for fourteen days and he dares show his mug here again! He's back!
b. transitive. To display (a look, expression, etc.) of a specified sort, esp. as being expressive of a particular emotion. †to show tears: to weep (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (transitive)]
beareOE
to look likec1390
showa1425
fantasy?1611
weara1616
strikea1701
to make likea1881
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > weeping > weep [verb (intransitive)]
greetc725
weepc900
tearc950
plore1373
beweepc1374
to put one's finger in one's eye1447
waterc1450
lachryme1490
cryc1532
lerma1533
tricklec1540
to water one's plants1542
to show tears1553
shower1597
issuea1616
lachrymate1623
sheda1632
pipe1671
to take a pipe1671
to pipe one's eye (also eyes)?1789
twine1805
to let fall1816
whinnya1825
blub1866
slobber1875
blart1896
skrike1904
water-cart1914
a1425 Dialogue Reason & Adversity (Cambr.) (1968) 7 (MED) Þoow strengþe haue schewede þe glad semelaunde.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 2098 In what disees þat he war stadd, he shewed ay countenance gladd.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vi. l. 57 Fortoun him schawit hyr fygowrt, doubill face.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 249 Cæsar shewed a redde paire of chekes.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique i. f. 9v Fewe..spake of these twoo gentle menne, but thei shewed teares.
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. H3 She shewes thee kind looks.
1615 S. Daniel Hymens Triumph i. iii. 13 I did suppose the memorie of me, And of my rapture, had possest him so, As made him shew that countenance of woe.
1700 J. Elsum Epigrams Paintings Eminent Masters cxxx. 100 She bows and rev'rently receives the Favour, Shewing a modest Look.
1753 R. Rolt Mem. Life J. Lindesay iii. iii. 274 His lordship shewed a smile, and said, ‘I warrant him a brave fellow.’
1820 J. Hollingsworth Renegade 41 Though my brows might shew a frown, My heart with envy glanc'd on all.
1921 A. Hoch Benign Stupors v. 98 On one occasion..she showed some tears when asked about the baby.
1998 P. Lynch Omega vi. ii. 359 The receptionist showed him a white smile.
2012 Philadelphia Daily News (Nexis) 4 Apr. 48 ‘I'm fine, I'm good,’ said Young, showing his trademark smile.
13.
a. transitive. Of a plant: to bring forth or develop (fruit, flowers, etc.). Formerly also: †(of a season, etc.) to be the occasion of the bringing forth of (these things) (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow, sprout, or bear fruit [verb (transitive)] > bring forth, produce, or bear
bearOE
makea1325
showc1330
yielda1400
producea1513
carry1577
hatch1592
throw1738
society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)] > of plants: bring forth, view, or display
showc1330
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 1711 Floures schewen her borioun.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 8657 Mirie is Iune þat scheweþ flour.
1570 W. Elderton Prepare ye to Plowe (single sheet) As Sommer shows Grene Grasse to our deliting: We se that all the Grasse that growes, Goth down with litle smiting.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 473 Some trees..doe not knit nor shew their fruit immediatly vpon their blooming.
1658 tr. G. della Porta Nat. Magick iii. xix. 104 When the Fig-tree begins to shew her leaves; if you would have it yeeld you more and better fruit, you must cut off the very tops of them.
1771 J. Meader Hitt's Mod. Gardener 31 The pine apple plants, if properly managed in the preceding months, will now show their fruit.
1820 Trans. Hortic. Soc. (1822) 4 393 The suckers of inferior strength will not shew fruit in the same season.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 674 As soon as the plants have shown the third leaf.
1928 Daily Express 11 Aug. 4/2 The Japanese varieties of the chrysanthemum are now beginning to show their flower buds.
1955 T. V. Bulpin Ivory Trail (ed. 2) xi. 116 September..when the maroela trees show their first flowers.
2007 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 3 Nov. 10 The strong stems of Blue Bonnets grow to about 6ft through the summer and only begin to show buds in September.
†b.
(a) transitive. To give out, emit (light). Also figurative. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > shine [verb (transitive)]
shedc1200
showa1400
yet?c1400
throw1565
reflex1590
emit1626
fling1637
projectc1645
strike1697
slip1873
shine1889
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 18196 And þu þaim scheus sua selcuth light?
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 34 (MED) Venus..had pite; and..the bronde that sche helde be hire-self began to take fire and schewe flaume.
c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Horns Away (Harl. 2255) in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 112 Charbonclis rubies..Shewe in dirknesse liht.
a1500 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Ashm. 39) lxxi. lf. 89 This sterre..To shewe his light in euery shrowed & shade.
?1546 W. Peryn Thre Serm. i. f. xxi The propertye of illuminacyon was wythholden and suspended, not onely, in the Sonne, Moone, and Starres, but also in all other thynges that naturally shulde haue shewed lyghte.
1602 ( D. Lindsay Satyre (Charteris) sig. Fv Ȝe ar the lamps that sould schaw them the licht To [printed Lo] leid them.
a1628 J. Carmichaell Coll. Prov. in Scots (1957) No. 1331 Seaven starnes in the lift schawis mair licht nor ane.
1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility v. 128 That secondary and weak light, which the Moon showes, besides her silver Sickle, within her Quarter.
1752 E. Young Brothers i. i Like a bold star, that shews its fires by day.
1791 Encycl. Brit. (Dublin ed.) VI. 486/1 When the air is entirely removed from a given receiver, the electric fluid passing through that receiver cannot show any light.
1862 T. L. Phipson Phosphorescence iv. 40 Hydrogen, sulphuretted hydrogen, chlorine, protoxide of nitrogen, showed a feeble light for a few seconds after being submitted to an electric discharge.
(b) intransitive. Esp. of the sun: to shine. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xi. l. 159 (MED) Þe sonne som tyme for cloudes May nat shyne ne shewe on shawes on erthe.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iii. l. 368 (MED) Iche man myȝte..Se, be þe sonne þat so briȝte schewed, Þe mone at þe mydday.
c. transitive. Of an animal or plant: to display (its colours, beauties, etc.). Similarly of landscape, natural features, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > make visible
wisec1400
show1532
reveal1590
unbosom1610
unveil1656
visualize1912
1532 J. Larke tr. Bk. Wysdome f. xlviv The peycoke..is so ful of vaynglorye, that all his desyre and delyte is to shewe his fethers in spredynge his tayle in maner of a whele.
1629 J. Parkinson Paradisi in Sole ix. 104 Sometimes the flower sheweth a close and round yellow trunke in the middle, separate from the pale outer wings.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 406 Part..sporting with quick glance Show to the Sun thir wav'd coats dropt with Gold. View more context for this quotation
1682 T. Creech tr. Lucretius De natura rerum v. 182 Such beauteous pride did All the Vallies show.
1748 T. Gray Ode in R. Dodsley Coll. Poems II. 266 Some shew their gayly-gilded trim Quick-glancing to the sun.
a1798 M. Alcock Poems (1799) 1 They stopt to crop each pois'nous weed, That shew'd it's gaudy colours to the sun.
1842 United Service Mag. July 346 The oleander, the geranium, and the wild rose, whose lovely flowers showed their varied hues in beauteous contrast to the no-less varied tints of the evergreens that embosomed them.
1882 Cent. Mag. Dec. 191/2 To the left..rose a huge rock-mountain..which showed, even in the distance, fanciful chiselings by wind, sand, and weather.
1912 L. North Golightlys ii. vii. 199 The Thames valley showed its loveliest autumn russet.
1998 D. Wakoski Argonaut Rose 75 You..fired me with the desire to make my own white flowers show their morning radiance.
d. transitive. Of the sun or moon: to display (part or all of its disc); to have (part or all of its disc) illuminated or visible.Often with some element of figurative use of sense 12a.
ΚΠ
1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Satyrs in tr. Horace Arte Poetrie sig. M viiiv When as the moone beginnes to shew her younge and cumlye face.
1583 R. P. tr. P. de la Sierra Second Pt. Myrror of Knighthood ii. xiv. f. 81 At length the Sun appeared and shewed his golden face.
1642 J. Lightfoot Few New Observ. Genesis 3 The sixt day at even, which was her prime day, and she [sc. the Moone] shewed her crescent and gave light to Adam.
1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xix. 181 A little after, the Sun did show his face.
1760 J. Marchant New Compl. Eng. Dict. at Dichotomy That phasis, or appearance of the moon wherein she is bisected, or shews just half her disk.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 127 The sun..shewed its broad disk above the eastern sea.
1877 J. M. Wright Strange Sea-story 9 Night in Boston harbor; a full moon showing its broad white shield.
1911 F. A. Cook My Attainm. of Pole x. 159 At noon the sun showed half of its face over the cliffs.
1965 L. Picon tr. Y. Inoue Counterfeiter 115 It was cloudy and the moon showed its face only slightly.
2002 J. Fletcher & D. Bain Provence—to die For xiii. 180 In Provence in November you learn to take advantage of the sun when it shows its face.
14. transitive. Of (part of) an instrument or table, a clock, etc.: to provide a visual indication of (information); to be found on inspection or consultation to indicate (the time, temperature, distance, etc.). Later also with the specific time, temperature, etc., as object.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] > on recording device
showc1392
register1797
c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 26 (MED) As the label turnyth so shewith it the epicicle of euery planete.
c1440 Astron. Cal. (Ashm. 391) A table..which will shewe you in what signe þe moone sitteþ euery day.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Eccles. xliii. A The Moone also is in all, and at conuenient season it sheweth the tymes, and is a token of the tyme.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Elenchus, it is also a table in a boke, to shew the places by letter or other wise.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 107 The crosse shall shewe you what the distaunce of the Mone, & starre is in degrees & minutes.
1634 J. Bate Myst. Nature & Art 39 A Water-Clock, or a Glasse shewing the houre of the day.
1688 R. Stapley Diary in Sussex Archaeol. Coll. (1849) 2 113 July 12th, bought..a silver-cased watch... This watch shewes ye hour of ye day.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 416 This Table of Round Measure..shews how much in length makes a solid Foot of Timber in any round piece.
1753 E. Carter Hist. County Cambr. i. 35 The dial of the clock hath two hands, shewing hour and minute.
1791 tr. M. A. Pictet Ess. Fire 11 The thermometer will show, by the degree observed on its scale, the temperature of the liquid.
1834 Morning Chron. 24 Dec. 4/2 The weather had again become very cold, and the thermometer showed 2½ degrees of frost.
1866 D. Livingstone 20 Dec. in Last Jrnls. (1874) I. vii. 162 The barometers had shown no difference of level from about 1800 feet above the sea.
1891 E. McQ. Gray Elsa xxxix. 506 The study clock showed a quarter to twelve, therefore the kitchen clock was fast.
1913 Jrnl. Med. Soc. New Jersey 9 522/1 When seen the thermometer showed 105 degrees.
1960 O. Skilbeck ABC of Film & TV Working Terms 57 All ciné cameras are fitted with a meter showing the amount of film run off.
2001 Evening Standard (Nexis) 16 Feb. 3 A large round fuel gauge..whose needle shows the percentage of remaining battery power.
2013 B. Eagle & E. S. LeBlanc Blues iv. 13 The published statistics..include a table showing the Negro population by state of enumeration, broken down by state of birth.
15.
a. transitive. Of a thing: to be the means whereby (something) may be seen, or is displayed, revealed, or made visible; to serve to exhibit or reveal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > make visible > be means of displaying or revealing
showa1398
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. x. iv. 559 In schewynge of hymself he [sc. fire] schewiþ oþir þingis þat beþ present.
?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 97 (MED) A myrrour representeþ & schewiþ þe face of a man.
c1475 (c1445) R. Pecock Donet (1921) 144 (MED) How schulde I se in a myrrour enye þingis openli and sufficientli, if þilk mirrour schewid not þe same þingis openli and sufficientli?
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke ii. f. xxxvv The night..sheweth to the iye the onely shadowes and vayne counterfaites of thinges.
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia ix. 386 Thy sight the North-starre vndergoes, And Vrsa Maior to thee showes.
1635 T. Heywood Hierarchie Blessed Angells ix. 578 Turne your face..that way, you may view the place, That casement shewes it.
1763 Brit. Mag. 4 604 Now new-vampt silks the mercer's window shews.
1790 R. Burns Tam o' Shanter 126 in Poems & Songs (1968) II. 561 Coffins stood round, like open presses, That shaw'd the dead in their last dresses.
1832 Border Mag. Mar. 238 The old soldier's side..was partially exposed, and showed the seams of a ghastly wound.
1859 Habits Good Society iv. 169 Very short petticoats, only not showing the knees.
1897 M. Pemberton Queen of Jesters iii. 104 For one short instant a window showed him the city.
1952 Good Housek. (U.S. ed.) Dec. 172/2 This mirror..shows a car that's close behind you or just about to pass.
1992 P. O'Brian Truelove ii. 41 His pocket-glass showed him the jolly-boat's crew pulling steadily in.
2013 J. Greene Baby Bump 145 The blue silky blouse showed her throat and the satin swell of her breast.
b. transitive. Of a fabric, garment, carpet, etc.: to (come to) be of such a type, colour, or pattern that (dirt, evidence of wear, etc.) is visible or noticeable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > make visible > be in state or position to allow being seen
show1827
1827 Times 6 Feb. Choose, in dressing this old flirt, Something, that won't show the dirt.
1871 Chambers's Jrnl. 28 Jan. 49 While it [sc. the material] is equally suitable for tropical wear, it does not show the traces of soil so soon.
1908 Lowell (Mass.) Sun 29 Oct. 3/1 (advt.) The fabric is an all wool Cheviot..a mixture that won't show the wear.
1912 Country Gentleman 6 Jan. 17/1 The plain-color carpet or rug shows the dirt more quickly than the design carpet.
2000 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 5 July 11 Reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do by buying patterned carpets and fabrics which won't show the marks.
2010 Times of India (Nexis) 30 June If your kid is under 10 years of age, there's a great chance he/she may scribble on the walls and white will show everything.
16. transitive. Of a picture, drawing, painting, illustration, film, etc.: to be or incorporate a visual representation or likeness of; to represent, depict.Also intransitive with as.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > [verb (transitive)] > represent in film
show1933
1510 A. Chertsey tr. Floure Commaundementes of God (de Worde) ii. cxx. f. ccliii/2 Ye deuyll hym demaunded why he made yt, and he answerde bycause it was soo as the payntynge shewed.
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. lxi. sig. D.i/1 Brayde the tethes togyder in lyke wyse as the picture sheweth.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 20 This Picture sheweth the fourme of a right Horizont.
1601 I. T. tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. sig. D Deuide those two Diameters into 10. partes, shewed on the right side.
1663 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) ii. vii. 108 (caption) Fig. I. Shews the Heart cut in sunder athwart.
1717 T. Abingdon Antiq. Cathedral Church Worcester 206 The Windows shew..many Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen.
1799 J. Smith Brit. Patent 2345 2 The Drawing..shows the rest plank, trussed with wood.
1831 Edinb. New Philos. Jrnl. 10 111 Sketch showing the relative position, size, &c. of the allantois and yolk-sac.
1854 R. Owen Struct. Skeleton & Teeth in Orr's Circle Sci.: Org. Nature I. 254 The saltatorial modification of the..skeleton is here shewn in that of..Macropus elegans.
1905 L. Whibley Compan. to Greek Stud. iv. §3. 247 The western frieze shows the horsemen preparing.
1913 E. W. Sargent Technique Photoplay (ed. 2) ii. 16 A bust is a portrait showing the head and shoulders only.
1933 Jrnl. Home Econ. 25 886 A film showing such household processes as table-laying and washing dishes.
1953 R. A. Heinlein Starman Jones vii. 90 It was a photoprint showing a stylized picture of the solar system.
2000 Internat. Jrnl. Advertising 19 13 Figure 4 shows a 1996 billboard for Perrier.
2015 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 14 Oct. 10 An animation showed the route the doomed plane took.
17. transitive. To have visibly, to be seen to have or bear (some external feature or mark). Also: to have (a constituent part) visible or exposed to view.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > make visible > have part visible
show1534
1534 tr. Erasmus Dyaloge Funus sig. B.ii A dyce, which on euery syde shewith .iiij. corners.
a1585 P. Hume Flyting with Montgomerie (Tullibardine) vi. 50 in Poems A. Montgomerie (2000) I. 164 His schewin schoulderis schawis þe merkis, but dout, Of tarledderis, tewch tyris and vþer tawis.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Perpins,..stones made iust as thicke as a wall, and shewing their smoothed ends on either side thereof.
1670 J. Moxon Pract. Perspective 34 The Shelf g lying under the Horizon shews its upper Plain. The Shelf f lying a little above the Horizon shews its under Plain, though much fore-shortned.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 520 The Alps..shewing their aspiring tops.
1740 Scots Mag. Oct. 462/2 Sae that our mizl'd shins will shaw The venom of the frost and snaw.
1770 J. Banks Jrnl. (1896) 271 The plant yielding the yellow gum, of which, though we saw vast numbers, we did not see any that showed signs of gum.
1822 J. Parkinson Outl. Oryctol. 227 This shell, though round, shows five angles.
1883 W. Besant Captains' Room ii Her planks show signs of age.
1890 Goldfields of Victoria 18 This run of stone..shows payable gold.
1907 J. A. Hodges Elem. Photogr. (ed. 6) 101 Sometimes bromide prints..show stains.
1950 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 14 Oct. 871/1 The caudal region [of the embryo] shows a well-marked tail projecting beyond the cloaca.
1990 F. A. Leib Sea Lion (1991) i. 8 Van Courtland was sweating, showing stains through the chest of the wilted blue Oxford-cloth shirt.
2005 Period Living & Trad. Homes Apr. 102/1 Look for firm bulbs..and avoid any that are showing signs of mould or growth.
III. To make known, esp. by statement or argument.
†18. transitive. To decree, award, assign (to a person) in a legal or formal manner; to fix or appoint authoritatively; to declare, make an award (that). Obsolete (Scottish in later use).In later use chiefly in the form to show for law.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > judging > judge or determine judicially [verb (transitive)] > award or impose judicially
showlOE
judgea1387
ward1442
adjudge1459
award1523
adjudging1581
sentence1618
abjudicate1666
adjudicate1700
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1048 Þa..sceawede him mann v nihta grið ut of lande to farenne.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 26196 On seke man agh na scrift be laid, Bot þus gat o þe preist be said, sli scrift sceuid þan sal þou driue If þou war couerd to liue.
c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 125 Þis William often tymes fauȝt wiþ þe kyng of Fraunce, nevere sodenly,..but þe day of batayle i-schewed, and assigned byfore.
1488 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) I. 8 This court of parliament schewis for law, and I gif for dome, that [etc.].
1524 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) I. 390 This court wardis and schawis for law that [etc.].
1540 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 171 The court wardis and schawis for law, and it wes gewine for dome, that [etc.].
1609 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) II. 291 This Courte of Parliament schawis for law, that the said vmqle Robert Logane of Restalrig; in his lyfetyme, committit the foirsaid cryme of Tressoun and Lesemajestie.
19.
a. To point out, reveal, make known; to make evident or clear, explain, expound, set out. Often with the recipient of the information, explanation, etc., as indirect object, or with to. Occasionally with forth.Said both of a person and of anything which may be regarded as conveying information, as a book, text, etc.
(a) transitive. With simple object.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > acknowledgement, avowal, or confession > acknowledge, avow, or confess [verb (transitive)] > confess (sins)
showc1175
opena1225
shrivea1300
confessc1386
c1175 ( Homily (Bodl. 343) in S. Irvine Old Eng. Homilies (1993) 198 Ac þenne beoð þa edlean and þa ær idone weorc isceawod.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1114 & nu icc wile shæwenn ȝuw All þatt whatt itt bitacneþþ.
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 20 As þu schawest [a1250 Titus scheawest] forð al þet god þuncheð, ant helest al þet bittri bale þet is þerunder.
c1250 in Stud. Philol. (1931) 28 597 Þe herte of þis riche mon awei from god is al idon..ant þat þe boc us scewet wel.
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 2072 (MED) Nas oure heorte..brennynge Þe while he spak wiþ vs and holy writ vs shewynge?
a1425 Dialogue Reason & Adversity (Cambr.) (1968) 25 (MED) Alle þe sagis of Babiloun kowde no keies fynde þis visioun to schewe til Daniel vndede hit.
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 5 (MED) For to schewe the my pistell pleynli, I will the enorte, and telle verili, Of thinges that be full necessarie To hiȝ wurthynes.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 566 Ye endentur till him gaf he Yat soune schawit ye iniquite.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 223 b The same beeyng unfolded & spred abrode shewed some high mysticall mater.
1550 R. Sherry Treat. Schemes & Tropes sig. Cvii By Etymologie or shewyng the reason of the name.
1576 J. Daniel tr. J. Pérez Excelent Comfort f. 80v Presently by the word of God, he was shewed the error and falsitude of his iudgement.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. i. 86 O let me liue, And all the secrets of our campe Ile shew . View more context for this quotation
1666 Countess of Warwick Diary 19 Aug. in A. Walker Mem. Lady Warwick (1847) 79 When I had showed before God all my trouble.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1653 (1955) III. 86 Monsieur Roussel sent me a small phiole of his Aurum potabile, with a letter shewing the way of administring it.
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. x. 363 The sovereign plant he drew,..And shew'd its nature and its wond'rous pow'r.
1781 S. Johnson Gray in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets X. 10 Many were content to be shown beauties which they could not see.
1791 J. H. Moore Pract. Navigator (ed. 9) 113 All Traverses are worked in the Manner shown above.
1832 W. Palmer Origines Liturg. I. 141 No material difference can be shewn between them.
1861 F. A. Paley Æschylus' Persians (ed. 2) 706 (note) To show the syntax more clearly, Πέρσαις ὡς θεὸς has been marked off by commas.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 14 Words are aggregated in a manner which fails to show their relation to one another.
1940 G. H. J. Adlam & L. S. Price Higher School Certificate Inorg. Chem. (ed. 2) xxvii. 226 Magnesia was constantly confused with lime, until in 1755 Black showed the true nature of the compound.
1980 M. Shoard Theft of Countryside iii. xi. 120 The Commission has employed experts to draw up detailed plans showing ways in which agriculture and conservation could be combined.
1997 S. B. Morrow Names of Things 23 He would show me something he knew and I did not: how to make angels in the snow.
1998 J. Collis tr. W. Zur Linden When Child is Born x. 115 During the earlier years the child has to be shown his limits by the tone of voice and consistence.
2014 N. Eve Henna House 121 Hani also showed me the secrets behind the shapes of the letters.
(b) transitive. With clause as object.
ΚΠ
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 49 Nu we sculen heow sceawen hwilc hit is heom for to heren and nawiht for to ethalden.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 967 Ich schal schawin hu mi sweord bite iþi swire.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds ix. 16 I schal schewe to him, how manye thingis it bihoueth him for to suffre for my name.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 6437 Bot first I wille shew whare es helle.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 147v The seconde booke, where shall be shewyd how troye was reedyfyed.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. viiv It is necessary to shewe how all maner of corne shuld be sowen.
1582 Bible (Rheims) Acts i. 25 Shew..whom thou hast chosen, to take the place of this ministerie and Apostleship.
1600 P. Holland tr. Florus Breviaries CI in tr. Livy Rom. Hist. 1655 This booke sheweth how Mithridates fled by Colchij and Heniochi, and what his acts were in Bosphorus.
?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 38 He was then very busy shewing how he would have me build a ship.
1712 J. Morton Nat. Hist. Northants. x. 581 I should next proceed to shew in what manner the higher part of the Country..was defended by the Romans.
1772 J. W. Fletcher Appeal Matter of Fact Concl. Addr. 14 The straitness of the heavenly rule will soon shew thee how very far gone thy thoughts..and nature, are from original righteousness.
1839 W. M. Thackeray Fatal Boots Jan. The following letter from mamma to a friend..will pretty well show you what a poor foolish creature she was.
1851 Evangelical Repository (Philadelphia) Jan. 363 Here [sc. in the Scriptures] we are shown how we live, move, and have our being.
1858 Spectator 10 Apr. 393/1 We have already shown how impracticable that system is.
1908 Times 8 July 7/2 Herr Steidl..showed us how a trombonist and a clarinetist ought to be educated.
1969 R. D. Pharr Bk. of Numbers (1970) ix. 90 I give him a slip showing how much dough he turned in.
2015 Church Times 6 Nov. 7/3 There was no evidence to show when, how, or why it [sc. the skull] had ended up in the vault.
†b. transitive. To confess (one's sins). Also with out. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrament > confession > make confession [verb (transitive)]
showa1200
shrivea1300
confessc1386
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 73 And for þat gult he solde his sunnes at srifte sheawen.
c1300 St. Andrew (Harl.) l. 126 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S.-Eng. Legendary (1956) 547 Mi synne is so priue Þat myn hurte hit nele for noþing schowe noman bote þe.
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 140 Þou nost neuer..Hou lihtly þou maiȝt be forlorn, But þou þi sinne schriue & schowe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 27293 Þe preist be slei To gar þe man him-seluen wrei, And wit sli compasing abute Him scham, noght sceu his sinnes vte.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccxxiiiv/1 For who that wyl come to me in pylgrimage, he must first shewe his synnes by contrysion and by confession.
1554 M. Huggarde Path waye to Towre of Perfection sig. D.ii The people..thought a great shame in a mans eare, To shewe their sinnes.
a1602 W. Perkins Godly & Learned Expos. Rev. (1606) i. 56/1 If any be oppressed with the corruption of his nature..let him come vnto Christ Iesus, lay open his wants before him, shew his sinnes..and withall crie vnto him for helpe.
1626 R. Bernard Rhemes against Rome xxvi. 209 The Priest did not alwayes professe the partie cleane, vpon shewing his malady, as the Popish Priest doth euer the Confitent, vpon shewing his sins by confession.
c. transitive. Of time, the working out of a situation, etc.: to enable (something) to become clear or known. Cf. tell v. 11d.
ΚΠ
1652 Mercurius Politicus 22–29 July 1763 The issue will shew, whether ours be but a Mungrell Shag, or water Spaniel, as you are pleased to term it.
1688 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 584 The Consequences of which, a little time will shew.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. i. 27 Reason does not at all shew us, in what State Death naturally leaves us.
1779 Mirror No. 1 (1787) I. 4 Time alone can show whether I be qualified for the task I have undertaken.
1830 Evangelical Mag. & Gospel Advocate 6 Feb. 44/2 The event will show whether we are to remain a free people.
1894 Edinb. Rev. Jan. 205 Experience showed the difficulty of carrying out in action views so sound in theory.
1933 I. Gershwin Compl. Lyrics (1993) 198/1 Time will show That there is no Luckier man alive!
1995 C. Leys in C. Leys & J. S. Saul Namibia's Liberation Struggle vii. 140 Only time would show how far the combination of personnel changes, training, management reforms and public education would overcome these problems.
20.
†a. To communicate, announce, declare, narrate, state, tell (a fact, news, a story, etc.); to describe, give an account of. See also to show forth 2 at Phrasal verbs 1.Sometimes with the person receiving the news, story, etc., as indirect object.In later use merged in other senses.
(a) transitive. With simple object. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > [verb (transitive)]
showc1175
conveyc1386
directa1400
address1490
communicate1529
participate1531
import1565
discourse1591
tradit1657
to set out1695
trajecta1711
the mind > language > speech > narration > narrate, relate, or tell [verb (transitive)]
singc900
reckonOE
readOE
tellOE
showc1175
betellc1275
i-tellec1275
rehearsec1300
record1340
accounta1387
to chase forthc1386
retretec1400
reporta1402
count?a1425
recite1448
touch?a1450
repeat1451
deliverc1454
explikec1454
renderc1460
recount1477
to show forth1498
relate1530
to set forth1530
rechec1540
reaccount1561
recitate1568
history1600
recant1603
to run througha1616
enarrate1750
narrate1754
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 300 Þatt haliȝ goddspell boc. All þiss godnesse uss shæweþþ.
?a1300 Iacob & Iosep (Bodl.) (1916) l. 121 (MED) Hi comen to þis chapmen & sseweden here tale.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 7615 Lete we hem now at þis segeing And schewe werres and wo.
c1390 (c1300) MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 242 Þat he schulde schewe him openli..Of his felawes stat sum tiþinge.
c1450 (?a1400) Parl. Thre Ages (BL Add. 31042) l. 585 (MED) Of wyghes þat were wyseste..I schall schortly ȝow schewe.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 9 He send his Apostlis..to ger schawe the cristyn faith.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 81 And my mouthe shall shew thy praysynge.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 717/2 I shewe tydinges, or a message, je annonce.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 303 He woulde haue done it immediatly before his assention, but then he did not (which S. Luke, who sheweth that storie exactly, would not haue omitted).
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1664) 224 I know ye desire news from my prison & I shall shew you news.
1653 R. Austen Treat. Fruit-trees 78 Having shew'd some profitable Instructions.
1723 A. Ramsay Fair Assembly ix These modest maids inspire the muse In flowing strains to shaw Their beauties.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano i. viii. 21 For friendship's sake I may not all declare, Nor more than fits the story shall be shown.
(b) transitive. With clause as object. Also intransitive with as. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6645 Uss latin boc. Þurrh haliȝ lare shæweþþ Þatt mann iss..full off ille wiless.
a1325 Prologue (Corpus Cambr.) l. 26 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S. Eng. Legendary (1956) 2 Byuore he set..Is trompours to scheuwe wat he is & is baner þerto.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. l. 46 (MED) So for to magnifie The worthi princes that tho were, The bokes schewen [c1400 Huntington schiewe] hiere and there Wherof the world ensampled is.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 699 Als scheus þe bok.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 608 And he wald-eȝed was as þe writt schewys.
?1505 in J. Raine Vol. Eng. Misc. N. Counties Eng. (1890) 31 He schewyd hus that he had spokyn wt John Cauthorn.
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters iii. ix. f. lxxxiv Frere Syerome..cam to hym..shewing hym that he wold caste of his abyte.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 83 Iohn Smith..shewing me that all the Officers..were in searching..for me.
1698 in R. Renwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Glasgow (1908) IV. 258 Ane supplication..shewing that he was setting up his worklooms for working of fyne damask stuffs.
1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis II. xxxv. 339 (heading) Chapter xxxv. Shows how Arthur had better have taken a return-ticket.
†b.
(a) intransitive. To speak; to talk. Obsolete. shortly to show: (as sentence adverbial) to be brief, in summary.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention
sayOE
showa1200
monec1225
roundc1275
specifya1300
sermon1303
nevenc1330
readc1330
reckonc1390
to make meaninga1400
rehearsec1405
express1430
remember1531
mention1559
society > communication > information > announcing or proclaiming > announce or proclaim [verb (intransitive)] > tell, declare, etc.
showa1200
common1560
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 117 (MED) For þat hie him swich segen seint ambrosius shewed þus and seið, [etc.].
a1443 Parson of Cressingham in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 7 To come to Norwich to chewe to ȝower good maysterchepe to knowe ȝower entent.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 295 And shortly to shewe, he came & recountred hys brother.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 944 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 124 Ilk fowle tuke ye flicht schortly to schawin Held hame to yar hant.
(b) intransitive. To tell, speak, give an account of. Also transitive: to tell or inform (a person) of. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 119 I sal yow schew wit myn entent Bre[fl]i of aiþere testament.
a1450 Rule St. Benet (Vesp.) (1902) l. 205 Of swilk sufferance god schewes til vs In his godspel.
1546 in R. K. Hannay Acts Lords of Council Public Affairs (1932) 551 George erle of Rothes..schew of the murmur of the odius slauchtir of..my lord cardinale.
1580 J. Hester tr. L. Fioravanti Short Disc. Chirurg. sig. Dv As for the filthy vlcer that I haue shewed off in his Chapter, yee shall dresse them onely with our Vngento magno.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xvii. 19 [He] was sent to shewe the Bascha of our comming.
1650 in B. H. Hossack Kirkwall (1900) 252 Ane letter..shauing off the agriement betwix his majestie and the comissioners and that his majestie wes cum home.
1660 J. Trapp Comm. Holy Script. xxix. 192 He came even to Paris, where this scornful King then was, to shew him of his visiting.
†c. transitive. To predict or foretell by divine or supernatural means; to prophesy or prognosticate. Also with the recipient of the prediction as indirect object. Cf. foreshow v. 2a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > divination > divine [verb (transitive)] > interpret by divination
showa1200
divine1362
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 135 (MED) Þe childes [sc. John the Baptist's] michelnesse sheude [L. adiecit..explicare] þe engel on fuwer þingen.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 654 (MED) Ful conyng was sche & coynt & couþe fele þinges of charmes..to schewe harde castis.
?1387 T. Wimbledon Serm. (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 111 (MED) We be not sufficiaunt to knowe þe tymes oþer..to schewe certeynly þe day, ȝer, oþer hour of þis dom.
c1480 (a1400) St. Martha 137 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 289 Sone schawyt god hyre but les, eftyre a ȝere þat scho suld cese.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) iv. 639 For, or ȝe pas, I sall ȝow schaw Of ȝour fortoun a gret party.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 61 Ieremye..shewed in Ierusalem that the princes and the cheueteynes of the people..shuld be take and brought prisoners into Babilon.., like as it fell aftirward.
1554 D. Lindsay Dialog Experience & Courteour i. sig. Eii The Lord Omnipotent..did..schew on tyll his Seruand Noye That he wald all the warld distroye.
1606 A. Craig Amorose Songes sig. Gviii When Hecuba the Wisemen did imploy, Her dreame of flaming Fire for to expone They shortly shew that Paris should destroy And set on fire faire Ilion sticke and stone.
1616 R. Bernard Dauids Musick 44 The Prophet sheweth on the contrary the end of the wicked.
d.
(a) transitive. To set out, allege, plead (a cause, reason, etc.); to put forward in support of an argument, point of view, etc. In later use only in legal contexts. Now chiefly in to show cause (see cause n. 3b) and related expressions.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > a cause or reason
show?c1225
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > pleading > maintain by argument in court [verb (transitive)] > allege in course of pleadings
show?c1225
plead1429
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 89 Þe reisun hwi is sone her efter suteliche ischawed.
a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 68 (MED) Ich chulle of bo two scheawen [c1230 Corpus Cambr. schawin] uorbisne & preoue.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iv. pr. ii. l. 3257 I shal shewe þe more þilke and continuel resouns.
a1450 Pater Noster Richard Ermyte (Westm. Sch. 3) (1967) 21 (MED) Þis may þou se þoruȝ ensaumple þat I wole þe schewe.
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 75 (MED) Fro euery man Thei hidde this arte that no man fynde it can Bi theire bokis, thofe thei shew reson fayre.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xx. A He..shal..shewe his cause before the Elders of the cite.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Matrimonie f. xiii*v If any man can shewe any iust cause why they maie not lawfully be ioyned so together: Leat him now speake, or els hereafter foreuer hold his peace.
1597 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 905 Hope and currage did..Schaw skills and wills occasion quhy, that danger lap the dike.
1601 A. Gil Treat. conc. Trinitie 37 Thus haue I very briefly showne not many reasons, but rather how many reasons may be showen for this Christian assertion.
1662 H. Foulis Hist. Wicked Plots i. ix. 69 Command upon pain of Rebellion, all people to depart to their own homes, but those who should shew reason of Lawful businesse.
1702 Practick Part of Law (ed. 3) 110 It [sc. the Action] may be removed into the Common-Bench at the Suit of the Plaintiff by a Pone, without shewing the cause in the Writ.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. xviii. 274 Commanding the defendant to do the thing required, or shew the reason wherefore he hath not done it.
1822 J. Comyns's Digest Laws Eng. (ed. 5) VI. 21 A plaintiff may show for cause against a supersedeas issuing, that the defendant has sued out a writ of error before the end of the two terms.
1910 Atlantic Reporter 76 445/1 The respondent shows for cause that it has passed an ordinance which it claims does designate the streets as required.
1971 Michigan Law Rev. 69 933 The court held that the application for the warrant was insufficient in that it did not show reasonable cause to conduct a search.
2000 Industr. & Labor Relations Rev. 53 687/1 Employers carry the burden of showing just cause for discipline in right to refuse cases.
(b) transitive. Simply: to state, declare (in a legal document). Now rare (archaic in later use).Often in petitionary formulae.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] > in a legal document
show1425
1425 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Apr. 1425 §35. m. 13 Shewyn and besechyn full benignely, your trew humble liegies the comens of this present parlement. That [etc.]
a1440 Let. in Eng. Hist. Rev. (1940) 55 643 (MED) To the Worshipfull..bretheron of the yelde of the blessud Trinitee of Couentre, Sheweth & compleyneth..your tenaunt John Broun Draper..the..mees..is full ruynus in mony defautes, [etc.].
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 443 These ben the compleyntes of the Iniuries & wronges don to Tho. Deram,..shewed & deliuered be this present bill vnto Will. Shore, Mair of Couentre.
1531 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 184 Most humbly Shewen and Complayn vnto your good lordship your daily Oratours.
1535 ( in W. Fraser Registrum Monasterii Cambuskenneth (1872) 260 The playntis till ws schewit of baith the partiis,..we..determit as eftir followis.
1623 Bill of Complaint in Trans. New Shakspere Soc. (1885) 495 Humbly complayning, Sheweth vnto your good Lordshipp, your dayly oratours Ellis Worth, of London, gentleman, [etc.].
1683 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 64 The Peticion was read shewing that the Mr. of said ship deney'd to pay them their wages.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 118. ⁋10 The humble petition of Penelope Prim, widow, Sheweth, That your petitioner was bred a clear-starcher and Sempstress.
1827 Lancet 13 Jan. 465/1 To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom..The humble Petition of the several Persons, whose names are hereunto subscribed,..Sheweth:— That [etc.].
1899 Belfast News-let. 23 Oct. 7/7 The petition of the undersigned Protestant teachers humbly showeth that petitioners are trained and almost entirely paid out of money voted by Parliament to your honourable Board... That petitioners are [etc.].
1940 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 12 Apr. 9/3 The humble petition of the undersigned taxpayers and other residents of Riverhead and adjoining districts sheweth: (1) That we are suffering very great hardship... (2) That [etc.].
1954 Observer 4 Apr. 3/2 Early each year the trustees of the British Museum send the Government a petition in archaic phraseology..humbly showing their need for funds and praying..that these may forthwith be granted.
21.
a. To prove or demonstrate (a statement, a fact) by argument, reasoning, putting forward evidence or instances, experiment, etc.; to indicate.
(a) transitive. With clause as object. Also with as (formerly †sum; sometimes intransitive in this construction).Quot. c1175 may belong at sense 20a(b).
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Pref. l. 30 Jesuss iss amminadab. Swa summ icc hafe schæwedd.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 6975 God aþ vaire issewed þat we gultelese beþ.
a1350 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 134 He halt hire hed heȝe to shewe þat heo be kud..for strompet in rybaudes rewe.
a1402 J. Trevisa tr. Dialogus Militem et Clericum (Harl.) 5 (MED) Hit may be schewide by Holy Writ þat þe pope is lord of al temporalte.
c1475 (c1445) R. Pecock Donet (1921) 136 (MED) Y schal now schewe þat þo x comaundementis..conteynen not sufficiently..alle þe comaundementis of goddis lawe.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 40 But forto schew þat God suffrede hym specyaly, þus ensampull I tell.
1533 T. More Debellacyon Salem & Bizance ii. xv. f. xlii To shew that the same spyrytuall law, whyche this man wold proue vnreasonable, is not in dede proued vnreasonable.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxv There by a signe made, he sheweth that he is the spirite of her.
1584 Copie of Let. conc. Erle of Leycester 72 Euery falling out must haue an attonement againe..as I haue shewed before.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxiv. 127 As hath been already shewn.
1678 Let. Discov. Late Plot in Bp. G. Burnet Tracts (1685) I. 20 To shew he was in earnest in these Doctrines, he began soon to lay about him.
1737 W. Harte Union & Harmony Reason, Morality & Revealed Relig. 16 Thus I have shown that reason, morality, and revealed religion are all perfectly at union with each other.
1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. i. viii. 303 Sir Edward Coke hath clearly shewn, that [etc.].
1821 W. M. Craig Lect. Drawing viii. 420 In this, as I have shown you in a former lecture, the statues of antiquity will afford you little assistance.
1861 F. A. Paley Æschylus' Supplices (ed. 2) 836 (note) As Wilkinson shows from Aelian.
1893 W. B. Smith Introd. Mod. Geom. 120 Show that tangents from two points on a centre ray form a kite.
1905 Mind 14 460 The investigations of meta-geometricians seem to show that our Euclidean space is only a special case.
1927 Amer. Mercury Jan. 65/1 What a pecuniary culture wants, as Thorstein Veblen has shown, is not beauty of fine workmanship but conspicuous waste.
1996 New Scientist 12 Oct. 38/1 Using probability theory, it is possible to show mathematically that only three curves behave this way.
2013 Observer 20 Oct. (New Review section) 20/5 By examining the position of the pencil marks Faraday showed that people, not spirits, moved the table.
(b) transitive. With simple object.
ΚΠ
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) 399 Þat is preued and ishewed Boþe to lered and to lewed.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 3110 And that..I schal be reson prove and schewe.
c1475 tr. A. Chartier Quadrilogue (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 199 (MED) Yf it most needys be shewed, I shall lay exaumples instede of resons.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries Pref. sig. Aiiii Vnlesse they could first shewe his erroure, he coulde not chaung his opinion.
1627 W. Sclater Briefe Expos. 2 Thess. (1629) 200 It sufficeth to shew inualidity of the inference.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 89. ¶3 I shall endeavour to shew the Folly of Demurrage.
1793 T. Beddoes Observ. Nature Demonstrative Evid. 105 What is shewn to us by anatomy, we are just as sure of, as of that which is shewn to us by geometry.
1880 S. R. Driver Hebrew Tenses (ed. 2) App. III. 260 This can be shewn inferentially from Hebrew itself.
1914 H. P. Smith Relig. of Israel xv. 250 The preceding chapter has shown the importance of the Messianic expectation in keeping alive the religion of the Jews.
1984 A. Livingstone Lou Andreas-Salomé v. 64 Nietzsche could praise intelligence while showing the ambiguity of all its achievements.
2003 B. A. Brody Taking Issue iv. 69 I will show the existence of a broad consensus about principles in national policies on the first issue.
(c) transitive. With object and infinitive clause as complement: to prove, demonstrate, make out (a person or thing) to be what is expressed by the complement. Formerly also with simple object complement in same sense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (transitive)] > be proof of > in line with assertion
prove1517
showa1530
convince1595
approvea1680
a1530 T. Lupset tr. St. J. Chrysostom Serm. (1542) sig. C.vi This thynge I shall shewe you to be true, not onely in priuate men, but also in hole nations.
1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1890) II. 5 Gif the trew citienaris..war recouncelit..be sik meanis as we scheu Nehemias to hef bene.
1658 J. Harrington Prerogative Pop. Govt. ii. iii. 31 There be in these times that are coifed with such opinions, that to shew Scripture to be reason, is to make it loose weight with them.
1704 W. Derham in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 24 1589* I have plainly shewed their Ticking noise to be a wooing Act.
1792 W. Crakelt in tr. Horace Wks. II. 352 Horace..reasons upon this supposition, and endeavours to shew it false and absurd.
1823 Philos. Mag. 62 413 Sir Humphry Davy first showed it to be a hydrate, the pure dry gas not being condensible even at a temperature of −40° F.
1882 Athenæum 30 Dec. 896/2 The heredity and independence of the fiefs can be shown to have commenced in..the tenth century.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano i. xv. 48 But here to my intent it is not main In that concern to show him right or wrong.
1935 Sci. News Let. 2 Nov. 282/3 Dr. Joel Stebbins..showed it [sc. the Andromeda galaxy] to be about twice as large as formerly supposed.
1980 P. Larkin in Times Lit. Suppl. 7 Nov. 1247/1 Nicolson at least was trying to rehabilitate Tennyson..by showing him to be an absurd and suffering human being much like ourselves.
2005 Ecography 28 162/1 Iversen..discussed the rapid heathland development in the central south-west part of Draved Forest that he showed to be of Viking Age.
b. Of a material or abstract thing: to be a proof, sign, or indication of; to constitute evidence of.
(a) transitive. With clause as object. Also intransitive with as.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > evidence > give evidence of [verb (transitive)] > produce in court
showc1225
inbring1609
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 203 Ah þi schene nebscheft & ti semliche schape schaweð wel þet tu art freomonnes foster.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 70 Þi helm has wonne lond, þat þe lond is þin, þi helm schewes it þe.
?c1430 (c1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 145 As here wickid lif scewiþ.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccvi. f. cxxviiv [Canute] sayde, All erthly kynges may knowe that theyr powers be varyie..as here is shewed by worchynge of his treature by this water.
1577 N. Breton Floorish vpon Fancie sig. L.iij Who so smirking smyles with mery cheare, That countenaunce shewes, that some good newes is neare.
1604 H. Broughton Aduert. Corrupt. Handling Relig. sig. I v This sheweth that S. Paul was brought vp at the feete of Gamaliel.
1698 G. Hickes in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 268 The manner of interlineation in many places shews that the Latin exemplars were first written.
a1704 T. Brown Match for Devil in Wks. (1709) IV. i. 31 His Habit, Cane, and formal Face, Shew'd he was of Geneva Race.
1725 W. Broome in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey III. xii. Observ. 218 One of the first words they speak is the name of Ulysses, this shews they had a kind of Omniscience.
1855 F. A. Paley in tr. Aeschylus Agamemnon in Trag. 392/2 ‘Go on faring as you now fare’, viz. prosperously, as the context shows.
1868 J. N. Lockyer Elem. Lessons Astron. (1879) vi. 234 That nebulæ are masses of glowing gas is shown by the fact that their light consists merely of a few bright lines.
1917 B.E.F. Times 25 Dec. in Wipers Times (2006) 252/1 His conduct sheet showed that he had usually been present when F.P. [= field punishment] was handed out.
1975 Verbatim Sept. 2/2 All three subspecies are favoured by present-day wordsters, as the examples cited clearly show.
1994 Minnesota Monthly May 51/1 A cash register tape showed he had purchased the pop less than three minutes before the 911 call was made.
2015 Daily Tel. 21 May 7/1 The tools show that earlier hominids..were already well advanced.
(b) transitive. With simple object.
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 158 Meidhades mihte..is þet an þet is [probably read in] þe deadliche lif schaweð in hire an estat of þe blisse undeadlich i þet eadi lond.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 1575 We seiȝen..heraboue Ouer ous a sky houe Þat ous schewed þe biȝate Of swi[che] a þing on erþe late.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. clxxxiv. 1078 Worchynge of þe soule scheweþ and kyþeþ þe goodnes of wyne.
a1500 (?1382) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 175 Her workes schewes þis wel, howevere þei speke by syde.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 31 That little worde shewed the difference betwene the true beleuyng Christians, and the Arrians.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. i. 177 You must needes learne Lord to amend this fault, Though sometimes it shew greatnes, courage, bloud. View more context for this quotation
1647 J. Ashburnham in His Majesties Declar. to his Subj. 11 I hope these [instances] may serve, to show the clearenesse of his Majesties dis-engagement.
1672 O. Walker Of Educ. i. ix. 92 Huffing and swaggering..commonly shews want of spirit.
1753 T. Gray Long Story in Six Poems 23 Her air and all her manners shew it.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lvii. 516 Having undergone such a process of blood-letting and calomel as showed the strength of his original constitution.
1859 Habits Good Society xi. 314 Nothing showing worse taste than to load your plate.
1905 Washington Post 13 July 8/3 The play showed the lack of team work and mixed signals again.
1988 Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 109 236 The quadrisyllable in the final foot again shows the difficulty of including a proper name.
2012 Guardian (Nexis) 15 May The data shows the impossibility of setting monetary policy across such divergent economies.
(c) transitive. With object and infinitive clause as complement: to serve as evidence or proof that (a person or thing) is what is expressed by the complement. Formerly also with simple or phrasal complement in same sense (now rare).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > be or give evidence of
to show forth?c1225
witnessa1300
sustain?c1425
testify1445
showa1500
manifest?a1513
make1573
argue1585
evidence1610
attesta1616
citea1616
evince1621
to speak to ——1624
a1500 (a1450) tr. Secreta Secret. (Ashm. 396) (1977) 101 Who also with stabilnesse liften vp the liddes of thair palled eyen..impacient..and wrath-full it sheweth them to be.
1555 M. Huggarde Mirrour of Loue sig. D.i The euidence Showeth his loue to be so inordinate, That [etc.].
1560 T. H. tr. Ovid Fable Narcissus sig. j For who dothe count [printed couet] him selfe of wyser skole Then dedes him showe, doth proue him selfe a fole.
1602 J. Harington Tract Succession to Crown (MS, Chapter Libr. York Minster) (1880) Introd. 4 His writings..showe him to be not onely a Papist but..a Puritan Papist.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. xii. 447/2 The semicircle in the blade of the Knife being set on the Arm, or Nose, shews it to be but a deceipt of sight, through a want in the knife blad.
1708 W. King Art of Cookery 125 Preferments granted thus shew him a Fool That dreads a Parent's Check, or Rods at School.
1751 C. Labelye Descr. Westm. Bridge 77 Considerable Openings in the Joints shewed those Arches in some Danger.
1790 P. Lewis Philos. Inq. Nature & Properties Common Water 98 Its tendancy to putrefaction, shews it to be replete with the ovula of different animalcules.
1828 R. Duppa Trav. Italy 114 The walls of the city are now sufficiently entire to shew their extent to have been about three miles.
1871 G. Meredith Harry Richmond III. v. 70 Their maxims show them to direct all their acuteness upon obtaining quality for their money.
1946 J. Corbett Man-eaters of Kumaon 8 These pug marks showed the animal to be a tigress, a little past her prime.
1949 Federal Reporter 2nd Ser. 170 1001/2 It does seem quite unrealistic..to hold that his actions showed him a fit subject for deportation as a ‘malafide seaman’.
1971 Amer. Hist. Rev. 76 616 Himmler's adolescent diary..shows him to have been a schizoid personality.
2008 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 26 June 37/1 Carse is the author of five previous books..which show him to be an engagingly witty spirit.
22.
a. transitive. To teach (a lesson). Chiefly with the person taught as indirect object. See also to show someone a lesson at lesson n. Phrases 1.In later use often coloured by other senses.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > teach (a thing)
to teach a thing971
learnc1175
kena1225
informa1393
showa1400
informc1400
precept?a1475
instruct?1520
to take forth1530
to take out1586
grind1815
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 6861 Suilk was þe lessun and þe lare..þat vr lauerd scheud to moysen.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. x. l. 36 (MED) Litel is he loued þat suche a lessoun scheweth.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry §154 It shoulde seme vnconuenient for a temporall man to take vpon hym to shewe or teache any suche spirytuall matters.
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Jas i. f. xxviv He hathe valeauntly behaued hym selfe in the conflicte, and hathe shewed a lesson of true vertue and of fayth.
1634 T. Hawkins tr. N. Caussin Holy Court I. (rev. ed.) iii. xxxix. 213 Entreat the water to teach thee, and the fish to shew thee thy lesson.
1676 T. Mace Musick's Monument ii. xiv. 90 I will now make an End, of shewing you This Lesson.
1795 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XLI. 446 He thought that His Majesty would do well to shew them a lesson of frugality and economy.
1841 Fraser's Mag. Nov. 599/2 If his footmen are too high and mighty, he'll shew them a lesson of humility.
1886 Aberdeen Weekly Jrnl. 20 Dec. 4/3 Banff..has shown a lesson to sectaries and fanatics of which we in Scotland stand much in need.
1913 U.S. Investor 21 June 1044/3 Here in Ottawa to-day the two nations..are showing an object lesson to the people of the whole world.
2004 Santa Fe New Mexican (Nexis) 8 Aug. e6 These people have shown me a lesson in human nature.
b. transitive. To inform, instruct, teach (a person) how to or (now less commonly) to do something, esp. by example. Also with omission of the thing being taught.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > teach how
ken1362
learna1400
instruct1477
show1519
school1577
to show someone (also put someone up to) the ropes1802
1519 D. James in tr. Catherine of Siena Orcharde of Syon (de Worde) iii. sig. i.iiiiv In yt same boke we be shewed how to cut of the supfluytes of our vynes.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos vi. sig. Q.ijv Or thou, if any way there be, yf goddesse mother thyne Hath shewd thee how to shyft.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 61 Thow lytill bill,..Thow schaw thame till Beleue in Christ.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. iv. 20 Ile shew you how t'obserue a strange euent. View more context for this quotation
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 19 Those parts of Logicke which..show men to distinguish betwixt truth and Falshood.
?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 78 She asked who shewed him? he said, Lewis. The princess ordered Mrs. Wanley to tell me not to shew him any more, as she intended to have him taught regularly.
1778 J. Woodforde Diary 6 Nov. (1924) I. 238 Sukey my late Maid was at my House all day today to shew Nann to make Butter.
1803 Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 158/2 If a damsel did a sweet-heart need,..Here is a wond'rous man would shew her how.
1884 H. Chadwick Sports & Pastimes Amer. Boys 212 An hour's teaching at the hands of an expert, who shows you practically how to ‘follow’, ‘draw’, or ‘English’ the ball.
1916 ‘B. M. Bower’ Phantom Herd vii. 112 As to the break I made in getting those boys out here, you'll have to show me—that's all.
1976 J. E. Taylor in L. Wing Early Childhood Autism (ed. 2) viii. 209 He [sc. the autistic child] should not be shown how to perform, since this strengthens his dependence on other people.
2002 H. McCloud in J. Beardsley Gee's Bend 370 Mama the one show me to make quilts. When I was living there with her before I married Almos, she show me how to get the frame together, whip the cotton.
c. transitive. colloquial. In expressions conveying a threat of punishment or humiliation, the (anticipated) cost or penalty of unwise or thoughtless behaviour, determination to confound one's critics, etc. Cf. teach v. 6d, learn v. 4e.
ΚΠ
1792 G. Colman Village Lawyer ii. 25 If the scheme succeeds..I shall think myself sufficiently paid—if not, I'll shew you what it is to attempt cheating a lawyer.
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple II. xii. 206 Take your ugly black face out of the way, or I'll show you how I treat a 'Badian who is really too brave.
1840 Campaign (Frankfort, Kentucky) 3 Sept. 319 Bymby dey'll want de President to mind whateber dey say, and be deir sarvant, but I'll show 'em.
1894 Mrs. H. Ward Marcella I. i. ii. 28 ‘They shall see—I will show them!’ she said to herself with angry energy.
1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger i. ii. 16 ‘I'll show 'em!’ he muttered. And he meant that he would show the world.
1935 ‘C. S. Forester’ Afr. Queen vi. 116 They hadn't believed anyone would try to get down those gorges... Well, this'd show 'em.
1989 Toronto Star (Nexis) 26 Jan. (Life section) l3 We'll show those idiots in the food industry who's stupid.
1994 Fast Forward 26 Oct. 19 I'll show them! Flippin' show-offs!
2011 S. McClear Last of Live Nude Girls 130 That'll show him not to come in here threatenin' folks.
IV. To exhibit or manifest, as by visible or observable signs.
23.
a. To display (a quality, condition, feeling, etc.) by one's actions or behaviour; to give proof of possessing or being affected by; to demonstrate, evince. Also with the action or behaviour as subject.
(a) transitive. With clause (esp. that-clause) as object: to make it evident or obvious by one's actions or behaviour (that).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > show by behaviour
showc1175
to show forthc1330
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (transitive)]
i-sothea925
soothec950
fanda1000
kitheOE
betell1048
showc1175
prove?c1225
treousec1275
stablisha1325
approve1340
verifyc1386
justifya1393
tryc1412
answer?a1425
appreve?c1450
to make gooda1470
convictc1475
averifyc1503
arguea1513
find1512
pree1515
comprobate1531
demonstrate1538
conclude1549
convince1555
argument1558
evict1571
avoucha1593
evidencea1601
remonstrate1601
clear1605
attaint1609
monstrate1609
evince1610
evince1611
improve1613
remonstrance1621
to make out1653
ascertain1670
to bring off1674
to make (something) to through1675
render1678
substantiatea1691
establisha1704
to bring out1727
realize1763
validate1775
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] > by one's action or behaviour
kitheOE
haveOE
showc1175
discoverc1450
to show outc1450
to show forthc1515
manifesta1525
testify1560
specifya1575
witness1581
mark1791
the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > behave towards > display (a quality) by behaviour towards
showc1175
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14382 Whanne i shall drinnkenn dæþess drinnch. Forr all mann kinn o rode Þa shall i shæwenn þatt icc amm. Soþ mann i mennisscnesse.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 480 In þis an þing he schawde ant sutelede inoh þat he wes soð godd.
?c1430 (?1383) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 311 Seynt Jon Crisostom..stire hem [sc. usurers] to..schewe in dede þat þei seken more profit and savynge of Cristene soulis þanne here owene wynnynge or worschipe.
1550 tr. A. Corvinus Postill sig. N.viv He called vnto ye office of Apostleship a synner & a Publican. And by this he sheweth, that he is not a respector of personages.
a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian iv. iv, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ccccccc2v/2 My naked sword Stands but a hatchment by me; only held To shew I was a Souldier.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 26 He would..shew he had not one Ounce better Blood than his Leader.
1763 St. James's Mag. Apr. 117 The racer stumbles in the shaft, and shews he was not meant for draft.
1812 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 14 1001/1 He should hope..that the hon. gent. would not shew that he was attached with the fondness of a parent, to this supposititious offspring.
1855 G. A. Sala in Househ. Words 10 Mar. 137/1 He sang a song, which showed that he was getting further on; then he essayed to dance, which showed that he was getting drunk.
1922 E. von Arnim Enchanted April (1989) 291 Briggs thought Mrs Fisher a dear old lady, and showed he thought so.
1992 Independent on Sunday (Nexis) 6 Dec. (Review Suppl.) 8 Later, she showed how angry she was at being duped.
2008 W. Kehl Passion for Leadership v. 79 He made an instinctive decision to take a hard line in order to show that he meant business.
(b) transitive. With simple object specifying the quality, feeling, etc.
ΚΠ
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 49 Þurh his mannisnesse, and ðurh ðare michele eadmodnesse ðe he mid hire sceawede.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 9318 Vor vre prowesse we mote nede ssewe to day ywis.
c1440 (a1401) Life Bridlington in Neuphilol. Mitteilungen (1970) 71 142 (MED) He was supprioure, Worthy to gretter dignite, Þat shewed he when he had þe cure.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) ii. 370 Ye Bruysis folk full hardely Schawyt yar gret chewalry.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 99 (MED) Tremblyng membres shewith the sekenesses and the gref of the harte.
a1555 D. Lindsay Tragedie in Dialog Experience & Courteour (1559) sig. Sijv I schew my Lordlye Lyberalitie In Banketting, playng, at cartis and Dyse.
1576 G. Gascoigne Complaynt of Phylomene in Steele Glas sig. K.iij She shewed great skil, for tunes of vnisone.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 28 A mans witt is best shewed in his answer.
1675 J. Covel Diary in J. T. Bent Early Voy. Levant (1893) 216 There was..a middle-sized squad fellow, who shew a vast strength in tossing about weights.
1741 W. Oldys et al. Betterton's Hist. Eng. Stage v. 66 Shewing the Teeth, and straitening the Lips on them, shews Indignation and Anger.
1751 J. Jortin Serm. (1771) I. i. 6 Every behaviour which shews inhumanity.
1857 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. I. xi. 642 In the preliminary work of accumulating the facts, great energy was shown.
1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xl. 337 A lady's maid will frequently show far better taste than her mistress.
1887 Field 5 Nov. 718/3 Rogers..showed a great turn of speed.
1908 Representative Men & Old Families Rhode Island I. 331/2 James Eddy was educated in the common schools and early showed talent in the use of the pen and fine tools.
1985 D. Conner Canada: Building our Nation iv. viii. 362 The dancers show their strength and skill by leaps and squatting steps.
2015 Bowls Internat. Apr. 22/2 England..fought hard, showing spirit and skill.
(c) transitive. With the quality, feeling, etc., preceded by sign of, evidence of, etc. See also Phrases 6.
ΚΠ
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) ii. l. 3852 But for al hir woful dedli peyne, She shewed no tokne off femynyte.
?1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton i. sig. aiiijv There is none soo euyl an enemye, as he that sheweth hym a frende by fyction & faynyng for to dysceyue hym to whome he sheweth sygne of loue.
1510 A. Chertsey tr. Floure Commaundementes of God (de Worde) ii. f. cxxxixv/2 Yf I had done as moche of seruyce vnto a tyraunt he wolde haue shewed me some sygne of benyuolence eyther in spekynge swetely, or in gyuynge me some thynge.
c1600 A. Montgomerie Poems (2000) I. 65 Becaus no signe is shaune That ȝe held me ȝour aune.
1619 Proc. Virginia in L. G. Tyler Narr. Early Virginia (1907) 263 It shalbe lawful for that Incorporation of Plantation to which he belongeth to appoint him a Mr to serve for wages, till he shewe apparant signes of amendment.
1745 J. Parsons Crounian Lect. Muscular Motion ii. 52 Poultry, Frogs, &c. which move, and shew Signs of Pain, a considerable time after their Heads are cut off.
1783 Impartial Narr. Proc. Nine Ministers 33 Our brother..must be forgiven, on shewing evidence of repentance, let his offences be ever so aggravated and frequently repeated.
1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous xiii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. IV. 313 Douglas and De Walton..began to show some signs that their human bodies were feeling the effect of the dreadful exertion.
1863 S. Baring-Gould Iceland 230 Jon began to show signs of recusance.
1915 Boys' Life Nov. 42/2 They were systematical, showed evidence of real training, and..they gave implicit obedience to all orders.
1995 Mother & Baby June 48/1 If your baby..shows any other signs that he isn't perhaps being fed as much as he'd like, it's more likely that [etc.].
2013 Daily Tel. 7 June 20/4 The anti-Assad rebels..are showing signs of being pushed on to the back foot by the regime.
b. transitive. To exhibit, allow to be seen (some internal quality, emotion, state, etc.) by one's outward appearance. Of one's appearance, features, etc.: to give evidence of (a quality, emotion, etc.). Also with clause as object, and with sign of, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)]
uppec897
atewOE
sutelec1000
openOE
awnc1175
kithec1175
forthteec1200
tawnec1220
let witc1275
forthshowa1300
to pilt out?a1300
showa1300
barea1325
mythc1330
unfoldc1374
to open outc1390
assign1398
mustera1400
reyve?a1400
vouchc1400
manifest?a1425
outshowc1425
ostendc1429
explayc1443
objecta1500
reveala1500
patefy?1509
decipher1529
relieve1533
to set outa1540
utter1542
report1548
unbuckle1548
to set forth1551
demonstrate1553
to hold forth1560
testify1560
explicate1565
forthsetc1565
to give show of1567
denudec1572
exhibit1573
apparent1577
display?1578
carry1580
cipher1583
laya1586
foreshow1590
uncloud?1594
vision1594
explain1597
proclaim1597
unroll1598
discloud1600
remonstrate1601
resent1602
to bring out1608
palesate1613
pronounce1615
to speak out1623
elicit1641
confess1646
bear1657
breathe1667
outplay1702
to throw out1741
evolve1744
announce1781
develop1806
exfoliate1808
evince1829
exposit1882
pack1925
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] > by one's outward appearance
showa1300
a1300 Passion our Lord 618 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 54 Vre louerd nom and et þer-of to-uore heom euervychone, And sewede þat he wes a-ryse myd fleysse and myd bone.
?1529 R. Hyrde tr. J. L. Vives Instr. Christen Woman ii. iv. sig. y She was a wonder to euery man to loke vpon: and in all the state of her body shewedde manifest tokens of the kynde loue that she hadde to her husbande.
1597 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 251 My hewe so, furth schew so, the dolour of my wounds.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes To lament..to miche, to grumble closely or show some signe of discontent.
1646 F. Hawkins tr. Youths Behaviour (ed. 4) iii. 21 Shew no sign of choler, nor speak to him with too high an accent.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 99 The Colt, that for a Stallion is design'd, By sure Presages shows his generous Kind. View more context for this quotation
1716 A. Pope Further Acct. E. Curll 13 Some turning away their Heads..; others squinting with a Leer that show'd at once Fear and Indignation.
1788 G. Keate Acct. Pelew Islands xxvii. 342 He desired to ride on horseback into the country..; he sat well, and galloped, shewed no fear of falling, and appeared highly pleased.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 115 Whatever David felt, he was too proud and too steady-minded to show any unpleasant surprise.
1884 W. Black Judith Shakespeare xxxiv On the awakening she might show that the crisis was over.
1921 S. C. Britton Dreamy Hollow v. 68 She turned her attention to other customers, but the heightened color in her cheeks showed her indignation.
1984 A. Brink Wall of Plague I. 17 It was our last morning together; he didn't want to spoil it by openly showing his irritation.
2013 Herald-Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 23 Nov. b1/4 He showed no fear of poking the bear.
c. transitive. Of a piece of writing or other work: to constitute evidence of; to bespeak, betoken.
ΚΠ
1794 F. T. Travell Attempt render Psalms more Intelligible to Unlearned 463 The structure of this Psalm..shews much skill and dexterity in the composer.
1801 Crit. Rev. May 19 The paper at the end [of the volume]..shows considerable knowledge of the subject.
1839 N.-Y. Spectator 9 Sept. The embossing on the side of the book..shows much skill on the part of the workmen.
1936 Times 8 Jan. 6/3 The letter from Prince Loewenstein..suggesting certain ways of helping German refugees shows some lack of knowledge of the actual circumstances of refugeedom.
1977 G. Wright in S. Kostof Architect 298 (in figure) Her book showed a solid understanding of construction, circulation, services, and human response to the environment.
2000 T. A. Kessler D-Girl (HBO TV shooting script) 30 in Sopranos 2nd Ser. (O.E.D. Archive) I think it shows a lot of heart and there's a good, raw emotion in it, you should probably try and finish it.
†24. transitive. To make a false show or pretence of. Cf. sense 33b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > present speciously [verb (transitive)]
showc1175
feignc1340
clothe1393
colourc1400
gloze1430
pretence1548
whiten1583
maska1593
vizard1628
tissuea1639
to whiten up1746
act1790
veneer1875
histrionize1876
window dress1913
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 393 Forr þi þatt teȝȝ forr idell ȝellp..Shæwenn biforenn oþre menn. Godnesse & rihhtwisnesse.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 6294 He..asailede edmond vaste Mid al þe strengþe þat he miȝte & ssewede more þer to.
?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) i. xx. f. 12v (MED) Þei schewe outward meknesse in habite, in holi speche, in a lowli beringe..bute..hit is but feynid.
25.
a. transitive (reflexive). With complement (sometimes preceded by for or as). To exhibit or portray oneself in a specified light or character; to manifest or exemplify a specified quality, etc., in one's behaviour. Also with infinitive clause. Cf. sense 21b(c).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (reflexive)] > by action or behaviour
showc1175
acquit1642
evincec1804
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16520 Forr godd himm shæweþþ towarrd te. Aȝȝ o þatt illke wise Þatt tu þe shæwesst towarrd himm. I þohht. i word. i dede.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 47 (MED) Leuedys and..maydynes..sseweþ ham uayre ydiȝt.
c1350 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 58 (MED) Show þe for modir als tou is.
a1500 St. Brendan's Confession (Lamb.) l. 259 in Geibun-Kenkyu (1968) 25 15 (MED) Ofte tymes haue I schewid me wilfully oþerwise and betir outward, þan I haue be inward.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 108 (MED) He shewed himself to you as a naturall fader and hadde pite vpon you.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. clxi Shewe your selfe an aide, a defendour of the Church, and god shall reward you.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. I. ii. v. sig. K.iiv/1 Shew thee self such an one to thy parents, as thou wouldest wish to haue thy children shewe them selues to thee.
c1590 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta ii. iii. 797 Now will I shew my selfe to haue more of the Serpent Then the Doue.
1615 R. Cocks Diary (1883) I. 31 He shewed hym selfe a fermer frend to Zanzaber..then to me.
a1657 J. Balfour Hist. Wks. (1824) II. 170 By this acte of his he shew himselue to be a stoute souldier, rather then a wysse generall.
1762 E. Farneworth tr. N. Machiavelli Wks. I. 411 As the Pope had shewn himself a Wolf rather than a Shepherd, they took all necessary measures to prevent his devouring them.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. III. iv. vii. 271 Anxious to shew himself Patriot.
1873 W. Black Princess of Thule xix. 308 He had shown himself..inconsiderate to the verge of cruelty.
1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children xi. 80 Mrs. Halliday had shown herself to possess a dainty taste.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 512/2 As a legate, Albornoz showed himself to be an astute manager of men and effective fighter.
1939 I. M. Tarbell All in Day's Work xviii. 365 I always came away..with a rather humiliated feeling that I had shown myself an amateur in a conversation where he was very much the expert.
2006 D. Frank in M. D. Baker Proclaiming Scandal of Cross xii. 123 The prospect of speaking up in class made me tremble; I was sure I'd show myself for a fool.
2014 Daily Mail 26 Aug. 6/2 Mr Salmond was seeking to show himself as an emoter, a reacher-outer.
†b. transitive (reflexive). To profess or declare oneself (truly or falsely) to be what is expressed by the complement. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (reflexive)] > claim, maintain, or profess
sayOE
showc1175
make?c1225
pretend1415
support?1471
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12971 He. Swa wollde uss ȝifenn bisne. Þatt uss ne birrþ uss sellfenn nohht. Þurrh modiȝnesse shæwenn.
?c1436 Duke Burgundy (Rome) l. 60 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 88 (MED) Phelippe..Thou shewedest thyself assoilled by a cardinal, The which was withoute power papall.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iii. ii. f. lv Euery body oughte to shewe hym self suche as he is.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 194 Al þay þat schoth hom holy to man syght, forto be praysyd of hom.
c. transitive (reflexive). Of a quality, condition, etc.: to manifest itself; to become evident or apparent.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (reflexive)]
awnc1175
reveal1493
demonstrate1553
present1585
manifest1726
showa1768
announce1768
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 21 Þis zenne him sseaweþ ine uele maneres.
?1520 A. Barclay tr. Sallust Cron. Warre agaynst Iugurth l. 70v My vertue sheweth it selfe playnelie ynough without glosedde or payntedde wordes.
1582 R. Browne Treat. 23 Matt. in R. Harrison & R. Browne Writings (1953) 302 All wickednes..sheweth it selfe in prophanes and worldlines.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 49 Hidden treason, be it neuer so well dissembled, must at length shew it selfe.
1694 Bp. G. Burnet Four Disc. Ep. Ded. p. iv We sided so openly, and with a Zeal that shewed it self on all occasions.
1707 Duke of Marlborough Let. 6 June in H. L. Snyder Marlborough–Godolphin Corr. (1975) II. 797 Partiality will show itself when party is concerned.
a1768 T. Secker Serm. Several Subj. (1770) I. ix. 214 To hinder any other Distemper..from shewing itself by its common Effects.
1831 W. Scott Count Robert ix, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. I. 269 The same bold and arrogant disposition showed itself in occasional quarrels with their unwilling hosts.
1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire vi. 104 The tendency was one which showed itself in various..directions.
1907 Economist 7 Sept. 1507/1 Investment buying has begun to show itself in stocks.
1991 N. J. Hall Trollope ii. 20 In 1823..Mrs Trollope induced Thomas Anthony to take her on holiday to Paris. Her wanderlust was beginning to show itself.
2002 New Scientist 2 Mar. 7/1 The new force would have a repelling effect, showing itself via tiny particles..slowly emitted from protons and neutrons.
26.
a.
(a) transitive. To display (kindness, mercy, courtesy or discourtesy, rudeness, etc.) to a person by one's actions or behaviour; to accord or grant (favour, honour, grace, etc.); to do (a favour, a courtesy). With to, towards; also with double object.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > ordain, prescribe, or appoint
asetc885
teachc897
deemc900
ashapea1000
i-demeOE
setc1000
shiftc1000
stevenOE
redeOE
willOE
lookc1175
showc1175
stablea1300
devise1303
terminea1325
shapec1330
stightlea1375
determinec1384
judgea1387
sign1389
assize1393
statute1397
commanda1400
decree1399
yarka1400
writec1405
decreetc1425
rule1447
stallc1460
constitute1481
assignc1485
institute1485
prescribec1487
constitue1489
destinate1490
to lay down1493
make?a1513
call1523
plant1529
allot1532
stint1533
determ1535
appointa1538
destinec1540
prescrive1552
lot1560
fore-appoint1561
nominate1564
to set down1576
refer1590
sort1592
doom1594
fit1600
dictate1606
determinate1636
inordera1641
state1647
fix1660
direct1816
OE Genesis A (1931) 1581 Þær he freondlice on his agenum fæder are ne wolde gesceawian.]
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) 1041 Propitiari. Þatt maȝȝ onn ennglissh nemmnedd ben Millcenn. & shæwenn are.
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 49 (MED) Godalmihtin haueð isceaweð us wel muchele grace.
a1300 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 140 Þe muchel þoleburne [read þoleburdnesse]..Þat þu schawedest mon-kunne.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) 263 Merci nele he shewe non.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14303 Mikel luue he hir sceud þar.
a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 119 (MED) To shew rigoure þer as fauour awght to be shewid.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxiv. 27 Felix willynge to shewe the Iewes a pleasure.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. x. 10 And though the phisician shewe his helpe neuer so longe.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. sig. D2 But to Duess' each one himselfe did payne All kindnesse and faire courtesie to shew.
1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Persian Wars i. 5 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian That onely is pure gratitude, which is shewen to the dead.
1667 S. Pepys Diary 9 Oct. (1974) VIII. 470 He is troubled that my wife shows my sister no countenance.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 302 He told me there were two desperate Villains among them, that it was scarce safe to shew any Mercy to.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. xli. 211 Had she been left unprepossessedly to herself, she would have shewn favour to me.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1772 I. 354 Else we should have shewn his lady more civilities.
1842 T. Wright Biogr. Brit. Lit.: Anglo-Saxon Period 343 One who had continued during five years to brave the systematical hostility shown towards the Christians by the victorious Arabs.
1870 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Gleanings 2nd Ser. 20 The king shows favour to the Lollards.
1901 A. A. Grace Tales Dying Race 85 Nothing can ever make Tohitapu forget the kindness Te Wiria has shown him and his kainga.
1951 J. Neihardt When Tree Flowered xvi. 134 She has shown mercy to her children that they may live.
1991 She May 110/2 He's never shown any violence towards my daughter.
2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) xiv. 289 The risk of this ‘thought crime’ charge is that men who show any kindness to a child will be at risk.
(b) transitive. With the quality, behaviour, etc., preceded by sign of, token of, etc.
ΚΠ
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §737 He is moore worth þt repreueth or chideth a fool for his folie, shewynge hym semblant of wrathe, than he þt supporteth hym.
1545 E. Walshe Office & Duety Fighting for Countrey sig. Av Yf anye of vs, hauynge receyued offycyous pleasure at our frendes handes, wyll..shewe aparant tokens of oure good wylles to regratifye it with lyke offyce.
?1566 J. Phillip Commodye Pacient & Meeke Grissill sig. C.i Shewyng to you the fruites of true obedience.
1652 C. Cotterell tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Cassandra ii. 33 Some tears which utterly overcame her, and were like to have made her show signs of her compassion.
1677 E. Pococke Comm. Malachi iii. 66 When he [sc. God] shews tokens of his displeasure he is said to turn away; when of his favor to return.
?c1785 D. Kilner Dialogues & Lett. II. lv. 47 To little Jenny, he seems to think himself bound to shew every sign of affection.
1867 G. H. Townsend Man. Dates (new ed.) 347/2 The custom..was ordered to be henceforth discontinued..at the request of Gen. G. St. P. Lawrence, to whom the chiefs desired to show a token of respect.
1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere I. i. x. 271 As a rough tomboy of fourteen, she had shown Catherine..a good many uncouth signs of affection.
1901 Gaz. & Courier (Greenfield, Mass.) 26 Oct. 3/1 [He] showed signs of such marked generosity that the good people of Wilton were aghast.
1997 D. F. Campbell Banking on Coal iv. 47 Harrington showed a token of his friendship for Father Ronald by assigning him to the lead car during the opening of the Cabot Trail.
b. transitive. To be or constitute (an example to be followed) through one's actions, character, etc. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > a standard of conduct > act in accordance with [verb (transitive)] > set (an example)
setc1175
show?1403
shapec1610
?1403 in T. F. Simmons Lay Folks Mass Bk. (1879) 64 So for to reuel the popil, and swilk ensaumpil for to tak or scheu thaim.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 1027 Yhit þe bodys of þe world in þair kynde, Shewes us for bisens to haf in mynde, How we suld serve God in our kynde here, Als þai do þar.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iii. f. cvijv He that wylle teche other, ought to shewe good ensample.
1558–9 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) I. lxiv In respect heirof that his lordschip wald be so gude as to schew gude and edificative example.
1600 W. Vaughan Golden-groue lvii. sig. Bb Men must abstaine from Dice-play, that they might shew good example to their inferiours.
1691 W. McCarmick Farther Acct. Actions Inniskilling-men 6 Mr. Kelsy..shewing example himself, by wearing Arms, and marching in the head of them.
1704 Step to Oxf. 6 To avoid the most detestable Vice of Lying..the Rector must be free from it himself, that he may..show a good example to those committed to his Charge.
1770 J. Robertson Poems 33 Heaven's best Gift—Content attend 'em;..they long shall shew Example to Mankind below.
1852 Lamp 14 Feb. 61/1 Out of about 256 Popes who sat in the chair of St. Peter, so few failed to shew good example to the faithful.
1942 Times 21 Aug. 7/4 He threw himself wholeheartedly into his new work, never sparing himself and showing a fine example to others.
2000 Monitor (Kampala) 26 Apr. 13/5 He urged multi-party leaders to be strong-hearted, show a good example and reject any ‘devil’ trying to lure them into the Movement system.
†c. transitive. To visit (judgement) on. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > suffer (adversity or affliction) [verb (transitive)] > inflict (adversity) on or upon
teenOE
wait1303
visita1382
show1483
usurpc1485
prejudge1531
pull1550
apply1558
inflict1594
to put through the mangle1924
1483 W. Caxton in tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. clxxiv/2 He besought almyghty god to shewe his Iugement on them, and god sente to them a shameful token.
1683 tr. J.-B. de Rocoles Hist. Infamous Impostors xi. 174 Thus did God shew his Judgment on the Christians, for having abused and violated, contrary to Justice, their Faith given in his name.
a1700 J. Dryden Life Lucian (1711) 16 To deter others from Satyrizing the new Dogma's of Christianity by the Judgment shown on Lucian.
27.
†a. transitive. To put forth, exert (power or strength). With on, upon, against. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > cause to operate [verb (transitive)] > put in effective operation
yieldc1315
underbear1382
to put forthc1390
showa1398
apply?c1400
to put outc1400
exercisec1405
to put toc1410
employ?1473
enforce1490
exerce1535
adhibit?1538
addict1562
endeavour?1575
work1591
address1598
to give stream to?1611
to lay out1651
exsert1665
exert1682
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xi. ii. 572 Whanne þe wynd fyndiþ obstacle and let þat [perhaps read þan] he schowviþ his myȝt is þe strenger [emended in ed. to his myȝt and is strenge; L. sue virtutis siue fortitudinis est ostensiuus], for þanne he schewiþ most his strengþe and his violence.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 44 The romaynis..schew sik power agaynis thame yat thai slewe thair king.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Princelie Pleasures Kenelworth sig. B.ij, in Whole Wks. (1587) Syr Bruse shewing a great power vpon the land.
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 14 That night the winde began to shew his force on us, drivinge us back againe to Palma.
1606 R. Broughton Iust Answer Discouery Romish Doctr. Concl. sig. O You shew your power against a leafe, tossed with the winde, and doe persecute dried stubble.
b. transitive. To offer, attempt (resistance or opposition); to put up (a struggle). See also to show fight at Phrases 16.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > resist > make show of resistance
show1577
baya1657
to show the bull-horn1833
to put up1881
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 229/2, in Chron. I The Scots without shewing any resistance, submitted themselues vnto him.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 185 The Ionas men..without cause beat the miserable Blacks that shewed no resistance.
1685 D. Whitby Three Serm. i. 6 Men..may pretend to bear a great Affection to the Godly Party, and shew great Opposition to those whom they are pleased to call Prophane.
1762 J. Hall-Stevenson Crazy Tales 49 'Tis death to them to shew resistance.
1877 Times 18 Jan. 3/4 The Russian people is capable of showing a stubborn resistance to authority when it believes great interests to be at stake.
1903 Free Russia June 62/1 Whenever Jews themselves attempted to gather and to show armed resistance, the police and military instantly attacked, disarmed, and dispersed them.
1981 Animal Behaviour 29 1273/1 Individuals may show struggle and resistance as a normal part of their sexual behaviour.
1999 V. Tsesis All in Family v. 60 Henrietta..pulled the Walkman from his hand and the earphones from his head. Taken by surprise, the boy showed no resistance.
2011 Daily Mirror (Nexis) 21 Oct. Gaddafi was taken out of a sewage pipe. He didn't show any resistance.
28.
a. transitive. Of anything capable of fluctuation or variation: to be seen or observed to undergo (an increase, decrease, etc.).
ΚΠ
1791 T. Coxe Brief Exam. Lord Sheffield's Observ. on Commerce U.S. iii. 40 It is not improbable..that the great quantities of goods shipt since 1789..would show a considerable increase in the last and present years.
1834 Caledonian Mercury 13 Jan. The imports last year showed an increase of full 5000 puncheons.
1883 Stubbs' Merc. Gaz. 8 Nov. 982/2 Grey shirtings show a falling-off of over 90,000 yards.
1914 Mining & Engin. World 27 June 1220/2 Conditions at the Eagle & Blue Bell property are showing a gradual improvement.
1960 Daily Tel. 14 June 1/1 Accidents involving motor-scooters showed the greatest percentage increase, 61 per cent.
2005 New Yorker 3 Oct. 106/1 On February 15, 1870, his pulse..showed a rise from 90 to 124.
b. transitive. To yield (a profit, a loss).
ΚΠ
1819 Earl of Lauderdale in Three Lett. Causes State Exchanges Introd. p. viii The Exchange therefore shows a profit on such a remittance, of 4,298 grains of Silver.
1856 Times 29 Nov. 5/1 (advt.) Letting to weekly tenants..shows a profit income of £112 a year.
1926 Spectator 2 Jan. 11/2 If the brisling fisheries fail the Stavanger Theatre shows a loss.
1932 ‘N. Shute’ Lonely Road ii. 30 His flight showed a profit of six hundred per cent. on the capital involved.
2005 J. Diamond Collapse (2006) xiii. 414 The farmer clearing land in the reef's watershed..may show a profit to himself as a result of his activities, but Australia as a whole shows a loss.
29.
a. intransitive. With adverb. Esp. of a commercial concern or commodity: to be observed to be performing well, badly, etc. Also with adjective complement (cf. sense 33a(a)).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (intransitive)] > offer, promote, or advertise sale
show1849
list1952
launch1968
1849 Bell's Life in Sydney 29 Dec. The Cumberland [cricket team]..did not show so well by any means as they are in the habit of doing on their own ground at Parramatta.
1856 Daily News 4 Nov. 7/2 The slope makes very satisfactory progress, now 10 fathoms, with 6 fathoms more to shaft No. 3, and the lode, though varying, still showing well.
1885 St. Louis (Missouri) Globe-Democrat 27 Dec. 19/4 The clearings in the associated banks were very good, showing well compared to last week.
1893 Daily Mining Record (Denver) 28 Nov. Mollie Gibson is showing very weak today, plenty of the stock being offered at $1.82½ to $1.87½.
1962 Financial Times 21 Sept. 3/1 Internationals hardly changed but Unilever showed firm on local speculative demand.
1982 Times 13 July 16/1 Glaxo showed strongly, moving up 12p on revised profit forecasts.
2003 Sun (Nexis) 29 Oct. Vodafone showed strongly as it signed an exclusive deal to carry ringtones and games based on The Simpsons TV show.
b. intransitive. Of wine: to come across well, better, etc.; to make a good impression when tasted.
ΚΠ
1863 Class III Section C 12 in Rep. Juries Internat. Exhib. 1862 As in the other Australian colonies, they promise well, the white wines showing better than the red.
1888 Bonfort's Wine & Spirit Circular 25 Apr. 279/1 The new wines show better than ever after the rackings.
1969 Irish Times 4 Jan. 12/4 The '66 vintage always showed well from the moment it would be tasted.
1980 M. Broadbent Great Vintage Wine Bk. 349 There were few failures—notably two Dom Pérignons in poor condition,..though also in 1977 Laurent Perrier was showing well.
2014 Wall St. Jrnl. 22 Nov. d12/6 Of all the Cabernet we tasted..only one—the 1997—didn't show well.
V. To direct sight or attention to (an object), and related senses.
30.
a. To direct a person's sight or attention to, or to enable a person to discover or identify (an object), as by pointing at it, or by bringing him or her to a place where it can be seen. Often (now usually) with the viewer or observer as indirect object. †to show with one's finger [after classical Latin monstrāre digitō] : to point at (obsolete).to show (a person) the way: see Phrases 2a.
(a) transitive. With simple object.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > pointing out > point out [verb (transitive)]
teacha900
showa1225
brevea1377
ensign1477
point1477
note1521
demonstrate1534
appointa1547
to put (also lay) one's (also the) finger on1574
remark1592
outpoint1595
finger1619
clewa1625
notice1627
denote1632
indicate1651
to index outa1796
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > hand gesture > [verb (transitive)] > express with fingers > point to
showa1225
fingera1425
point1477
indigit1603
indigitate1623
digit1628
digitate1658
digitize1736
indicate1808
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 41 Seodðan he him sceaude an ouen on berninde fure.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 289 His buriel is ȝit i-schewed in þe est side of Kent.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12979 Þat warlau..bar him forth..Apon þe heist fell he faand And þare he scaud him þe land.
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) 59 Þanne þei caire wiþ þe king hur cavus to schewe.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 9 Quhen he schewe with his fyngir the sone of god jn figure of a lambe.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxi. 371 Nascien..seide, ‘My feire sones, lo, hym yonde..’, and shewde hym with his fynger.
1569 T. Underdowne tr. Heliodorus Æthiop. Hist. vii. 94 b Therefore folowe this woman (shewing them Cibele).
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. vii. 18 b The Pilot..did then foorthwith shew them the water.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. i. 24 They shew me the Crub or Stall where he was borne.
1654 tr. J. Bulteel Serm. preached in French Church 23 The Comedian, who crying with a loud voice, O heaven, shewed with his finger the earth.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 60 A Stranger is always shown the Tomb of Pope Lucius.
1814 W. Scott Diary 19 Aug. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1837) III. vi. 217 Mr. Anderson showed me the spot where the Norwegian monarch, Haco, moored his fleet.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxix. 360 I can show you her room, Mum, and the press [printed prees] in the housekeeper's room.
1903 W. D. Howells Lett. Home xxiv. 156 I..showed her the view of the other side of the street.
1932 W. Faulkner Light in August ii. 48 He shows her the yellow pillar of smoke standing tall and windless above the trees.
1991 J. Connor Distortions 38 ‘Oh you're ill all right,’ the doctor told him and showed him the shadows on his lungs.
2010 D. K. Davies True Things about Me 29 My dad took me out into the garden. He wanted to show me the bronze fennel.
(b) transitive. With clause as object (typically introduced by where).Sometimes with mixture of sense 19a(b).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > pointing out > point out [verb (transitive)] > a place where
showc1300
c1300 St. John Baptist (Laud) 104 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 32 To tweie Monekus at Ierusalem him-sulf he cam bi niȝhte And schewede heom ȝware is heued lay.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6609 (MED) Sceus [Fairf. shew, Gött. schews, Trin. Cambr. sheweþ] me son..Quar yee haue þe manna hidd.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxi. 371 We praye yow that ye will vs shewen where he is, that we may hym knowen.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxi. 212 I desyre you to shew me where ye have ben.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. ii. 68 He shall drinke naught but brine, for Ile not shew him Where the quicke Freshes are. View more context for this quotation
1747 T. Gray Ode Eton Coll. 6 Ah, shew them where in Ambush stand To seize their Prey the murth'rous Band!
1843 G. P. R. James Commissioner xi. 78 I will go and seek the housekeeper and make her show me which is to be my room.
1877 T. De W. Talmage Serm. 337 God shows them where to fall.
1914 ‘B. M. Bower’ Flying U Ranch 7 Some of the boys'll show you where to bed down.
1964 M. Stewart This Rough Magic (1965) xx. 232 They sat me on the pillion, showed me where to put my feet.
2002 L. Fraser-Gooda in L. Purcell Black Chicks Talking 113 He told me Dreamtime stories,..showed me where my ancestors are buried.
(c) transitive. With inanimate subject: to serve to direct sight or attention to (the location of something); to mark. Also with clause as object.
ΚΠ
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. v. f. 56v The destruccion of this citie was such that the foundacion thereof at this daye coulde not be found, but that the riuer of Araxes doth shew where it stode.
1640 J. Parkinson Theatrum Botanicum v. lxxxvi. 662 Both Clusius and he doe thinke it may be the Hydnophyllus [sic] of Pamphylus in Athenaus, because it shewed where those puffes doe grow.
1723 W. Cheselden Treat. High Operation for Stone 132 The back of that bending is furrowed, that it [sc. the catheter]..may not slip aside, as soon as it being raised up shall have shown the place of the future incision in the hypogastrium.
1799 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 89 232 The dark margin, round the grinding surface, shows where the gum was attached.
1841 E. Rigby Resid. Shores Baltic II. xix. 127 The wood was strewn with cairns of moss-grown stones..which showed where a plague-smitten body rested.
1894 Biblical World 4 182 Only a broken arch..remains to show the place of the bridge which led across to the Temple area.
1925 Woman's World (Chicago) Apr. 22/3 The badger..will vanish, leaving behind him merely a pile of fresh upturned earth to show where he has dug himself out of sight.
1992 Independent (Nexis) 10 Oct. 44 On one stretch of the road..you pass roadside markers showing the various positions of the front line during the war.
2008 B. Cornwell Agincourt (2009) 29 It was a battle scar, showing where an arrow had slashed into the corner between nose and eye.
b. transitive. With reference to mental consideration rather than sight or other physical perception: to refer to (a person or thing) as being what is required or called for in a particular situation, or as satisfying particular criteria; to cite, instance. Chiefly with me as indirect object. Esp. in rhetorical constructions implying the difficulty or impossibility of finding such a person or thing.Sometimes with colouring of sense 20d(a).show me —— and I'll show you ——: see Phrases 10.
ΚΠ
1547 J. Hooper Answer Detection Deuyls Sophistrye sig. K4 Let them shew me ony miracle that god dyd upon the erthe lik unto there inuisible miracle.
?1548 A. Gilby Answer Deuillish Detection S. Gardiner f. Cxliv Can you shewe me any thinge in the worlde either spirituall or worldly that is boeth the figur and the thing figured the signe and the thinge signified?
1568 W. Turner Herbal iii. 64 But who can shewe me any kinde of Rheon ponticum, that purgeth? none I trowe.
1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 156 Iosephus doth not confidently say it: shew me any such confidence or disconfidence in Iosephus, and I yeeld vnto all the Iewes.
1682 E. Pearse Conformist's 2nd Plea for Nonconformists 47 But can they shew any one Man they have brought over to a sincere and hearty Conformity?
1729 T. Odell Smugglers i. 10 Show me an honest Man, as Times go, that can maintain a Woman: No, no, the Expences of Life an't so easily acquir'd.
1791 J. Trapp tr. J. W. von Archenholz Picture of Italy I. v. 147 This country, which has produced so many excellent poets, cannot show a single elegant prosaic writer.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxviii. 241 Show me a cavalry chief like him now that Murat is gone.
1869 M. Arnold Urania in Poems II. 102 Yet show her once, ye heavenly Powers, One of some worthier race than ours!
1922 Jersey Bull. 13 Sept. 2175/2 All honor to ‘Old Gramp’... Can anyone anywhere show me his equal, at anywhere near his age?
1960 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 11 Oct. 21/1 You show us any unbeaten team and we'll show you where luck has been a traveling companion.
2002 Times of India 27 Oct. (Men & Women Suppl.) 1/3 He parries, ‘Show me one man who'd like to grow up. Men never want to grow up.’
31. transitive. To bring (a book, letter, etc.) to the attention of another person so that it may be read or examined. Usually with to or double object.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > let (a person) read
showc1325
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 10166 (MED) Þe bissops wende..to þis king Ion & lettres þat þe pope hom sende him ssewede monion.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 156 I made my way in my commyng hamward vnto Rome to schew my buke till oure haly fader þe Pape.
1482 Cronycles Eng. (Caxton) lxi. sig. c8 They went anon to hym that was wardeyn of the toune. and told hym the kynges wyll, and his lettre shewed hym, wherfor they were come thyder.
1546 S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles f. iiiv I layed that mysreport of me, to his charge, and there shewed him the boke, to se saynt Austins wordes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) v. ii. 72 You haue done me much vngentlenesse, To shew the letter that I writ to you. View more context for this quotation
1677 H. Savile Let. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 12th Rep. App. Pt. V: MSS Duke of Rutland (1889) 43 in Parl. Papers (C. 5889–II) XLIV. 393 The Grantham verses you sent me I shewd Sir Robert Carr, and asked him if he made them.
1734 J. Swift Let. 4 June in Wks. (1884) XVIII. 191 I will shew the paper to every female scrawler I meet.
1799 Rep. Distilleries Scotl. (House of Commons) App. 215 When you were taking our Stock, we shewed you our Cellar Book, which is not what we would have done to every Person.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlv. 403 I showed Lord Steyne your pamphlet on malt.
1855 R. Browning Grammarian's Funeral 48 What's in the scroll..thou keepest furled? Shew me their shaping, Theirs, who most studied man, the bard and sage.
1908 E. M. Forster Room with View xviii. 272 I was coming to show you this delightful letter.
1955 J. Kerouac Let. 20 Jan. in J. Kerouac & A. Ginsberg Lett. (2010) 270 I showed your..letter to Eugene... His comment: ‘Don't show it to my father.’
1965 F. Gerrard Macgregor's Struct. Meat Animals (ed. 2) x. 196 The author has been shown a book..which gave the word ‘Jumat’ as meaning the offspring of a cow got by a stallion.
2007 C. MacFarlane Real Gorbals Story (2009) xxv. 202 One elderly guy showed us a newspaper cutting from 1949.
32.
a. transitive. To guide, lead, or conduct (a person) in a specified direction or to a particular destination, as to, into a particular place or room, over or through the various parts of a building, etc.Perhaps in origin an elliptical form of to show (a person) the way (see Phrases 2a).See also to show around at Phrasal verbs 1, to show in at Phrasal verbs 1, to show out 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, to show round at Phrasal verbs 1, to show up 2 at Phrasal verbs 1; to show around —— at Phrasal verbs 2, to show round —— at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > bring in > a person into a house, room, or vessel
admit1434
showc1450
to take in?a1475
enter1523
inducea1535
to show ina1640
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > show a person (in, out, etc.)
showc1450
takea1827
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4049 And þar þai schewid him in schurrys to schellis & to caues.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. M4 Goe maide shew him to the further chamber.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. ii. 19 Come good sir, will yov shew me to this house. View more context for this quotation
1637 R. Monro Exped. Scots Regim. i. 65 One of our souldiers shewing them over the worke.
1681 Acct. Tryals Notorious Malefactors 1 He and two more of his Fellow-Thieves, coming, in, and calling for a Room, were shewed up Stairs, into a Chamber.
1698 G. Granville Heroick Love i. i. 3 No Friendly Ray, to shew us to our Tents, But a dim Red, that overcasts the Sky.
1727 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 23 June (1966) II. 78 She was shew'd upstairs to Miss Titchburne.
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. li. 159 The grim janitor..shewed me into a parlour.
1766 T. Smollett Trav. France & Italy I. viii. 139 I was directed to a lodging house at Lyons, which being full they shewed us to a tavern.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) ii. 14 You may be sure that she showed Rebecca over every room of the house.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 287 She was shown into Mr. Stutting's private room.
1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley xiii. 90 So as to be ready when Mrs. Hope should require showing to her carriage.
1918 W. M. Kirkland Joys of being Woman iv. 44 A tall polyglot young Dutchman showed me through a most delicious cheese factory.
1944 G. Heyer Friday's Child xix. 225 She had been shown all over the vast pile, even down to the linen and stillrooms.
1976 P. Cave High Flying Birds iv. 52 Lorna showed us into the villa and put some low, slow background music on the stereo.
2015 Austral. Financial Rev. (Nexis) 5 Mar. 49 We met buyers and showed them through the house.
b. transitive. With double object. To direct a person's attention to the various parts or features of (a country, town, building, or any complex object); to guide (a person) round (a building, etc.).
ΚΠ
1674 W. Cunningham Diary (1887) 38 To the man that shewed us Lesly house..02 10 0.
a1734 R. North Lives of Norths (1890) III. 171 I walked them all over the house to shew the rooms and buildings.
1813 W. Scott Let. 13 July (1932) III. 300 I spent part of Sunday in showing them the Abbey and other memorables.
1872 C. D. Warner Saunterings 32 A smartly-dressed Israelite took off his hat to us, and offered to show us the city.
1906 M. Everett Compl. Story San Francisco Earthquake xxi. 242 The caretakers and guides..who, for 2 francs, show the tourists the ruins of the ancient forum, the amphitheater, [etc.].
1992 P. Theroux Happy Isles Oceania ix. 237 Usually I pestered him to show me the tabu-groves, where the megapode birds were worshiped.
2013 Calgary Herald (Nexis) 6 July g1 Our guide Ruby starts by showing us the Old Port.
VI. To be or become visible, be seen, to have a (specified) appearance.
33.
a.
†(a) intransitive. With complement. To appear to be; to look, seem. Obsolete.Sometimes hard to distinguish from sense 35.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)] > seem
thinkeOE
beseem?c1225
semblec1325
show1340
supposea1393
appeara1425
resemble?a1425
think1425
seem1570
'pear1851
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 44 Huanne þo þet zelleþ be wyȝte purchaceþ and makeþ zuo moche þet þet þing þet me ssel weȝe sseweþ more heuy.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 11 (MED) Who sit hiȝest, sche [sc. Fortune] can doun hym enclyne..And with hir face þat partid is on tweyne Schewen most hool whan sche is leste to triste.
c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 781 (MED) Al is nat gold that outward shewith bright.
1513–14 Act 5 Henry VIII c. 4 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 94 If the same Worsted..taketh any Wete incontynent it will skowe [sic] spotte and shewe foule.
1572 in W. Barker Nobility of Women (1904) 31 Hitherto he hath shewid an Obstinate and a Fole.
1592 T. Tymme Plaine Discouerie Ten Eng. Lepers E 3 A Woolfe in a sheepes skinne sheweth a dead sheepe.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) i. ii. 82 The Pope to make his Jurisdiction to shew greater then it is, giveth many titles.
1694 tr. F. Martens Voy. Spitzbergen 19 in Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. These Snow-Mountains show very strange to those that never saw them before.
1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture II. 17 b Lead..shews very handsome, and is not very expensive.
1747 B. Hoadly Suspicious Husband ii. iv Why, how dull and phlegmatick do you shew to me now?
1812 Examiner 11 May 292/1 Poor..soils..show..very thin.
1863 C. C. Clarke Shakespeare-characters iv. 101 How daintily epicurean the fellow shows.
1893 Oxf. Mag. 1 Nov. 40/2 The wood when cut showed sound as a bell.
(b) intransitive. With like. To resemble, or have the appearance of; to look or seem like. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > be similar [verb (intransitive)] > resemble or take after
to braid ofc1275
anliken1340
liken1340
semblec1400
showc1425
to draw after ——a1500
to be cast in a (particular) mould1745
assimilate1768
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) Prol. l. 11 Brent and coleryk, Of colour schewyng lyche the fyry glede, Whos feerce lokes ben as ful of drede As the levene.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie xliv Dishonest woordes ech part of other, Do speake a like much: which showth like dishonestee, In both these parts.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lii. 510 A white substance or pith, the whiche being drawen out, sheweth like long, white..threds.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear iv. 238 This our court infected with their manners, showes like a riotous Inne. View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1675 (1955) IV. 70 Holmby house, which being demolished in the late Civil Warre, shews like a Roman ruine.
1713 J. Smith tr. G. Chaucer in Poems upon Several Occasions 314 Her lovely Mouth, and Lips of Ruby, shew Like blushing Cherries pearl'd with Morning Dew.
1767 ‘Coriat Junior’ Another Traveller! I. 375 The superstitiously-zealous in their own way, they would shew like a company of saints.
1839 Monthly Chron. Nov. 551/1 From the High Bridge, the Rennet now showed like a mirror.
1877 J. S. Blackie Wise Men Greece 137 We shall show like an army of crows marching against eagles.
1912 Collier's 14 Dec. 24/1 It was practically a dead calm; the sea, apart from a few ripples, showed like a floor.
1956 P. O'Brian Golden Ocean i. 19 It will never do to show like a scrub.
†(c) intransitive. With as though, as if. To look or seem as if. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)]
looka1225
to make semblantc1290
to make or show (a specified) semblancea1387
showc1480
show1526
eyea1616
aspect1635
face1669
regard1820
feature1941
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. BBvi Pretendyng and shewyng outwardly, as though it were of very mekenesse.
1579 J. Frampton tr. B. de Escalante Disc. Nauigation viii. f. 20 The timber that these houses are made of is..died with certaine waters which sheweth as if it were the collour of Damaske well neere of the collour of golde.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. vii. 18 b Skirmishing with their dartes, and showing as though they..wold defende the water.
1657 Earl of Monmouth tr. P. Paruta Politick Disc. 102 The Romans..in all their actions shewed as if they desired nothing but glory.
1694 Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. 67 The Wood shews in many places as if there were Plantations.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 214 It makes all the houses shew as if they were cover'd with snow.
1725 A. Pope Wks. Shakespear I. Pref. p. xii Which shows as if the friendship had continued thro' life.
1770 M. Towle Young Gentleman & Lady's Private Tutor ii. ii. 93 You must sit upright, and kneel upright, and stand upright; if you do not, it will shew as though you was idle.
1824 F. McDonogh Highlanders II. xi. 285 Their Gaelic conference seemed the very quintescence [sic] of a dispatch, and showed as though it comprised the history of every man and every beast that had ever lived.
1891 Strand Mag. May 496/1 The Only Mate..showed as if he had been towed overboard during the greater part of the night.
†b. intransitive. With infinitive. To appear or seem (to be or do something); to affect, profess, pretend; to be seen evidently to be or do something. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)] > make specific appearance
to make semblantc1230
showc1405
to make (a) countenance1470
countenance1486
to make semblancea1500
semble1542
to give a visage1549
to make resemblance1566
to set a countenance1600
figure1762
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, dissemble [verb (intransitive)]
letc1000
faitc1330
counterfeitc1374
dissimulec1374
feignc1400
showc1405
supposea1450
fare1483
simule?a1500
dissemble1523
pretend1526
frame1545
cloakc1572
jouk1573
pretent1582
disguisea1586
devise1600
semble1603
coin1607
insimulate1623
fox1646
sham1787
dissimulate1796
gammon1819
to let on1822
simulate1823
possum1832
simulacrize1845
to put on an act1929
to put on (also up) a show1937
prat1967
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §228 Whan he sheweth to doon a thyng openly and werketh pryuely the contrarie.
a1450 (?1419–20) Friar Daw's Reply (Digby) l. 870 in P. L. Heyworth Jack Upland (1968) 99 & ȝit ȝour sect susteynes wommen to seie massis, Shewyng to trete a sacrament as preestes þat þei were.
?1532 C. St. German Treat. Diuision Spirytualtie & Temporaltie i. sig. A4v They shewe outwardly to ryse agaynst all the thynges before rehersed..and yet they knowe and beleue in theyr hertes, that all these thynges be of them selfe ryght good and profytable.
1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Comm. Notable Thinges in tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 334 There are many mountaines which shewe to haue mettals.
1620 Horæ Subseciuæ 490 You shall finde some to flatter..most, when they shew to be most opposite against it.
1653 H. Cogan tr. N. N. Scarlet Gown 60 The Pope..received him very graciously, and shewed to be glad of his recovered liberty.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory i. iv. 38/1 This sheweth to be a Shield much in Warr which hath received many blows upon, and cuts into it.
c. intransitive. With adverb or adverbial phrase. To present a specified appearance; to make a (good, bad, etc.) show or display.In recent use chiefly of animals being exhibited in a show, competition, etc. (cf. sense 4d).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)]
looka1225
to make semblantc1290
to make or show (a specified) semblancea1387
showc1480
show1526
eyea1616
aspect1635
face1669
regard1820
feature1941
c1480 (a1400) St. John Baptist 645 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 241 Lowing in-to kine wel scheuis, þat is enhornit with gud thewis.
1529 T. Paynell tr. Assaute & Conquest Heuen xi. sig. E.iiv As purpull sheweth well vpon white: so charite becometh well an inocent and a deuoute person.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits x. 135 Other sermons shew verie well in paper; but at their preaching no man listeth to giue eare because [etc.].
1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor ii. i. sig. E Hee would shew well vpon a Habberdashers stall, at a corner shop rarely. View more context for this quotation
1613 F. Beaumont Knight of Burning Pestle iv. sig. Hv It will shew ill-fauouredly to haue a Grocers prentice to court a kings daughter.
1632 T. Hawkins tr. P. Matthieu Vnhappy Prosperitie 243 Great wealth shews ill without honours.
1764 T. Reid Inq. Human Mind i. 30 It [sc. a puppet] shews tolerably by candle-light.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 71 The lady-patronesses..contenting themselves with seeing the charity-children show well in procession to Church.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. i. 9 Her imperfect and unequal gait, which shewed to peculiar disadvantage as she traversed this long gallery.
1851 J. H. Newman Lect. Present Position Catholics Eng. 19 Here, again, things would show very differently, if Catholics had the painting.
1906 B. Dean Chimaeroid Fishes & Their Devel. 12 The dorsal spine shows brightly in the water, forming a conspicuous anterior rim to the dorsal fin.
1912 Times 19 Dec. 13/5 He [sc. a prize dog] moved and showed well and deserved his honours.
1957 R. Hoggart Uses of Literacy (1958) ii. 27 ‘'E shows well for it anyway’ (of a well-nourished child).
1962 R. H. Gibson Robert Hopkin 106 What may look dull and uneven by daylight shows handsomely under artificial light.
2015 Whitefish (Montana) Pilot (Nexis) 24 Feb. Madison Square Garden can be quite intimidating for dogs... She handled it like a trooper and showed beautifully in front of the crowd and cameras.
34.
a.
(a) intransitive. Of an emotion, characteristic, etc.: to be or become apparent or evident.
ΚΠ
c1390 Cato's Distichs (Vernon) l. 316 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 579 (MED) Sunnes askapen ofte in tounes, And schewen In tyme and blinne.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 857 (MED) Hate is a wraththe noght schewende.
a1400 (c1300) Northern Homily: Serm. on Gospels (Coll. Phys.) in Middle Eng. Dict. (at cited word) For quatkin wer sal fal in land Til pouer folk es it sarest schouand.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 487 His sorwe Gan multeplie, þat..It shewed in his hewe.
?a1500 tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (Harl.) (1942) 50 (MED) Where trew love js, hytt scheweth; hyt wyl nost [read noȝt] feyne.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 29 The disposicion of a manne dooeth not shewe so clere in his face.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxxvi. 158 b True religion..began to shew and take root.
1614 T. Overbury et al. Characters in Wife now Widdow (4th impr.) sig. F The sinnes of other women shew in Landscip, far off and full of shadow; hers in Statue, neere hand, and bigger in the life.
1806 Inq. Present State Foreign Relations of Union 68 No elegance nor splendor shall shew in your country.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped ix. 73 It was plain he meant more by the words than showed upon the face of them.
1902 H. James Wings of Dove I. iv. vii. 163 English girls had a special, strong beauty, and it particularly showed in evening dress.
1985 Times 14 Sept. 8/3 Official resentment of this Soviet boosterism was beginning to show.
1991 A. Brookner Closed Eye ix. 99 Miss Wetherby had a certain authority, which showed in her absolute failure to return winning or placatory smiles.
2008 Sunday Express (Nexis) 21 Sept. 115 The nerves were showing now and it was left to Karlsson..to halve the game.
(b) intransitive. Of a fact, state of affairs, etc.: to be apparent or evident from observable features or characteristics. Esp. with it as subject, referring back to a statement.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > probability, likelihood > be or seem likely [verb (intransitive)]
appeara1530
to have some show1556
think1579
to look like1594
to put fairc1595
had liked to1600
to show for ——1776
fare1850
show1901
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > be self-evident [verb (intransitive)]
'pear1463
to answer for itself1570
speak1689
to speak for itself1779
show1901
1901 Daily Rev. (Decatur, Illinois) 7 Sept. 1/4 All vital organs, including the heart, are affected and it shows by the pulse.
1934 Athens (Ohio) Messenger 1 Mar. 5/2 She had been ‘shamed to the sinning heart’ of her and it showed.
1989 C. Harman S. Townsend Warner: Biogr. ii. 46 If Nora depended on Ronald, she didn't let it show.
2003 People (Nexis) 31 Aug. 27 This game means a lot to him and so will the captaincy but that won't show.
2011 S. Attwood Hard Time iv. 67 I was rusty, and it showed.
†b. intransitive. impersonal or with non-referential it as subject: (it) is seen or shown, appears, is plain. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (intransitive)]
seem1340
to prove wellc1387
showa1393
appearc1400
to stare (a person) in the face1510
sparkle1597
shinea1616
transpear1645
relate1663
it is visible1693
to speak out1846
notice1961
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (impersonal)] > clearly visible
showa1393
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 626 It scheweth ek how he can werche Among tho wyde furred hodes.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §32. 42 As shewith by the canoun of thi kalender.
?c1450 (a1388) tr. Richard of Wallingford Exafrenon (Digby) in J. D. North Wks. Richard of Wallingford (1976) I. 205 (MED) Mercurie has 10 grees of Tauri, fro 10 unto 20 the Mone, and fro 20 unto 30 Saturne. And so forthe as it shewis in the table next folowynge.
1556 in J. G. Nichols Chron. Grey Friars (1852) 78 As it shalle shoo after.
1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xiii. 101 As schawis weill be ȝour Genalogie.
35.
a. intransitive. To be or become visible; to make an appearance, to appear. Said of things and (less commonly) persons.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17288 + 254 Þis was þe first time þat iesus,..Schewed til anyman after his vp-risyng.
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 245 Thou schalt..putte in his iȝe a collirie of thus wiþ al togidere til þe quitture schauwie.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 14 Sche lyeth in an olde castell..& scheweth twyes or thryes in the ȝeer.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iii. l. 52 Thane cometh..Anoþer proud partriche..And houeth þe eyren..and fostrith and fodith till fedris schewe.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin iii. 56 Than shewde the signe in the ayre that Merlin hadde seide.
a1540 (c1460) G. Hay tr. Bk. King Alexander 1864 Sa he bare lyk armes of Arigone, Palit yallow and red, as schawis in his blasone.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 38v Roule after a deawe, when barley doth sheawe [1577 sheaw].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) i. i. 23 The fire i'th'Flint Shewes not, till it be strooke. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Seller Coasting Pilot 93/2 If you can see Gillingham-Church, which sheweth white, right under the Point of a high Hill in the Countrey.
1758 J. Macpherson Highlander iii. 39 On her white arm the brazen buckler shows.
1763 G. Washington Diary 1 Sept. (1925) I. 187 My..Corn was just beginning to show.
1846 C. Dickens Battle of Life i. 12 The man and team at plough upon the ridge of land..showed against the sky as if they were the last things in the world.
1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley vi. 40 Where the lily-buds were just beginning to show.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad i. 2 It dawns in Asia, tombstones show, And Shropshire names are read.
1937 E. Partridge Dict. Slang 761/1 Shoot the amber, (of a motorist) to increase speed when the amber light is showing.
1985 S. Russell Stapeley Bk. Water Gardens xii. 110 Most start into growth in March though some species..do not show until late May.
2011 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 10 Sept. 13 He [sc. an elephant] has his four teeth now, but his tusks aren't showing yet.
b. intransitive. Of a thing: to be seen or revealed (through, over, under, etc., something that partly covers or conceals it). Also: to be visible as a blemish or defect. See also to show out 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to show through 1 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > as a defect
show1588
1588 W. Clowes Prooued Pract. Young Chirurgians 29 Where as the bloud beginneth to shew through all, in that place you shall specially lay a good compressor.
1592 R. Dallington tr. F. Colonna Hypnerotomachia f. 79 Her countenaunce, of the collour of the fresh Roses gathered at the rysing of the Sunne, and layde in a vessell of the Christall of Cyprus, and shewing through the same, as me thought.
1831 R. Sweet Brit. Flower Garden 2nd Ser. I. Pl. 65 Ovarium smooth and glossy, transparent, the ovula showing through it.
1842 R. Browning Soliloquy Spanish Cloister iv Can't I see his dead eye glow..That is, if he'd let it show!
1886 Manch. Examiner 13 Jan. 3/2 Were the paper a little better it would be perfect. As it is the type shows through the page.
1907 J. A. Hodges Elem. Photogr. (ed. 6) 88 Markings..which would show in the prints.
1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert v. 39 The walls and towers of Warkworth, barely showing above the woods surrounding them.
1924 Amer. Mercury Sept. 82/1 She bent over her work, her back showing white through her sleazy blouse.
1947 N. Mitchison Bull Calves i. i. 21 He was grey enough now, where his own hair showed under the tie-wig.
1974 J. Gray Canvas Work 116/1 The tension of this stitch will tend to pull the edges of the square allowing the canvas to show.
2002 S. Donati Lake in Clouds (2003) viii. 100 The fringe of steely hair that showed under the broad rim of the low-crowned hat.
2012 Nottingham Post (Nexis) 14 Mar. 20 There used to be a big gap at the back [of hospital gowns] and you used to walk along having to hold it to stop your pants showing.
c. intransitive. Oil Industry. Of a well: to give a discernible indication of the presence of oil. Cf. show n.1 12. See also to show for —— 2a at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [verb (intransitive)] > indicate presence
prospect1851
show1904
1904 Dial. Notes 2 389 Show, v., to promise oil.
1914 Fuel Oil Jrnl. May 20/1 The shallow sand districts in Nowata and Rogers counties have been fairly active in spots,..some exceptionally good wells showing in the south end.
1977 Times 2 Nov. 3 Almost five years ago to the day, Beryl [sc. an oil well] showed.
d. intransitive. colloquial. Of a woman: to manifest visible signs of being pregnant.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > pregnancy or gestation > be pregnant [verb (intransitive)] > show signs
show1936
1936 M. Mitchell Gone with the Wind xxxviii. 681 Comforting herself..with the belief that she did not show at all when thus covered.
1957 New Yorker 12 Jan. 30/3 Owing to a ‘mistake’, Bernadette was probably ‘caught’. She was beginning to ‘show’.
1990 Parents Mar. 60/2 Fifteen women..some heavily pregnant, others just showing.
2015 P. Hawkins Girl on Train 217 She was moving in, two days after I'd left... I didn't know the worst of it then—she wasn't showing.
VII. To appear in public, put in an appearance.
†36. intransitive. To appear as a representative in Parliament for. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iv. l. 30 To chese..cheualleris..To schewe for þe schire in company with þe grete.
37.
†a. intransitive. Originally: to appear in public, make a display in public. In later use chiefly colloquial: to appear in company or society; to make an appearance in a social gathering, among guests, etc. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > have social communication [verb (intransitive)] > mix in society
show1631
to go out1735
to see life1763
mix1816
to get out1835
society > leisure > social event > [verb (intransitive)] > participate in social events
show1631
racket1650
to go into society1788
to get around1798
socialize1841
butterfly1855
circulate1856
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible > make an appearance > publicly
show1631
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes Prol. for Stage 14 in Wks. II To know How many Coaches in Hide-parke did show last spring.
1671 Lady M. Bertie Let. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 12th Rep. App. Pt. V: MSS Duke of Rutland (1889) 22 in Parl. Papers (C. 5889–II) XLIV. 393 All the troopes are to show in Hide Parke beefore the Prince of Orange.
1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 215 Sunday sets the pris'ner free, He shows in Park.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs vii. 30 Marian has a hump-back and doesn't show.
1907 B. M. Croker Company's Servant xxxiii. 335 ‘Gojar never shows by day,’ explained Talbot.
†b. intransitive. colloquial. To exhibit oneself for money. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performer > appear as performer [verb (intransitive)]
appeara1616
show1898
1898 Daily News 2 Apr. 6/1 He [sc. Arthur Orton, the ‘Tichborne Claimant’] got a living by ‘showing’ in the various public-houses in the neighbourhood at entertainments got up for his benefit.
c. intransitive. North American. Horse Racing. To finish third or in the first three in a race. Cf. place v. 7b.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > engage in horse racing [verb (intransitive)] > win > be placed
show1903
1903 J. Ullman What's the Odds? 129 The customary limit of the handbooks around Chicago was twenty, eight and four, to win, place and show.
1936 H. L. Mencken Amer. Lang. (ed. 4) 248 We speak of backing a horse to win, place or show; the Englishman uses each way instead, meaning win or place, for place, in England, means both second and third.
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 13 Feb. 27/1 I myself..usually bet $200 to show, or $50-$100-$200 across the board.
2005 N.Y. Sun (Nexis) 5 May (Sports section) 27 He managed to show in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile..but the two horses..who were in front of him at the wire will be at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
38.
†a. intransitive. Boxing. To enter the ring as a combatant. Later also in other sports: to present oneself as one of the competitors at the start of a particular contest. Obsolete except as a contextual use of sense 38b.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > box [verb (intransitive)] > begin or enter ring
to set to1743
show1811
shape1855
1811 Sporting Mag. July 183/1 At twelve o'clock the combatants shewed, with their seconds.
1828 Morning Post 29 May Ward showed, and, with the exception of swollen hands, seemed as if he had never fought.
1835 Morning Post 6 Mar. The following were the conditions of the race, and the horses and riders that showed at the post.
1849 Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper 18 Feb. 10/4 At a quarter-past two the men showed in racing gear.
b. intransitive. colloquial. To put in an appearance, present oneself, turn up; = to show up 6 at Phrasal verbs 1.In early use not always clearly distinguishable from sense 37a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself
to make (one's) muster1419
presenta1425
to come fortha1535
to come forwards1550
to turn up1663
to come forward1683
report1815
to show up1827
show1848
to show the flag1937
1848 F. Tolfrey Jones's Guide Norway i. 26 The sufferers crawl from their hiding-places and begin to show on deck in small detachments.
1858 A. Trollope Dr. Thorne II. v. 91 He'll be in presently. I believe he never shews till just before dinner.
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. xiii. 127 What if I..take a look round?.. None of you need show.
1951 T. Sterling House without Door vii. 81 Big-shots like that didn't come to the police... The guy would never show.
1962 E. Birney Sel. Poems (1966) ii. 56 I stood hoping for a taxi to show.
1974 ‘J. le Carré’ Tinker, Tailor vii. 56 She didn't show... It was the first time she'd broken a date.
2005 Z. Smith On Beauty 242 They just didn't think he'd turn up. No way did they think he was going to show.

Phrases

P1.
a. to show (a person) a (clean or fair) pair of heels (also one's heels) and variants: to flee, to run away from someone or something; (in later use also) to outrun or outpace a pursuer, a fellow competitor in a race, etc. Commonly with indirect object (sometimes with to). [Compare Middle French, French montrer les talons to flee (a1400).]
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > run away from
of-runOE
to show (a person) a (clean or fair) pair of heels (also one's heels)1370
to show (a person) the (or one's) backc1450
overrun1583
run1606
shuna1616
bail1775
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > run away or flee > get away > by superior speed
to show (a person) a (clean or fair) pair of heels (also one's heels)1546
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > leave behind by superior speed
outrunc1460
to show (a person) a (clean or fair) pair of heels (also one's heels)1595
to have (also get) the heels of1649
to throw out1682
distance1691
to throw off1695
lose1709
to gain ground of1719
to gain from1805
1370–2 in Medium Ævum (1985) 54 38 (MED) Now heo haþ schouuet me hire schon, & from me ys y-gon.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cli. 180 Suche as had their horses by them mounted and shewed their horses heles, and thenglysshmen after them in chase.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. vii. sig. Iiiv Except her mayde shewe a fayre payre of heles.
1583 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses sig. Hivv He showes them a faire pair of heeles, and away goeth he.
1595 R. Hasleton Strange & Wonderfull Things sig. Divv I.., shewing them a paire of heeles, tooke my way ouer the Mountaines.
1630 J. Wadsworth Eng. Spanish Pilgrime (new ed.) viii. 83 I shewed them a faire paire of heeles.
1675 H. Neville tr. N. Machiavelli Marriage Belphegor in Wks. 526 He should..shew them a light pair of heels.
1705 J. S. City & Country Recreation ii. viii. 162 He disburthened them of their further Trouble and Charge, by showing them a fair Pair of Heels.
1797 Anecd. Most Remarkable Highwaymen 119 Jack..shewed him a fair pair of heels. Mr. Aspin..pursued him.
1827 Bell's Life in London 28 Jan. He made a clean bolt, and followed by Gas, they both shewed a clean pair of heels.
1832 Ladies' Museum Jan. 1/1 If I thought so I should leap the wall, swim the moat, and show a fair pair of heels to pursuers.
1864 Glasgow Herald 20 Jan. 6/2 The Ganges has as yet shown her heels to every vessel we have met on the same course.
1901 Times 15 July 5/1 Viljoen showed a clean pair of heels, it is believed in the direction of Sekukuni's country.
1982 R. D. Lawrence Voy. Stella (1991) ii. 35 The Stella showed a clean pair of heels as she aimed her sharp bows at a point between Clatsop Spit and Cape Disappointment.
2011 J. Dahlgren Sagaria 270 ‘Did anyone see what happened to them?’ ‘Last I saw..they were showing the worgs a clean pair of heels.’
b. †to show (a person) the (or one's) back: to flee, to run away from someone or something; (in later use also) to turn one's back. With indirect object or to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > run away from
of-runOE
to show (a person) a (clean or fair) pair of heels (also one's heels)1370
to show (a person) the (or one's) backc1450
overrun1583
run1606
shuna1616
bail1775
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 928 (MED) Ph[ilip]..Braidis on his blonke toward þe burȝe & þaim þe bak shewis.
1573 T. Twyne tr. Virgil in T. Phaer & T. Twyne tr. Virgil Whole .xii. Bks. Æneidos v. sig. D And now retyre they done, now shew theyr backs in signe of flight.
1605 R. F. tr. F. Dedekind Schoole of Slovenrie i. 3 If any man obiect to thee, that manners thou doost lacke, Bid him if he mislike that sight, be gone and shew his backe.
1684 C. Ness Spiritual Legacy 47 Symonide's shewing his Face, soon shewed his Back and was gone.
1715 J. Phillips Earl of Mar Marr'd i. i. 2 O' me Saul he'll feeght weel, and ne'er run awa, cause he'd be shaum'd tul show his Back.
1798 J. Ebers New & Compl. Dict. German & Eng. Lang. II. 171/2 Sich von einem hinweg wenden, to turn away from one, to shew him your Back.
1809 Ann. Reg. 1807 (Otridge ed.) Chron. 601/1 He had not received a wound, and boasted, till death, that he never showed his back to the enemy.
1908 McClure's Mag. Sept. 590/1 He showed his back to the tax-gatherers and trekked east to the very edge of the world.
1995 R. Philcox tr. M. Condé Crossing Mangrove 39 ‘Where have you been hanging around again?’ he growled. I showed him my back and went up to my room.
P2. to show the way.
a. To guide a person in a required direction, by leading or accompanying him or her, or by giving instructions (also occasionally to show the road); (more generally) to provide a person with guidance as to how to proceed. Commonly with double object as to show (a person) the way.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (intransitive)] > outstrip others or take the lead
to show the waya1382
to be well away1821
to take up the running1894
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > guide, lead, or show one the way
to show the waya1382
reduct1580
directa1616
inform1637
manuduct1641
pilot1649
set1678
airt1782
steer1859
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > ride horse in race [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with or overtake
to show the waya1382
buttock1607
to run head and girth1796
shoot1868
to peg back1928
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Exod. xiii. 21 Þe lord forsoþ went beforn hem, to be schewed þe way [altered from to schew þe way] be day in þe pylere of a clowde: & be niȝt in a pyler of fyre.
a1450 Mandeville's Trav. (Bodl. e Mus.) 3 (MED) I schal shew hym the weye redily..for I haue ful ofte sythis [read sythis ben] there..passed bothe on horse and on fote in good compaynye.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. cii. f. cxvi/1 The spanysshe squyer entred firste in to the ryuer, & shewed them the way.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 703/1 I shewe him the way.
1565 R. Shacklock tr. S. Hozjusz Hatchet of Heresies f. 62 Caluin writeth, yt Luther taught the fyrst principles of true doctryn, and shewed the way.
1625 Deb. Oxf. in S. R. Gardiner Deb. House of Commons (1873) App. i. 140 Sir Robert Philips commended the platforme of Sir Nathaniel Rich, and sayd that wee were beholding unto him for shewing us the way.
1701 J. Flamsteed Let. 1 Mar. in Corr. (1997) II. 889 Cuenhouse has begun to Shew them the way.
1796 F. Burney Camilla IV. viii. v. 285 ‘O never mind shewing me the way’..and..Lynmere sallied into the apartment.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting vi. 195 The captain..would send no one with us to show the road.
1869 M. Arnold Culture & Anarchy 192 So, too, one who wants to be a painter or a poet cannot help loving and admiring the great painters or poets who have gone before him and shown him the way.
1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley xii. 86 Show me the way upstairs.
1938 Amer. Home Jan. 43/2 The Amymays fairly pumped confidence into their clients so that they might go on and on by themselves after being shown the way.
1994 Guardian 1 Oct. (Weekend Suppl.) 66/1 Wayside boulders daubed with red and white paint showed the way, leading us deeper into the garrigue.
2006 P. J. Nahin Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula vi. 306 We'll not have to write even a single equation; Fourier diagrams will be all we need to show us the way.
b. Originally Horse Racing and Hunting. To take the lead; to be or remain in the lead. to show the way from: to draw away from, get ahead of (in a race).
ΚΠ
1848 Satirist 9 Sept. 383/1 He [sc. a horse] will show the way from the start to the post of success.
1866 W. Leeke Hist. Lord Seaton's Regiment I. xiv. 237 I enquired who were the most forward riders, and some of my acquaintance pointed out two persons, one of them on a white horse, as those who would shew the way to the whole field.
1887 Daily News 1 Dec. 2/4 Merry Maiden, at a good pace, showed the way from Ballot Box and Great Paul.
1931 Times 30 June 7/5 Once in front, she continued to show the way in the close haul to the Bell Buoy.
1985 Irish Times 6 Sept. 2/5 With four furlongs still to travel Senor Ramos showed the way from Trapeze Artist.
2008 Racing Post (Nexis) 8 July 93 Ferrari seemed to be the quicker machine in the first five races of the season, but since then they have shown the way only in France.
†P3. to show law: to expound the law; (with for) to plead in court on behalf of a person. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > pleading > plead [verb (intransitive)] > plead as advocate
pleadc1300
to show lawc1390
postule1517
proposea1533
postulate1566
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. viii. l. 53 He þat..spekeþ for þe pore..Coueiteþ not his goodes, Bote for vr lordes loue lawe for him scheweþ.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. ii. l. 134 Ledeth hire to londoun þere lawe is yshewed.
†P4. (for) to show: (placed after an adjective describing the appearance of something, by way of additional explanation) as far as appearance is concerned; as may be seen. Cf. see v. 29b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [adverb] > to the sight
to sighta1300
(for) to showc1400
at (also to) the view1486
to view1594
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 2036 (MED) Þe gordel of þe grene silke..Vpon þat ryol red cloþe þat ryche watz to schewe.
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 3279 (MED) The laste was a lityll man..His leskes laye all lene and latheliche to schewe.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1305 The castel yate..so fare yt was to shewe For hit was alle with gold behewe.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. biiii Agane gais to ane garet glisnand to schaw.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 48v As any cristall clere þat clene was of hewe Shene for to shew & of shap noble.
P5. to show one's mind: to reveal one's thought or intention; to express one's opinion or judgement. Also with forth. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (intransitive)] > one's opinion or position
opena1382
to show one's mind1492
to speak one's mindc1500
to speak (also give) one's sense1646
position1647
to declare for1669
explain1709
to come out1836
to go on record1867
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > reveal one's true character > one's thoughts or feelings
to open one's hearta1250
to break one's mind (heart)a1450
to show one's mind1492
to fish out the bottom of a person's stomach1537
to utter (the bottom of) one's stomach1537
to show one's true colours?1551
to come out1836
to open out1855
to come (out) in (also into) the open1861
disembosom1884
unbutton1956
to go public1957
1492 in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS Comm. App. Pt. IV: MSS Duke of Rutland (1888) I. 13 in Parl. Papers (C. 5614) LXIV. 1 To thentent that uppon convercacion we may shewe unto you our minde.
1508 in J. Robertson Illustr. Topogr. & Antiq. Aberdeen & Banff (1847) II. 404 The said lord sal shaw him his mind theranent betwix this and Yule.
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Eiiiv To shewe you my mynde I wolde haue the lesse fere.
?1566 J. Phillip Commodye Pacient & Meeke Grissill sig. B.ii Speake on my knightly knightes, eche one shewe forth your mind.
1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xxiv. 12 That the minde of the Lord might bee shewed them. View more context for this quotation
1699 T. Forrester Full Rev. Dr. Monro's Scripture-pleadings iii. 107 in Hierarchical Bishops Claim God was sought unto by Prayer to shew His Mind, as touching this Choice.
1779 G. H. Answer to Mr W. A. D's Let. 147 Here was certainly the proper time for the Emperor to shew his mind.
1895 Freemason's Chron. 1 June 238/2 I trust the whole scheme may be..referred back for further consideration, and full time given to the Colonies to show their mind upon it.
1950 Times 2 Sept. 7/2 The leaders of the T.U.C...have still to show their mind, and give a lead, in detail on matters which [etc.].
P6. to show signs of: to give visible or discernible evidence of; = sense 23a. Later also to show signs that in same sense.Early examples may not illustrate the fixed phrase. Cf. also senses 23a(c), 23b, and 26a(b).
ΚΠ
1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. f iij They shewe signes of penaunce outwardly.
1562 J. Shute tr. A. Cambini in Two Comm. Turcks i. sig. I.iiiv They of the towne triumphed for the space of two dayes shewinge signes of great ioye in ringinge of belles making of bonefires shoting of artillerie and suche lyke.
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 220 The Lion..lickt his hands, fauned with his tayle, held downe his head, and couched downe vppon ye ground, shewing signes of old acquaintance.
1606 T. Heywood 2nd Pt. If you know not Me sig. I Doos thy face shew signes of discontent Through any heauie want oppresseth thee?
1684 tr. A. O. Exquemelin Bucaniers Amer. iii. v. 46 They began to shew Signs of extream Joy, casting up their Hats into the Air, leaping for Mirth, and shouting.
1772 W. Hamilton in Philos. Trans. 1771 (Royal Soc.) 61 12 Strabo, Dio, Vitruvius, all agree, that Vesuvius, in their time, shewed signs of having formerly erupted.
1841 W. M. Thackeray Hist. Samuel Titmarsh x, in Fraser's Mag. Nov. 608/2 She did not make any [baby-linen]..for Mrs. Sam Titmarsh, who now shewed signs that such would be speedily necessary.
1880 Daily News 7 Dec. 5/4 The wound is already showing signs of healing.
1906 Amer. Mag. 63 139/1 Prodding him gently to further exertion when he showed signs of fatigue.
1997 P. A. Levine Waking Tiger iii. 35 As the bird begins to tremble, it will show signs that it is reorienting to its surroundings.
2013 V. Curtis Don't look, don't Touch i. 10 People of unusual appearance who showed signs of sickness or poor hygiene.
†P7. to show one's game: = to show one's hand at Phrases 15 (literal and figurative). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1554 J. Proctor Hist. Wyates Rebellion sig. G.viiiv One of them [sc. soldiers]..beganne to shewe hys game before all the cardes were full dealed: I meane to riffle and spoyle, whiche in dede was the determinate ende of theyr purpose, but the time was not yet come.
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ iii. xxxi. 110 Their common game at cards..is Primera, at which the King never shows his game, but throws his cards with their faces down on the table.
1666 R. Head Eng. Rogue (new ed.) lvi. 32 I pretended I knew not what to do, shewed my game to the stranger that looked over my shoulder.
1685 tr. B. Gracián y Morales Courtiers Oracle 92 The most usefull knowledge is the art to dissemble. He that shews his Game, runs the risque of losing it.
?1720 Game of Quadrille 61 He who shews his Game can from so doing reap no other Advantage than only shortening the Length of the Deal.
†P8. to show water: (apparently) to offer an inducement. Obsolete.The expression appears to have originated in falconry, although the precise sense in quot. 1575 is unclear.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > payment > pay [verb (intransitive)] > lay down money
to show water1632
to post the cole1781
to come down with the money (dust, needful, etc.)1836
to lay (or put) it on the line1929
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 154 Lette hir flee with hir head into the wind, hauing first giuen shew to youre company that they be in a readinesse against the Hawke bee at a good gate, and to shewe water, and lay out the fowle.
1632 P. Massinger Maid of Honour i. i. sig. B1v Fulgen. If you have a suite, shew water, I am blinde else. Ador. A suite, yet of a nature, not to prove The quarrie that you hawke for.
P9. to have (something) to show for (one's efforts, expenditure, etc.): to be able to exhibit as a result. Often in negative contexts. Also in similar phrases, as (with) nothing, etc., to show for ——.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > productiveness > productivity [phrase] > have something to show for one's labour, etc.
to have (something) to show for1593
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > furnish evidence [phrase] > give evidence of
to have (something) to show for1593
1593 W. Burton Caueat for Suerties ii. 64 Now wordes are counted but wind: and men will aske, what haue you to shew for it?
1681 Heraclitus Ridens 4 Apr. 1/2 He has nothing to shew for his money but an Order of a Committee.
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. vii. 8 I have this Watch and other visible Marks of his Favour to show for it.
1826 W. Scott Jrnl. 6 Sept. (1939) 225 Here is a fine spot of work—a day diddled away, and nothing to show for it!
1847 Hogg's Weekly Instructor 11 Dec. 256/1 Not only are my butcher's, baker's, grocer's, and other bills augmented, but their number is increased by a doctor's bill, with nothing to show for it.
1928 V. Delmar Bad Girl i. xiii. 148 I ate everything I wanted and had a regular baby to show for it.
1976 J. R. L. Anderson Redundancy Pay i. 11 He had been earning quite a lot of money, but had nothing real to show for it... They spent his salary as it came in.
2005 M. M. Frisby Wifebeater iii. 20 I managed to blow almost twenty grand in less than a year with little to show for it.
P10. show me —— and I'll show you —— and variants: any —— is invariably also, or is invariably associated with, ——. Commonly used to comment ironically on the true nature of the first person or thing mentioned.Earliest in the proverb show me a liar and I'll show you a thief [translating post-classical Latin ostende mihi mendacem, ego tibi ostendam furem (1525 in Erasmus's Lingua), itself apparently after the Middle Dutch proverb wijst my een loegener, ick wijse v en dief (1550 or earlier)] .
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1609 J. Boys Expos. Princ. Script. 104 Lying is cosen germane to stealing: Da mihi mendacem, & ego ostendam tibi furem: If thou wilt shew me a liar, I will shew thee a theefe.
a1628 J. Carmichaell Coll. Prov. in Scots (1957) 100 Schaw me the man and I sall schaw yow the law.
1658 T. Hall Pract. Comm. Third & Fourth Chapters Paul to Timothy 96 Shew me a lyar (we use to say) and I'le shew you a Thief. So say I, shew me a drunkard, and I'le shew you a whore-master, a swearer, [etc.].
1801 C. Dibdin Observ. Tour Eng. I. xxi. 180 The old Spanish proverb says, shew me two [printed too] servants, and I'll shew you two spies.
1836 W. N. Glascock Naval Service I. 29 ‘Shew me a confirmed and habitual swearer,’ said a celebrated Admiral, ‘and I'll shew you a bad officer.’
1931 E. Ferber Amer. Beauty ii. 32 Show me scuffed leather and a pair of run-down heels below..and I'll show you a second-rate fellow.
1996 R. Drewe Drowner (1998) 15 Show me an outbreak of fever and I'll show you corpse-spoiled drinking water.
2015 L. Kramer Search for my Heart (2016) 217 You show me a sane scientist and I'll show you a scientist who will never discover shit.
P11. to show (a person) the door and variants: to order or lead (a person) to leave the room or house; to turn out of doors; (figurative) to indicate that one no longer wishes to have dealings with (a person), to dismiss.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel > specific people from a place, position, or possession > forcibly or ignominiously
eject1555
rumble1570
obtrude1595
to show (a person) the door1638
to kick downstairs1678
to kick out1697
drum1720
firk1823
to chuck out1869
bounce1877
boot1880
out-kick1883
turf1888
hoof1893
hound1922
1638 T. Heywood Wise-woman of Hogsdon ii. i sig. C3 Sir Har. Where's Taber? Taber. At hand, noble Master. Sir Har. Shew them the doore.
1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xxi. 148 I shall make bold to show you the door.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. i. v. 53 Don Rodrigo..showed the goddess of my devotions the outside of the door.
1866 W. Collins Armadale v. iii In your place, I should have shown him the door.
1951 F. Yerby Woman called Fancy vi. 125 He had no guarantee that his father or Agnes wouldn't show him the door.
1977 Time 22 Aug. 14/3 I am getting tired of all those press stories saying we are a Soviet satellite. After all, we are showing the Russians the door.
2015 Irish Daily Mail (Nexis) 3 Jan. 29 The first time I met him, he spilled two pints over me so I showed him the door.
P12. Nautical. to show canvas: to spread sail to the wind. Now historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > spread (more) sail
to make saila1500
to make the tacklinga1500
to show canvas1773
1773 J. Hawkesworth Acct. Voy. Southern Hemisphere I. ii. ii. 551 The gusts off the land were so violent that, not daring to show any canvas, we lay to under our bare poles.
1838 Naut. Mag. & Naval Chron. Dec. 795 A strong gale from the eastward, to which, there was no showing canvas.
1867 C. Burney Boy's Man. Seamanship & Gunnery (ed. 5) 8 12 [denotes] Hurricane..to which she [sc. a ship] could show no canvas.
1901 W. O. Stoddard Montanye iv. 28 The Montauk also was beginning to show canvas but did not appear to be in any hurry.
1949 E. Sandoz Squire of Ravensmark xx. 173 Gerald caught sight of three more galleys and six smaller ships, called caravels, showing canvas.
2004 J. Stockwin Quarterdeck (2005) vi. 167 We scuds afore the westerly, that's undoubted, until we can show canvas and come about.
P13.
a. to go to show: to tend to show; to indicate; to serve as evidence or proof that. In later use frequently also (colloquial) in it just (also all, only) goes to show (with the thing proved or demonstrated understood).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (intransitive)] > furnish proof
argufy1751
to go to show1785
1785 Edinb. Mag. June 547/1 His answers went to show, that from conversations with Mess. Walker and Richardson..he had been led to think that [etc.].
1797 Analyt. Rev. Feb. 139 The analogy of the human species goes to show, that female quadrupeds have not their susceptibility thus limited.
1821 Times 30 June He would take leave to mention another [case], which only went to show what was the idea that was entertained of it by foreigners themselves.
1889 Advent Rev. & Sabbath Herald (Battle Creek, Mich.) 16 July 450/3 Events..which go to show, with peculiar eloquence, to what extent the Romish policy has succeeded.
1910 R. W. Child Jim Hands xvii. 223 The rose weren't worth anything. It only goes to show, don't it!
1937 D. L. Sayers Busman's Honeymoon 17 It does rather go to show, doesn't it, that there is something not quite right about the Wimseys.
1951 Life 5 Feb. 63/1 It all goes to show..that people are much smarter than anyone is willing to admit.
1969 ‘A. Gilbert’ Missing from Home viii. 134 ‘It just goes to show, doesn't it, you can't be too careful.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Mr. Crook hollowly, ‘it just goes to show.’
2010 P. Murray Skippy Dies 100 As they walk he tells Carl how it just goes to show, everybody has a price, and often it's a lot less than you expect.
b. In the shorter form it just (or only) shows (you), in same sense.
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1922 Windsor Mag. Apr. 556/1 Well, you know, what I mean to say is, it just shows, doesn't it?
1926 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby ix. 209 It just shows you, don't it?.. Jimmy was bound to get ahead.
1937 M. Sharp Nutmeg Tree xiv. 182 ‘Do you care for Galsworthy?’ asked Julia... Sir William replied that he did. Which just showed.
1945 E. Waugh Brideshead Revisited ii. i. 222 My wife's in a terrible way. She's an experienced sailor. Only shows, doesn't it.
1977 J. Bingham Marriage Bureau Murders xi. 140 I was a little worried about you..but..here you are safe and sound, well, well, it just shows!
2004 Sun (Nexis) 13 Dec. Their book..is prettily published this month by the very high-class, literary firm of Faber & Faber. Just shows you, eh?
P14. to show one's age: (of a person) to display signs associated with ageing, esp. physical deterioration or (now often) outdated attitudes, recollections of the past, etc. Similarly (of a thing) to show its age.
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1785 T. Holcroft tr. Comtesse de Genlis Tales Castle V. 232 How much the Queen shews her age to day; it is not possible to think her less than eight and thirty.
1828 N.-Y. Mirror 14 July 4/3 She began to show her age; but, with the assistance of dress and cosmetics, she was still a very fine woman.
1896 W. W. Glazier Ocean to Ocean on Horseback 31 The building is..plainly showing its age both in the exterior and the interior.
1905 Smart Set Apr. 130/2 I don't show my age very much. At the same time I don't care to be taken for..eighteen.
1998 D. Ormandy Conquering Computers ii. 23 Remember ‘Space Invaders’ and ‘Pac Man?’ or am I just showing my age?
2004 Time Out 25 Aug. 144/1 Half a century on, the piece is showing its age, with jauntily jokey songs about women and the working-class.
P15. to show one's hand.
a. To display the cards one is holding (when playing a game), typically by putting them down face upwards.
ΚΠ
1803 C. Jones Hoyle's Games Improved (new ed.) 357 The party trade alternately, till one of them obtains the object aimed at, and thereby stops the Commerce; then all shew their hands, and the highest tricon, sequence, or point wins the pool.
1846 S. F. Smith Theatr. Apprenticeship 149 Let us show our hands for the money already down.
1906 Life 7 June 701/1 I..drew out three aces from my shoe and showed my hand.
2004 Loaded Mar. 166/1 This is when anyone who ain't folded has the option of showing their hand and taking the pot.
b. figurative. To allow one's plans or intentions to be known.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > reveal one's true character > one's plans or resources
to show one's cards1554
to show one's cards1567
to show one's hand1843
to put one's cards on the table1868
1843 ‘J. Pindarus’ New Candidate for President 3 I shall take but a bird's-eye view of the different duties devolving on a Chief Magistrate of the Union, but on all points show my hand sufficiently plain that all may know where to find me.
1879 G. Meredith Egoist III. iii. 63 Her intrepid lead had shown her hand to the colonel.
1887 H. R. Haggard Jess xiii. 115 What are you driving at, Frank Muller? You don't show me your hand like this for nothing.
1937 A. Christie Death on Nile xiv. 157 ‘What about an immediate search of the whole boat?’ ‘That way we should show our hand.’
1987 A. Miller Timebends (1988) vi. 411 Walter and the Committee were simply a little less sophisticated..and showed their hands when they need not have.
2013 G. Albin Altered xvi. 146 Enora had revealed her concern, showing her hand by giving me that digifile.
P16. to show fight: to display pugnacity or readiness to fight.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight [verb (intransitive)] > display pugnacity
to show fight1803
to show fight1803
1803 Lady's Mag. Oct. 513/1 The old knave went about to show fight..but a slice o' th' sconce quieted him in no time.
1813 J. M. Good et al. Pantologia at Game cock He is no longer able to stand, but..he will continue to show fight with his beak to the last remains of life.
1863 H. Kingsley Austin Elliot I. xv. 188 Until—something or another happens to make little Eleanor show fight.
1922 Photogr. Jrnl. Amer. Dec. 459 His [sc. the snake's] first instinct is to avoid mankind if possible; his second to show fight but only when forced to do so.
1977 B. C. Haines Bill Pickett, Bulldogger i. 25 If brushers showed fight or would not be driven out of their hiding places, the ranchers would issue a command to their trained bulldogs to go get 'em.
2009 New Yorker 7 Sept. 28/2 You have to be ready for combat, and you have to lead troops into a kind of rhetorical battle. And you've got to show fight.
†P17. to show foot: (a) (apparently) to make preparation for something (rare); (b) (of a horse or other racing animal) to demonstrate its capacity for speed (cf. foot n. 2b). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare or get ready [verb (intransitive)]
buskc1330
agraith1340
to make readya1382
arraya1387
providec1425
prepare1517
addressa1522
apparel1523
bouna1525
buckle1563
to make frecka1572
fettle?c1600
fix1716
to set into ——1825
to show foot1825
ready1878
to fang a pump, (loosely) a well1883
prep1900
to get (oneself) organized1926
to sharpen one's pencil1957
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 269 Carter..began to ‘show foot’ for another, and more active demonstration.
1853 Alta California 16 Oct. His reputation was equal to any two mile nag that showed foot.
1874 Coursing Cal. Autumn 1873 124 After two short undecideds, Britain Yet, who showed foot each time, was drawn in favour of Sir Patrick Dunne.
P18. Originally and chiefly British. to show willing: to display readiness to help, please, provide satisfaction, work hard, etc.In this phrase willing appears originally to have functioned as an adjective complement, but in later use is sometimes construed as a noun.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > willingness > be willing [verb (intransitive)] > display willingness
to show willing1862
to fall over oneself1889
1862 Liverpool Mercury 18 June 3/4 To try..is to show willing, and Croagh Patrick shall be my representative on this occasion.
1877 Sheffield & Rotherham Independent 30 Aug. 8/2 I..have seen many ‘show willing’ by ‘ossing [i.e. offering or trying] to do’ what they have been told.
1932 P. Bentley Inheritance iv. iii. 410 I don't see that we've done any harm. We've shown willing, and they've duffed.
1959 P. Bull I know Face i. 11 My father wanted me to be a chartered accountant... However, in order to show willing, I did settle for ‘journalism’.
1964 A. Wilson Late Call iii. 121 Luckily the poor creature was very willing, and there was one rule Sylvia always made—never turn off anyone who shows willing.
2007 J. Kavenna Inglorious (2008) 139 She stacked up presents anyway, eager to show willing.
P19. Mathematics. to show one's working (out) (also North American. to show one's work, formerly sometimes to show one's workings): to demonstrate how one has arrived at a solution to a mathematical problem by showing a record of the successive calculations made and the reasoning employed; (in extended use) to explain the stages by which one has reached a particular conclusion.
ΚΠ
1870 Eng. Mechanic & World of Sci. 4 Nov. 155/3 As the results of..[their] calculations differ from [mine],..perhaps you will kindly allow me to show my working.
1906 Jrnl. Gas Lighting 1 May 322/2 Calculate the comparative value of the gas-flame, showing your working.
1914 Autocar 14 Feb. 319/2 I..showed my workings [for calculating the horse-power of engines] to my fellow draughtsmen.
1938 Classical Rev. Sept. 123 Each scholar should..‘show his working’ in such a way that anyone else can use his material in spite of differences of theory.
1997 J. Bourke Everyday Maths 1 34 How many brownies will each child get? Show your working out here.
2010 G. W. Green Making your Educ. work for You vi. 157 If you do not show your work, the teacher has no idea of what was going through your head.
2013 G. Hannell Dyscalculia (ed. 2) ii. iv. 38 [He] recalled ongoing battles with teachers who always wanted him to show his working.
P20. Originally U.S. to show (a person) a good time: (a) to entertain (a person, esp. a visitor), typically by taking him or her to previously unfamiliar places; (b) (as a euphemism) to provide (a person) with sexual pleasure or gratification.
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1887 Cumberland (Maryland) Daily Times 24 Aug. Donald,..in his endeavor to show them a good time, had received a severe injury [when the horses bolted].
1925 S. Lewis Arrowsmith xxxii. 358 It would be terrible, when we got back to New York, if you..devoted yourself to showing me a good time.
1977 M. Brenton Sex Talk x. 104 Wife: Darling, are you going to show me a good time tonight? Husband (eyes sparkling): And how!
2001 FHM (Austral. ed.) Oct. 33/1 Those who walked in once too often when Dad was showing Mum a good time over the top-loading washer will still be virgins at 48.
2015 S. Wiggs Starlight on Willow Lake xxvi. 361 He decided to woo her... He intended to win her heart by showing her a good time.
P21. your slip is showing: used to give warning to someone thought to be unwittingly exposing a fault, revealing an embarrassing fact, etc. Later also with other nouns, and in allusive variants of the phrase.In the original form sometimes with play on senses 4c and 10 of slip n.3; quot. 1942, which is sometimes consciously echoed in full, is a simple literal use of slip n.3 4c.
ΚΠ
1942 D. Powell Time to be Born v. 103 Pardon me, lady, your slip is showing.]
1944 Printers' Ink 3 Mar. 98/3 Obviously, nobody said to these package goods writers, ‘Pardon me, but your technique is showing.’
1944 Billboard 14 Oct. 10/2 ‘Your slip is showing,’ yelled by a technician at the WABD tele control board is the DuMont boys' way of indicating that the iconoscope is not electrically centered.
1958 Spectator 1 Aug. 174/2 There were still standards, and hypocrisy, the homage of vice and virtue, was the duty of all public figures. But in a gratifying number of cases the slip showed and the shocked and gratified public learned that ‘Anything Goes’.
1971 C. Fick Danziger Transcript (1973) 33 Your defense mechanisms are showing, Mr. Danziger.
1976 A. Miller Inside Outside vii. 83 I see in you a new broom, though your slip is still showing in places.
1997 ABA Jrnl. Aug. 12/2 Pardon me, but your bigotry is showing.
2014 Calgary Herald (Nexis) 29 May a15 Mr. Mayor and council, your slip is showing.
P22. show; don't tell: used to recommend the direct depiction of characters' actions, experiences, sensations, etc., rather than narrative exposition, summary, and assertion.Also used attributively to designate this style or approach, or a rule prescribing its adoption.
ΚΠ
1930 J. H. Sorrells Working Press Foreword p. vi A magazine editor..put a whole book on short story writing into these few words, ‘Don't say this woman is cross and crabbed... Bring her out and let her snarl..and then you will know that she is. In other words, show, don't tell.’
1955 Pract. Engl. 9 Mar. 7/2 Show—don't tell. Those three words, ‘show—don't tell’ are among the most famous in the writing business.
1968 Drama Rev. 13 159 The Beard offered a great leap forward for show-don't-tell naturalism right on stage.
1988 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 16 Aug. 9/5 The ‘Show, don't tell’ rule is not the only one Dawes breaks.
2010 M. Tredinnick & G. Whyte Little Black Bk. Business Writing 217 Show; don't tell. Keep your voice active. Favour the concrete over the abstract, specific over the general.
P23. to show a leg: see leg n. Phrases 3j. to show (one) the cold shoulder: see cold shoulder n.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to show ahead
intransitive. To take a position perceptibly ahead of other participants in a race; to take the lead.
ΚΠ
1840 Bell's Life in London 12 Apr. The hare ran straight for the crowd. After a struggle, Waterloo, as before, showed ahead.
1884 Cambr. Rev. 10 Dec. 132 At the start, Bristowe's crew at once shewed ahead by about three feet.
1978 Times 11 Jan. 13/3 After showing ahead again at the 17th and 18th, he had shot his bolt when falling three from home.
1990 Independent (Nexis) 29 July 25 A furlong and a half out, Belmez showed ahead.
 to show around
transitive. To accompany (a person) on a tour of a particular place or building (typically one which he or she has not visited before), pointing out locations of particular interest or significance.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > strangers or tourists
cicerone1789
to show round1819
to take about1823
ciceronize1832
to show around ——1839
to show around1847
1847 J. A. Eames Budget of Lett. 91 If you visit a palace,..and fine looking men in military costume, show you around, you must put a fee in their hands.
1937 E. Pyle in D. Nichols Ernie's Amer. (1990) 177 A pleased old-timer volunteered to show them around.
1989 A. Stoddard Living beautifully Together (1991) i. 111 He wanted to go to Paris and show Gwen around, and eat in the best restaurants.
2001 S. Winchester in Granta Spring 219 Some of the crew of two American ships..took us aboard and showed us around.
 to show away
intransitive. = to show off 3b at Phrasal verbs 1. archaic in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display or show off [verb (intransitive)]
brandishc1340
ruffle1484
braga1556
swash1556
flourish1563
flaunt1566
prank1567
prink1573
to shake, wag the feather1581
peacockize1598
air1605
display1608
to launch it out1608
flasha1616
to cut it out1619
flare1633
vapour1652
peacock1654
spark1676
to gallantrize it1693
bosh1709
glare1712
to cut a bosh1726
to show away1728
to figure away, off1749
parade1749
to cut a dashc1771
dash1786
to cut up1787
to cut a flash1795
to make, or cut, a splash1804
swank1809
to come out strong1825
to cut a spludge1831
to cut it (too) fat1836
pavonize1838
splurge1844
to do the grand1847
to cut a swath1848
to cut a splurge1860
to fan out1860
spread1860
skyre1871
fluster1876
to strut one's stuff1926
showboat1937
floss1938
style1968
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. List of Subscribers By retaining such a number of Names, tho' Shams, I might have showed away pompously.
1759 O. Goldsmith Bee 6 Oct. 12 The French player..begins to shew away by talking nonsense.
1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 110 He paraded and shewed away, at a vast rate, concerning the divinely inherent right of monarchs.
1803 J. Clark Novitius 6 Prove then your call, nor let blind custom sway; Nor preach for lucre, nor to shew away.
1821 La Belle Assemblée Sept. 102/2 If I marry him I shall not be able to show away, or cut any great figure in the world of fashion.
1956 P. O'Brian Golden Ocean v. 90 ‘Shall we go up there? You get the view of the world, for seeing the headsails.’ ‘You are showing away, Palafox,’ cried FitzGerald.
1991 D. Donachie Devil's Own Luck v. 59 He was showing away to Craddock and Turnbull in a loud voice.
 to show down
†1. intransitive. To descend. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
a1500 (?c1400) Song of Roland (1880) l. 861 (MED) A clowd euyn in the west, as red as blod..shewid doun on the erthe.
2.
a. transitive. Originally U.S. To put (something) down in order that it may be viewed; esp. to display (the cards in one's hand) to other players in a game. Cf. showdown n. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics
to hold up?1499
decardc1555
to turn up1580
discard1591
pulla1625
to sit out1659
face1674
to make out1680
to lay out1687
to throw away1707
lead1739
weaken1742
carry1744
to take in1744
force1746
to show down1768
throw1866
blank1884
block1884
cover1885
unblock1885
pitch1890
1768 tr. Abbé Bellecour Acad. Play 261 After the Tour is thus made, each one shows down his Card on the Table.
1860 Jefferson County (Golden, Colorado) Republican 5 Sept. ‘Show down yer coats.’ A great many were exhibited... ‘Now yer waist-coats.’
1882 Dover (Ohio) Weekly Argus 10 Aug. Well, now, ef yer air going to buy some, I'll show 'em down.
1982 D. M. Hayano Poker Faces (1983) 187 Showing down the best hand last, after other players have shown theirs.
2004 L. Krieger Poker Player's Bible iii. 95/1 With so many callers, you generally have to show down the best hand to win.
b. intransitive. In poker and similar games: = to show one's hand ( Phrases 15a).
ΚΠ
1873 ‘J. Morris’ Wanderings of Vagabond xxxviii. 477 ‘Oh, let's show down for the “pot”,’ cried Forrest, excitedly.
1899 Recreation Mar. 193/2 An' den he says, says he, ‘Wat yet got?’ An' I showed down. An' den he says, says he, ‘I kin beat dat.’
1902 G. H. Lorimer Lett. Self-made Merchant xvi. 234 They just had to throw up both hands and pass you the pot when you showed down.
1912 Sat. Rev. 2 Nov. 550/1 Placing them [sc. cards], face upwards, on the table, or ‘showing down’, as it is technically called.
2013 Daily Star (Nexis) 8 Jan. 45 Ask yourself how many hands they play..what sort of hands they show down with, and what patterns, if any, you can spot in their play.
 to show forth
Now somewhat archaic.
1.
a. transitive. To bring out to be seen, to place in view; to display; to make apparent or evident. Also (later more usually): to demonstrate, give evidence of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > be or give evidence of
to show forth?c1225
witnessa1300
sustain?c1425
testify1445
showa1500
manifest?a1513
make1573
argue1585
evidence1610
attesta1616
citea1616
evince1621
to speak to ——1624
the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > show by behaviour
showc1175
to show forthc1330
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] > by one's action or behaviour
kitheOE
haveOE
showc1175
discoverc1450
to show outc1450
to show forthc1515
manifesta1525
testify1560
specifya1575
witness1581
mark1791
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 244 Wið seli truandise hut [= hides] eauer hire good schaweð forð hire pouerte.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 3097 Þi finger forþ þou schawe.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Pardoner's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 19 Thanne shewe I forth my longe cristal stones.
c1450 (c1400) Sowdon of Babylon (1881) l. 424 (MED) Shewe forth here nowe your crafte.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lx. 209 I pray you shewe hym forth that ye speke of.
?1566 J. Phillip Commodye Pacient & Meeke Grissill sig. B.iiv Now Polliticke perswasion shoe forth thy skyll.
?1594 in A. H. Smith et al. Papers N. Bacon of Stiffkey (1990) III. 285 He..shewed forth openly in a meeting..a..writt of privilidge.
1653 G. Fox Truth's Defence 94 Here has thou shown forth thy Envy, Kain-like.
1714 G. Jacob Accomplish'd Conveyancer I. 57 If the Tenant be impleaded by the Warrantor he may rebut, (viz) shew forth the Warranty against him.
1724 T. Bradbury Power of Christ Over Plagues & Health v. 68 'Twas never said of a Prophet, if he had performed a Thousand Wonders, that he shewed forth his own Glory.
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 37 He..shews forth His resistless power, imaged by His creatures in whom the quality of power is most seen.
1868 ‘G. Eliot’ Spanish Gypsy ii. 200 'Tis but a mirror, shows one image forth, And leaves the future dark with endless ‘ifs’.
1907 Chinese Recorder & Missionary Jrnl. Apr. 183 Let the heathen behold in us the beauty of Christian graces, to show forth in our example the life of Christ.
1993 Business Ethics Q. 3 180 Justice is less a matter of recognizing preexistent rights belonging to human beings as such than of acting in ways which allow each party to show forth his or her distinctiveness to the other party.
2014 Renaissance Q. 67 1271 Anatomy functioned didactically to show forth the supreme handiwork of a good, compassionate, and wise God.
b. intransitive. To come into view; to become visible or discernible.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible
ariseOE
to come in (also to, on, etc.) placec1225
'peara1382
appear1382
kithea1400
to show out?a1425
muster?1435
to come forthc1449
to look outa1470
apparish1483
to show forth1487
come1531
to come out?1548
peer1568
to look through1573
glimpse1596
loom1605
rise1615
emicate1657
emike1657
present1664
opena1691
emerge1700
dawn1744
to come down the pike1812
to open out1813
to crop out1849
unmask1858
to come through1868
to show up1879
to come (etc.) out of thin air1932
surface1961
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) iv. 121 The pomp of pryde ay furth shawis.
1500 Ortus Vocabulaorum sig. Hi/2 Compareo, to shewe forth.
1614 J. Day Dyall 68 God..causeth the day to shew forth, & the Sun to shine as well on the evill as the good.
1741 P. Walter Inventory of Goods & Chattels P——r W——s, Esq. 4 His Grace distinguish'd on the next, Shews forth in capitals and Text.
1827 Boston Lyceum 15 Jan. 48 There beauty shows forth in its richest attire, levelling at all hearts its potent archery.
1880 T. Hardy in Good Words 21 328/2 In another moment something showed forth, and he knew that Matilda was there.
1900 H. Wilmans Conquest Death xlii. 349 Wherever it is, there life manifests in form; there it shows forth in living creatures.
1989 K. Y. Blankinship tr. M. ibn J. al-Tabari Hist. XXV. 31 A man among the pagans showed forth and stood before his comrades.
2. transitive. To declare, utter; = sense 20a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)]
speakc900
sayOE
sayOE
tell?a1160
to put forth?c1225
posea1325
allegec1330
declarec1330
exponec1380
to bring fortha1382
expounda1382
terminec1384
allaya1387
express1386
proport1387
purport1389
cough1393
generalize?a1425
deliverc1454
expremec1470
to show forth1498
promisea1500
term1546
to set forward1560
attribute1563
to throw out1573
quote1575
dictate1599
rendera1616
preport1616
enunciate1623
remonstrate1625
state1642
pronunciate1652
annunciate1763
present1779
enounce1805
report1842
constate1865
lodge1885
outen1951
the mind > language > speech > narration > narrate, relate, or tell [verb (transitive)]
singc900
reckonOE
readOE
tellOE
showc1175
betellc1275
i-tellec1275
rehearsec1300
record1340
accounta1387
to chase forthc1386
retretec1400
reporta1402
count?a1425
recite1448
touch?a1450
repeat1451
deliverc1454
explikec1454
renderc1460
recount1477
to show forth1498
relate1530
to set forth1530
rechec1540
reaccount1561
recitate1568
history1600
recant1603
to run througha1616
enarrate1750
narrate1754
1498 Interpr. Names Goddis & Goddesses (de Worde) sig. Aij/2 Shewe forth your sentence wt a breyf clause.
1530 G. Joye tr. M. Bucer Psalter of Dauid f. 83 Lorde opene thou my lyppes: and then my mouthe shall shewe forthe thy prayse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judges xiv. 13 Shewe forth hy ryddle, let vs heare it.
1624 W. Badduley tr. Theater Iaponia's Constancy 31 O blessed Ignatius, if God through thy merits, would be pleased to cure me, I would shew forth his praises and thine.
1705 G. Bull Corruptions Church of Rome in G. Hickes Several Lett. 249 Let my Death be thus annunciated and shewn forth.
1836 R. Watson Sermons II. xciv. 257 Then we are no longer dumb, our lips are opened, and our mouths show forth the praise of our pardoning God.
1869 J. T. Jeffcock Serm. Town & Country iii. 45 That peculiar mode in which all nations have ever showed forth the praise of those to whom they accorded it.
1963 M. R. Lefkowitz tr. Empedocles in Harvard Stud. Classical Philol. 67 245 Now, Calliope, stand beside me as I pray, and as I show forth my good account about the blessed gods.
2000 Nelson (Brit. Columbia) Daily News (Nexis) 2 June 9 God forms us that we might show forth His praise.
 to show in
transitive. To bring or conduct (a person) into a house or room.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > bring in > a person into a house, room, or vessel
admit1434
showc1450
to take in?a1475
enter1523
inducea1535
to show ina1640
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Loves Pilgrimage i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Aaaaaaaav/1 Theo. Will you shew me in. Host. Yes marry will I Sir.
1761 C. Johnstone Chrysal (ed. 2) II. i. ix. 63 He found a venerable Matron..who enquiring in a feeble voice, for number one, he directly shewed her in, to the company.
1845 N. P. Willis Dashes at Life with Free Pencil 32/1 One of the ladies..begged her companion..to show me in to lunch.
1874 T. B. Aldrich Prudence Palfrey xv. 287 Wants to see me?.. Show him in, Fanny.
1902 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 553/2 The first thing I observed, when he was shown in, was his well-groomedness.
1995 M. Coren Conan Doyle (1996) i. 23 I had to array his out-patients..and then show them in, one by one, to the large room in which Bell sat.
2009 C. Hollis Count of Castelfino (2010) x. 165 A uniformed doorman showed her in.
 to show off
1.
a. transitive. To display, or have the effect of displaying, in relief or by contrast; to enhance in appearance; to give emphasis to; = to set off 5a at Phrasal verbs 2, to set off 6 at set v.1 Phrasal verbs 2.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 3a.Apparently rare before the 18th cent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > be contrary to [verb (transitive)] > set in opposition
to set off1598
to show offa1616
contrapose1617
counterpose1657
counterpoint1940
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) v. iii. 21 I like your silence, it the more shewes-off Your wonder. View more context for this quotation
1750 Student 1 No. 5. 163 'Tis not sufficient that a woman has good features and an handsome person, unless she knows how to shew them off to the best advantage.
1787 P. H. Maty tr. J. K. Riesbeck Trav. Germany III. lxiii. 204 Chusing rather to make the most of its ground, than to shew off the church to the best advantage.
1855 T. C. Haliburton Nature & Human Nature II. xi. 330 Didn't it show off the Mudian galls to advantage, lick!
1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 231/1 The colour of a background or the ‘grounding’ of a piece of embroidery should be selected with a view to showing off the colours of the design.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 58/2 Medium or really dark backgrounds, which show them off to the best advantage.
1956 I. Fleming Diamonds are Forever xxii. 216 The neutral colours showed off her café-au-lait sunburn.
2008 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 5 Feb. b8 Boyish trousers and feminine print blouses that showed off necklines.
†b. intransitive. With complement: to appear (as specified) by contrast. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian iv. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Bbbbbbb4v/2 The sins of other women put by hers Shew off like sanctities.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger False One iii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Rrv/1 This is safe now: And will shew off, most honourable.
†2. intransitive. Chiefly Boxing. Apparently: to launch an attack; to begin to fight. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1740 T. Chubb Enq. Ground & Found. Relig. 120 If Dr Stebbing, or any other person has wherewith to oppose; they may shew off as soon as they please.
1812 Sporting Mag. 40 66 His antagonist shewed off at his head.
1812–13 P. Egan Boxiana I. 261 Dan showed off in good style..and finished the round by knocking down his opponent.
3.
a. transitive. To display ostentatiously, or with the intention of impressing others; to exhibit (something) so as to draw attention to its merits; to parade.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display of [verb (transitive)]
flourishc1380
show1509
ostent1531
ostentatec1540
to ruffle it1551
to brave out1581
vaunt1590
boasta1592
venditate1600
to make the most ofa1627
display1628
to make (a) parade of1656
pride1667
sport1684
to show off1750
flash1785
afficher1814
affiche1817
parade1818
flaunt1822
air1867
showboat1937
ponce1953
rock1987
1750 E. Cother Serious Proposal 11 Nor..is it any Part of our present Intention, to shew off the special Advantages that may arise to any one, farther than will appear upon the Face of the Proposal itself.
1754 S. Fielding & J. Collier Cry II. iii. xv. 207 My chief joy would not be in shewing off those trifling things which money can give any one possession of, but in shewing off my husband.
1805 Sporting Mag. Nov. 56/2 On a small farm he contrived, from time to time, to bring into the field, to show off there, and to sell afterwards..as many good horses as ever perhaps belonged to one person.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair l. 447 To show off before them his new wealth and splendour.
1879 M. Pattison Milton 192 An opportunity for an author to show off his powers of writing.
1928 B. Benefield Little Clown Lost v. 75 Probably she wants to practise you in your part as well as to show you off in your new finery.
1947 Z. N. Hurston Let. 2 Oct. in Life in Lett. (2002) 558 He was accusing me of having dragged him down there to show off what a big shot I was.
1993 Weekend Times 17 July 16/3 Mike Howgate shows off his splendid collection of dino memorabilia.
2014 Birmingham Evening Mail (Nexis) 7 Aug. 9 Someone who hones his body at the gym and isn't afraid to show it off.
b. intransitive. To make a deliberate or ostentatious display of one's abilities or accomplishments; to behave in a manner intended to be impressive.
ΚΠ
1750 Love at First Sight 98 He's a monstrous Jacobite, in which he shews off with his false Reasoning and Nonsense.
1762 London Chron. 5 June 538/2 It would be an insufferable vanity in me to show off, who am but very moderately versed in the language.
1777 S. J. Pratt Trav. for Heart II. 208 This precious fellow began, at his first abord, to shew off.
1815 Countess Granville Lett. (1894) I. 69 She puts me in mind of Miss Berry when she is showing off.
1894 D. C. Murray Making of Novelist 201 He was tempted to swagger and ‘show off’ as children say.
1930 Oxf. Ann. Girls 51/1 Just because Meriel's a prodigy, and shows off.
1994 H. Burton Leonard Bernstein vi. xxxvii. 455 He arrived in his white tie and tails..and proceeded to show off shamelessly, lunging at the camera..like some latter-day Count Dracula.
2012 N. Barker Yips ii. 104 Popped a wheelie—just showing off to some beach babe.
 to show out
1.
a. intransitive. To become visible, discernible, or apparent; to be revealed. Now somewhat rare.In early use also: to project, stick out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible
ariseOE
to come in (also to, on, etc.) placec1225
'peara1382
appear1382
kithea1400
to show out?a1425
muster?1435
to come forthc1449
to look outa1470
apparish1483
to show forth1487
come1531
to come out?1548
peer1568
to look through1573
glimpse1596
loom1605
rise1615
emicate1657
emike1657
present1664
opena1691
emerge1700
dawn1744
to come down the pike1812
to open out1813
to crop out1849
unmask1858
to come through1868
to show up1879
to come (etc.) out of thin air1932
surface1961
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Hunterian) f. 49 (MED) Þei [sc. nervi optici] enterne vnder þe braine panne and passen þoruȝ him to þat þei schewe more oute in þe holes þat yȝen stonden inne.
?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 106, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Sheuen Þe necke & þe þrote weren so swollen þat þe chynne & þe necke were litel lesse schewinge oute þen þe schulders.
1494 W. Hilton Scala Perfeccionis (de Worde) ii. xxix. sig. n viiiv It maye not suffre for to bere it but brestyth & shewyth oute [?a1425 Lamb. schewith it out] in wepynge sobbynge & other bodily stirynge.
1513 Lydgate's Troye Bk. (Pynson) iii. xxv. sig. Q.viv/1 Men may se It sheweth out, at large fenestralles On chaumbres, hye and lowe downe in halles.
1625 J. Downame Summe Sacred Diuinitie iv. 111 Now to make it euident, how the Glorie of God shineth and sheweth out, in all which hath beene said of the exercise of his Kingdome.
1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure II. 79 They unlocked their treasures of concealed beauty, and show'd out in the pride of their native charms, ever more touching surely than when they parade it in the artificial ones of dress and ornament.
1822 Mem. Wernerian Nat. Hist. Soc. 4 170 The light-coloured [clouds]..shew out from under the darker ones.
1846 T. De Quincey Glance at Wks. Mackintosh in Tait's Edinb. Mag. July 418/2 Rarely has a false idea been more suddenly caused to founder and to show out.
1911 C. E. W. Bean ‘Dreadnought’ of Darling vii. 65 A little later the flicker of their camp-fire showed out.
1992 R. Brown Before & After ii. xiii. 143 They watched him..thrust his bare pink toes, showing out under his cuffs like little shrimp, into paper slippers.
†b. transitive. To cause to become visible, discernible, or apparent; to reveal; to manifest. In later use also: to make prominent, emphasize, enhance; = to show off 1a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] > by one's action or behaviour
kitheOE
haveOE
showc1175
discoverc1450
to show outc1450
to show forthc1515
manifesta1525
testify1560
specifya1575
witness1581
mark1791
c1450 (?c1435) in Mod. Lang. Notes (1937) 52 4 O sely bylle why arte þou not ashamd So malepertely to shewe oute thy constreynt?
a1500 (c1380) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 470 For, as þei seyen, þer staat wolde perische but ȝif siche richesse shewide it out.
?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. a.ii The swete hony combis of his plesaunt wrytinge: which shuld shew out the celestiall giftis of god.
1565 W. Alley Πτωχομυσεῖον i. vi. f. 210v She shewing out her brests, doth besech her sonne.
1651 Life & Reigne King Charls 91 Providence it selfe visibly shews it out unto you, that not only Gods special hand is in this great change of affairs, but that he hath yet some greater worke depending on this.
1767 A. Campbell Sale of Authors i. 10 When you set your Authors up to sale, shew them out to the best Advantage, giving them all the praises and applauses you can think of.
1835 Fraser's Mag. July 14/2 Thought to indicate something peculiar, which time alone could shew out.
1874 H. H. Cole Catal. Objects Indian Art S. Kensington Mus. 230 The very roughness of the embroidery..shows out the intention of the design.
1883 Cent. Mag. Aug. 598 I..never show out in any way that I know there are young ladies or literature in the world.
1889 Morning Oregonian (Portland, Oregon) 12 May 30/1 She was as straight as a post and as plump as a partridge, and her rich Burmese dress was well fitted to shew out her beauties.
1902 Australasian Coachbuilder & Wheelwright 15 Sept. 121/2 A dark shade of lake would have..shown out the lining to better advantage.
2. transitive. To bring or lead (a person) out of a house or room; to turn out of doors.
ΚΠ
1798 J. O'Keeffe Beggar on Horseback i, in Dramatic Wks. III. 438 Codger. Get away, get away. (to Horace) Shew him out—I'll hear no more, go—go—.
a1816 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal (rev. ed.) iv. ii, in Wks. (1821) II. 99 Oh, gentlemen, I beg pardon for not showing you out.
a1885 ‘H. Conway’ Living or Dead (1886) I. xi. 242 Now, sir, listen before I ring for you to be shown out.
1985 N. Herman My Kleinian Home 58 The secretary showed me out with a dark, contemptuous glare.
2006 J. Robertson Test. Gideon Mack (2007) xxvi. 187 I showed him out..half of me wanting to kick his backside.
3. intransitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. regional (southern and south Midland). = to show off 3b at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1841 Ladies' Repository Dec. 368/1 [He] deliberately made his best bow, and so far from being abashed, became quite graceful, in the gratified opportunity, as it seemed, of showing out.
1848 G. C. Furber Twelve Months Volunteer 239 The first battalion of our regiment..overdone the matter, in endeavoring to show out before the general.
1889 M. E. Wilkins Far-away Melody (1890) 258 See that old lady trailing her best black silk by... Ain't it ridiculous how she keeps on showing out?
1977 Time 28 Mar. 50/2 He was proud of her, constantly encouraging her to ‘show out’ and display her flair for the dramatic.
2015 ‘Sparky Sweets’ Thug Notes 236 He always showin' out to prove he tougher than any otha thug on da block.
4. intransitive. Bridge (originally North American). To reveal that one has no cards remaining in the suit led, by playing a card of a different suit.
ΚΠ
1922 Vanity Fair Dec. 74/3 The opening lead was the ace of clubs, followed by a small one, dummy winning with the king and Mrs. Ruffitt showing out of the suit.]
1930 Piqua (Ohio) Daily Call 16 Jan. 4/4 On the second club lead, West showed out.
1950 C. H. Goren Guide to winning Bridge 176 If West shows out, you will lose two tricks.
1960 T. Reese Play Bridge with Reese 171 I put the Ace from dummy and East shows out.
2014 R. Lee Beat your Opponent 29 Now, lead your 4th club; West showed out.
 to show round
transitive. = to show around at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > strangers or tourists
cicerone1789
to show round1819
to take about1823
ciceronize1832
to show around ——1839
to show around1847
1819 Kaleidoscope 20 July 5/3 ‘You shall see,’ said the very intelligent gentleman who showed me round.
1873 M. E. Pratt Rhoda Thornton's Girlhood xiv. 260 After we 'd looked over the house, we went out, and he showed me round.
1951 M. Dickens My Turn to make Tea vii. 122 Sister..said that if I was The Press, Matron had deputed her to show me round.
1991 High Life (Brit. Airways) May 11/3 The bearded Yeoman Warders in their Tudor clothes show visitors round and describe the dramas of the past with theatrical panache.
2005 Independent 20 Sept. 59/2 The gardeners had to be here in their Sunday best to show them round.
 to show through
1. intransitive. Of a thing: to be visible, or partly visible, beneath something that covers or conceals it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > show through
transpare1604
to show through1829
grin1854
1829 R. Sweet Brit. Flower Garden III. §258 The colour showing through, but not so bright as on the inside.
1875 M. D. Landon Eli Perkins 82 There's no use of my trying to dress without rouge... every wrinkle shows through.
1911 T. Smith Profitable Culture Veg. 307 When..the tips [of the shoots] are just showing through, cutting may begin.
1938 Amer. Speech 13 308/1 The tread [of the tire]..is worn off and the white fabric shows through.
2009 National Art Coll. Fund Rev. 2008–9 70/3 A predilection for sweeping brushstrokes that allow the underpaint to show through.
2. intransitive. Of an attribute, quality, feeling, etc.: to be revealed inadvertently, esp. by a person's expression or behaviour.
ΚΠ
1874 J. Spedding Lett. & Life Bacon III. v. 207 The personal sensibilities of a man who felt that his affection had been ill-requited..showed through in every line.
1914 R. Gillmore Alster Case viii. 126 ‘You surely don't expect to carry on this business in your hall room.’ His resentment showed through in this fling.
1952 Oxnard (Calif.) Press-Courier 6 Oct. 8/1 A liking for smoking..and for drinking... are merely the cover-up; the weakness of character shows through very plainly.
2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 16 Apr. 25/3 While his erudition shows through on every page, he isn't flaunting it.
3. intransitive. Chiefly Business and Finance. Esp. of a trend or phenomenon: to emerge or appear, to become apparent.
ΚΠ
1983 Times 17 Oct. 18/6 Although there were grounds for believing that the recession was lifting,..[the group] did not believe that any improvement would show through yet.
1995 Daily Tel. 31 Jan. 25/4 Interest rate worries showed through in Courtaulds, down 18p at 407p.
1999 S. Slatter & D. Lovett Corporate Recovery ii. 14 By the time the financial impact of the causes of decline show through it may be too late to save the company.
2007 Financial Times (Electronic ed.) 2 May The benefits of the merger which formed Alliance Boots last July began to show through in full-year results.
 to show up
†1. transitive.
a. To hold up to view. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > set in a high position [verb (transitive)] > hold up or aloft
to bear upeOE
bearc1380
to show up?1531
?1531 tr. Erasmus Treat. perswadynge Man Patientlye to Suffre sig. Aviiiv They approched nere to his armie, & with wordes of reproche and blame, they shewed it [sc. his sonnes head] vp.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare i. 3 Thou hast said Masse, thou hast shewed vp breade and wyne to be woorshipped as God, and yet nowe thou knowest it was a creature, and not God.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 2121/2 Thirdly, that the Priest sheweth vp an Idoll at Masse.
1845 J. D. Smith tr. E. Sue Myst. of Paris II. xvi. 204 What have you got in that old handkerchief?.. Shew it up directly!
1854 Morning Post 14 Aug. 2/4 A gawky boy, who, getting possession of a fine engraving, smears it over with all the contents of his colour-box, and then shows it up for the admiration of his acquaintance.
b. More generally: to make (something) available to be read, viewed, considered, etc.; to offer for consideration. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1605 E. Askew Brotherly Reconcilem. 285 Paule..vsed prophane authours, that he might sanctifie them vnto all; and shew vp a president, that all truth may lawfully be borrowed from any.
1798 Anti-Jacobin 5 Feb. 101/2 P–rs–ns shews up his Lays; H–lcr–ft offers his Plays.
1824 Parl. Deb. 2nd Ser. 10 647 No gentlemen would be found to undertake the duties of the office [of Magistrate], if their names were to be shewn up whenever it suited the pleasure of any member of the House.
1835 F. Maceroni Expos. & Illustr. Steam Power 122 But I must conclude. I will ‘shew up’ the minutes of evidence, word by word, when I can produce the necessary drawings.
2. transitive. To bring or conduct (a person) upstairs, or into an upper room, esp. into the presence of the person he or she has come to visit.In early use also intransitive in same sense.
ΚΠ
a1652 R. Brome Weeding of Covent-Garden ii. ii. 34 in Five New Playes (1659) Where are you? he (rings the bell) shew up into the Phoenix.
1667 Poor Robin's Jests 13 These two Gentlemen asked for a room, and I shewed them up into the green Chamber.
1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid II. viii. 93 My Aunt inform'd me of a Visit, and ask'd if she was to deny me..? I bid her show up, in Hopes it was the Man I wanted.
1777 P. Thicknesse Year's Journey France & Spain II. xlvii. 126 As I had forbad his being shewn up, he desired me to come down.
1843 J. W. Carlyle Lett. I. 274 As there was no fire in the room below, they had to be shown up to the library.
1879 L. M. Lane My Sister's Keeper xxi. 281 Oh, I think I know who it is... Show him up.
1950 T. S. Eliot Cocktail Party ii. 94 The house-telephone rings... Hello! yes, show him up.
2003 ‘J. le Carré’ Absolute Friends (2004) 77 If she doesn't show you up, you sleep down here. I've got a spare bed.
3. transitive. To submit or hand in (an exercise, examination paper, etc.) for consideration by a teacher or examiner. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1783 Morning Chron. 15 Apr. He defied the annals of Eton and Westminster to afford an instance after an exercise had been made and shewn up, for others to be called upon to find the sense and reason of it.
1801 D. Morrice Art Teaching iv. 213 Make him, at least, parse four lines of it, and then commit to paper neatly, the several words so parsed, to shew up at the next lesson.
1857 J. A. Symonds Let. 8 Mar. (1967) I. 98 There is some prize Greek Prose from Pitt's speeches to be shown up after the holidays.
1912 M. F. Moore Two Sel. Bibliogr. Pref. 16 Students are encouraged to show up exercises in the transcription and extension of facsimiles.
1938 Jrnl. Educ. Mar. 134/2 My experience is that boys will show up the worst writing which their masters will accept.
†4. transitive. At Eton College and Westminster School: to report (a pupil) for punishment. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1799 Gentleman's Mag. July 566/2 [He] told him that his dame had shown him up, and bid him come and be flogged.
a1827 W. Hickey Mem. (1913) I. 14 He let no occasion pass of what is there [sc. at Westminster School] termed ‘shewing me up’, that is, conducting me to his father the Doctor, to procure me a flogging.
1845 College & T.B. Life at Westm. 25 Oct. I went into School not having done my Verses... I was therefore Shown-up, and..pleaded my first fault.
5. transitive.
a.
(a) With complement (usually preceded by as or for). To expose as, reveal to be (what is specified by the complement).
ΚΠ
1812 P. Egan Boxiana 45 The fighting Quaker retired with a broken spirit, and was shown-up as a complete Ranter!
1832 Morning Chron. 15 Aug. The catalogue shows them up as plain Jack and George: John Chalon, and George Clint, without even the prefix of Mr.
1876 Fortn. Rev. Nov. 619 The general public would be happier in their minds..if political economy could be shown up as imposture.
1930 J. Buchan Castle Gay iv. 71 Here's our chance... Show him up for the almighty fool he is.
1957 H. J. Eysenck Sense & Nonsense in Psychol. v. 200 What right have we to expect him to tell the truth about himself if that truth is uncomplimentary and would show him up as a rather poor sort of fish?
1992 J. Kelman Some Recent Attacks 86 Those who persist are shown up as perverse, slightly bammy crackpots.
2007 Daily Tel. 28 Aug. 22/7 Against Cage's capricious plinky-plonky, her choreography is shown up for its indecisiveness and lack of speed.
(b) To reveal or expose (someone or something) as having made false claims or pretensions, or (more generally) as being deceitful, dishonest, dishonourable, corrupt, etc.; to discredit or disgrace by exposure; to expose (a person's deceit, pretensions, misdemeanours, failings, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or reveal [verb (transitive)] > the true character or identity of
utter1526
wray1576
convince1583
strip1619
dispersonate1624
convict1717
to show up1821
out1990
1821 Morning Post 3 Jan. Keen Arnold neatly shewed him up, And able Robins fairly knocked him down.
1821 John Bull 13 Aug. 277/3 Upholding loyalty and morality, and shewing up Humbug wherever it can be found.
1829 Examiner 26 July 476/1 He threatened to ‘show up’ my brother in the Age.
1865 J. S. Mill Exam. Hamilton's Philos. 478 That mathematical mysticism, so mercilessly shown up by Berkeley.
1923 P. G. Wodehouse Adventures of Sally xiii. 156 I'm going to show that guy up this afternoon.
1993 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 13 Jan. 9 Keith's weediness is constantly shown up by virile local farmers.
2001 New Yorker 16 Apr. 86/3 He challenged those who saw through him to show him up in court.
b. Originally and chiefly British. To embarrass or humiliate (a person), especially by behaving badly in public. Also reflexive: to embarrass or humiliate oneself.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > refutation, disproof > refute, disprove [verb (transitive)] > by proving error or weakness
reprovea1398
falsifyc1449
enervate1565
convince1583
disprove1584
imposture1622
distest1647
disauthenticate1658
convict1717
negative1790
unsubstantiate1799
to show up1893
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or reveal [verb (transitive)] > what is bad
expose1693
satirize1798
to show up1893
spotlight1913
debunk1923
to name and shame1978
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > detract from [verb (transitive)] > expose false claims or pretensions
to show up1893
deflate1920
debunk1923
1893 Pick-me-up 20 May 125/2 I wouldn't show you up before your friend; but now I reckon I'll teach you to be boasting.
1906 C. E. B. Russell & L. M. Rigby Making of Criminal i. 7 His clothes are so very poor that he does not like..‘to show himself up’ by appearing in them.
1942 G. Kersh Nine Lives Bill Nelson iii. 19 ‘You're showing me up,’ I said. ‘People are looking.’
1996 H. Fielding Bridget Jones's Diary (1997) 38 I rather showed myself up by not remembering how to open the bonnet.
2003 Yours Oct. 157/3 The idea of a parent sticking up for us..was unheard of. Rather, they..added to our shame for showing them up by giving us a good hiding.
c. colloquial. To outdo or outperform (a person) (sometimes implying that the person is subsequently embarrassed or humiliated).
ΚΠ
1904 F. Lynde Grafters xxiv. 298 You were to crush the grafters in this railroad struggle—show them up—and climb to distinction yourself.
1933 Boston Daily Globe 23 Sept. 14/7 I had an idea that Carl Sharkey would [pitch].., but since he got shown up by Lefty Levinsky..I ain't sure.
1967 Esquire Apr. 99/2 The President's selection of Mrs. Kennedy's dress..‘to show up those cheap Texas broads’, a remark not calculated to give pleasure to the clients of Neiman-Marcus.
1992 M. Burkhardt Willie Mays ii. 38 A time came when Willie went beyond his father's skill and showed him up.
2015 Sunday Tel. (Nexis) 15 Nov. 12 ‘Nina totally showed me up,’ McCoy said, shaking his head.
6. intransitive. colloquial. To put in an appearance; to present oneself, turn up, esp. at an appointed or expected time or place.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself
to make (one's) muster1419
presenta1425
to come fortha1535
to come forwards1550
to turn up1663
to come forward1683
report1815
to show up1827
show1848
to show the flag1937
1827 Times 24 July The other members of the old Administration have all ‘shown up’, as the phrase is, long, ago; why should not he [sc. the Duke of Wellington]?
1850 Househ. Words 10 Aug. 476/1 The natives did not show up at the huts for two or three weeks after our arrival.
1888 Lisbon (Dakota Territory) Star 3 Feb. 4/1 Will Worden is expected to show up next week.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 167 Paul did not show up at the office next day.
1905 Secret Service 21 Apr. 7/2 Old King Brady had not yet come in; in fact, he did not show up until four o'clock.
1947 Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune 14 Feb. 1/7 The small but important matter of advising him [sc. the gardener] when the rabbits will show up to devour the product of his labors.
1999 E. Wennick Changing Jareth iv. 58 There was a convenience store by the bus stop..and I wandered in to kill some time until my bus showed up.
2013 New Yorker 4 Feb. 55/1 Newey showed up for his first job interview on a Ducati, in riding leathers.
7.
a. transitive. To cause (a thing) to be clearly visible, esp. by contrast or in relief; to give visual prominence to; (also) to expose (something underneath) to view.
ΚΠ
1834 World of Fashion Apr. 93/1 The ground was hard, and the grass crisp, and the moonlight shewed up every object.
1856 Art-Jrnl. Aug. 259/2 The whole group..is mounted upon a background of crimson velvet, which shows up the work to great advantage.
1874 H. H. Cole Catal. Objects Indian Art S. Kensington Mus. App. 289 Then cutting out certain parts of the pattern which showed up the copper as a ground.
1911 A. Dudeney Maids' Money (1912) 164 The clear sea light showed up the lines and hollows of her brown face.
1979 Reader's Digest Crafts & Hobbies 123/3 Use the background that will best show up the string you will be using.
2012 Manch. Evening News (Nexis) 15 Mar. 14 Shoppers are invited to have their photo taken using a special light showing up damage caused by the sun and sun beds.
b. intransitive. To be clearly visible, esp. by contrast or in relief; to stand out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > be clearly visible > be conspicuous
to stand fortha1425
to catch the (also a person's) eye1585
salutea1586
stare1645
to make (familiarly to cut) a figure1699
to show up1860
to jump to the eye(s)1926
to stick (or stand) out like a sore thumb1936
1860 C. Cole Sewing Machine 12 Leather..is peculiarly adapted for shewing the stitch of the Sewing Machine to advantage: upon no other work will it shew up so beautifully.
1883 Truth 31 May 768/2 A brocade on which..yellow marguerites..showed up upon a ground of scarlet.
1891 E. B. Bax Outlooks from New Standpoint iii. 171 Most persons are afraid of something, but they, at times, show up brave on the background of persons who are afraid of something else.
1927 P. H. Pearson Prairie Vikings 24 The settlers found queer little oases of rank blue-stem showing up in marked contrast against the buffalo grass.
1958 Life 14 Apr. 123/1 (caption) Under bright light tracks of particles from disintegrating radium show up clearly.
2003 N. Devon Jrnl. (Nexis) 18 Sept. 57 Look for a yellow green patch at the base of the bill which shows up nicely against the dark head.
8. intransitive. With adverb: to be seen to give a (good, bad, etc.) account of oneself; to perform (well, badly, etc.). Formerly also sometimes without adverb: to perform well, to ‘shine’.Originally in sporting contexts; later extended with reference to (good or bad) performance of any kind.
ΚΠ
1852 Bell's Life in London 29 Aug. 6/3 Mr Clement..showed up well on both sides the score, batting and bowling.
1881 St. Louis (Missouri) Globe-Democrat 10 May 9/6 Our market showed up very creditably, indeed, as compared with others, and a good activity prevailed until all [sheep] were sold.
1885 Field 31 Jan. 135/2 Some scrummaging took place at the half way till Ekin showed up with a good run, which brought the play to the North lines.
1904 Motor 17 May 404/1 The bigger-powered Wolseleys showed up badly by comparison, Jarrott doing 45 2·5 and 45 3·5 secs.
1971 Times 15 Feb. 9/2 For a hooker Pullin often showed up well in the loose.
1998 Darts World Mar. 41/1 Central county sides continue to show up well in all four sections in the Scotland North Division.
2015 Racing Post (Nexis) 31 Aug. 10 John Gosden's chestnut was slightly disappointing when only sixth in a maiden at Newmarket's July festival last time but has been showing up well in his recent work on the Limekilns.
9. intransitive. To become evident or apparent; to occur.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (intransitive)]
becomec888
i-tidec888
falleOE
ywortheOE
i-limp975
belimpOE
i-timeOE
worthOE
tidea1131
goa1200
arearc1275
syec1275
betide1297
fere1297
risea1350
to come aboutc1350
overcomea1382
passa1393
comea1400
to come in (also to, on, etc.) placea1400
eschew?a1400
chevec1400
shapec1400
hold1462
to come (also go) to pass1481
proceed?1518
occura1522
bechance1527
overpass1530
sorta1535
succeed1537
adventurec1540
to fall toc1540
success1545
to fall forth1569
fadge1573
beword?1577
to fall in1578
happen1580
event1590
arrive1600
offer1601
grow1614
fudge1615
incur1626
evene1654
obvene1654
to take place1770
transpire1775
to go on1873
to show up1879
materialize1885
break1914
cook1932
to go down1946
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be visible [verb (intransitive)] > appear or become visible
ariseOE
to come in (also to, on, etc.) placec1225
'peara1382
appear1382
kithea1400
to show out?a1425
muster?1435
to come forthc1449
to look outa1470
apparish1483
to show forth1487
come1531
to come out?1548
peer1568
to look through1573
glimpse1596
loom1605
rise1615
emicate1657
emike1657
present1664
opena1691
emerge1700
dawn1744
to come down the pike1812
to open out1813
to crop out1849
unmask1858
to come through1868
to show up1879
to come (etc.) out of thin air1932
surface1961
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > be disclosed or revealed
to come to (also in, on) (the) lightOE
sutelea1000
kitheOE
unfoldc1350
disclosea1513
burst1542
to break up1584
to take vent1611
vent1622
bleed1645
emerge1664
to get (also have) vent1668
to get or take wind1668
to stand (appear) confessed1708
eclat1736
perspire1748
transpire1748
to come out1751
develop1805
unroll1807
spunk1808
effloresce1834
to come to the front1871
to show up1879
out1894
evolve1920
to come or crawl out of the woodwork1964
1879 Cincinnati Daily Enquirer 1 May 2/2 It is only proper to state a few new phases that have shown up since the unfortunate occurrence.
1936 Washington Post 23 Aug. r11/4 Some fine cracks will show up here and there in the best jobs, due to the settlement and shrinkage.
1974 Times 18 Mar. 14/5 The fall in total pigmeat supplies will not show up for a few months yet.
1998 Gazette (Montreal) (Nexis) 17 Nov. d1 Age spots..show up in later adulthood.
2011 J. D. Nash Lose Weight, live Healthy viii. 222 This passivity shows up when the overweight person puts others' needs first.
PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to show around ——
transitive. To accompany (a person) on a tour of the specified place or building (typically one which he or she has not visited before), pointing out locations of particular interest or significance. Cf. to show around at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > strangers or tourists
cicerone1789
to show round1819
to take about1823
ciceronize1832
to show around ——1839
to show around1847
1839 Laws Commonw. for Governm. Mass. State Prison 41 The officer in charge of the front entrance gate, will receive visitors and grant them tickets, if they wish to be shown around the prison.
1897 Railway Conductor Aug. 581/2 We were the guests of Division 364, who showed us around the city.
1928 J. S. Burgess Guilds of Peking i. 51 Mr. Chiao then showed us around the old Temple.
1989 New Yorker 5 June 90/1 The sexton, who was showing us around the oratory, whispered something in his ear.
2009 Independent 30 Mar. 15/1 A ‘buddy’ they can sit next to in class who helps them when they are struggling and shows them around the school.
 to show for ——
†1. intransitive. To appear, purport, or claim to be or have (what is specified). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion without proof > [verb (transitive)] > claim, maintain, or profess
to bear (a person or thing) in (also an, a, on) handc1300
pretend1402
presumea1470
profess1530
vendicate1557
pretence1567
intend1570
to show for ——1573
affect1606
to make out1659
purport1679
proport1884
1573 J. Shute tr. P. Viret Christian Instr. 458 Those that see such a worke..see it to bee good of his owne nature, and doe thinke, that it proceedeth from such an harte as it sheweth for outwardly.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iii. v. sig. Ffv/1 Let this labour of mine not seeme to any man to bee..lesse profitable than it sheweth for.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxvi. sig. N2 Hee would make vs beleeue, Divinity is much short of what it shewes for.
a1653 R. Filmer Patriarcha (1680) ii. §3. 36 As this Argument comes not home to our Point, so it is not able to prove that Title which it shews for.
a1681 R. Allestree 40 Serm. (1684) I. xxi. 284 A field..much richer than it shews for.
2. intransitive.
a. Originally English regional. To give promise of, portend, show a likelihood of (what is specified); = look v. Phrases 2a(b). Originally with reference to weather; in later use chiefly with reference to the anticipated output of an oil or gas well.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > probability, likelihood > be or seem likely [verb (intransitive)]
appeara1530
to have some show1556
think1579
to look like1594
to put fairc1595
had liked to1600
to show for ——1776
fare1850
show1901
1776 W. Marshall Minutes Agric. 2 Oct. (1778) The other evening shewed for rain.
1804 G. Caley Diary 23 Nov. in A. E. J. Andrews Devil's Wilderness (1984) 96 Early in the morning it thundered and shewed for rain.
1884 F. H. Taylor Derrick's Hand-bk. Petroleum 50 The Harding well..is twenty-five feet in the sand, and showing for 2 barrels.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) The wind's up again, and I sim do show vor fine weather.
1902 Petroleum Rev. 5 Apr. 361/2 The same telegram contained information of a strike 20 miles west of Sour Lake, that was shewing for 600 barrels a day from the upper stratum.
1922 Oil Weekly 3 June 27/3 Another well is being brought in by Phillips-Skelly in the northwest..which is showing for around 1000 barrels.
1991 S. Bellinger & R. Lintemuth Michigan Oil & Gas Story 177/2 A well drilled two years later showed for 40 barrels oil daily from around 100 feet.
b. Horticulture. To show signs of coming into flower, seed, or fruit. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1827–8 R. Sweet Flora Australasica No. 20 One [species]..has already flowered, and some of the other species are showing for bloom.
1843 Gardeners' Chron. 22 Apr. 266/1 The house is a late house, and the Vines are only now showing for fruit.
1900 Essex County Standard 14 July 3/3 The red clovers..have thrown up a strong shoot, and are already shewing for bloom a second time.
1918 Garden 7 Sept. 337/2 The Lettuce should be showing for seed before the stalks are cut.
1954 Truth (Brisbane) 4 July 30/1 Sweet peas that are showing for flower will be benefited by a dose of liquid manure occasionally.
 to show round ——
transitive. = to show around —— at Phrasal verbs 2. Cf. to show round at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1816 Monthly Mag. July 537/2 On showing him round the courts of the temple, one of the English officers..exclaimed in surprise.
1842 H. Lawrence Let. 20 June in H. B. Edwardes & H. Merivale Life Sir H. Lawrence (1872) I. ix. 389 Havelock, in great feather, showed us round the fields of battle.
1928 P. G. Wodehouse Money for Nothing v. 96 How can you be poor, when that gallery place you showed us round yesterday is jam full of pictures worth a fortune an inch?
2009 Independent 6 Mar. (Arts & Bks. section) 7/4 One of the staff was showing us round Vita Sackville-West's tower room.

Compounds

With adverbs. See also showdown n., show-off n. and adj., show-up n.
† show-away adj. Obsolete given to display, ostentatious; = show-off adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [adjective] > specifically of persons
jettingc1450
ruffling1543
strutting1577
ostentatious1658
flashy1693
parading1741
show-away1776
flash1785
slangy1850
peacocking1873
figuresome1884
fluttersome1895
posey1933
1776 S. J. Pratt Liberal Opinions III. liii. 58 Those shew-away fellows are mere pick-pockets.
1795 H. More Shepherd of Salisbury-Plain i. 18 A plain frugal man, who..was remarked to give away more than any of his show-away neighbours.
show-through n. the fact of print or writing on one side of a sheet of paper being visible from the other side; matter which is visible in this way; cf. print-through n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > printed matter > arrangement or appearance of printed matter > [noun] > show-through
show-through1928
strike through1958
print-through1961
1928 N. Parley in Assoc. Special Libr. & Information Bureaux: Rep. Proc. 5th Conf. 29 The three main difficulties in reproducing manuscripts are discoloration of paper; discoloration or fading of ink; ‘show-through’.
1947 New Bk. Faces (Lanston Monotype Machine Co., Philadelphia) 3/2 The ‘show through’ which is the result of printing in heavy color on thin or semi-transparent papers results in a loss of visibility and thereby affects readability.
1997 D. H. Reiman & M. O'Neill Fair-copy MSS Shelley's Poems European & Amer. Libr. 50 The brown stains on ‘poked’ are show-through from folio 80 recto on ‘first’.
2005 G. A. Walker Woodcut Artist's Handbk. iv. 93 This is a general test for opacity and can help determine how much show-through you will get when you print on a particular paper.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1c1330n.21765v.eOE
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