slaken.1
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/ 1. The act of slacking or slackening in some respect; an instance of this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > making less violent, vigorous, or severe > instance of
slakea1300
easec1440
appease1667
a1300 Cursor Mundi 23618 Sua sal þe wreches..for þair sak, Be stad in pine wit-vten slak.
16.. Robin of Portingale in Percy's Folio MS., Ball. & Rom. I. 238 At the wakening of your first sleepe your sorrowes will haue a slake.
1787 W. Marshall Provincialisms in Rural Econ. Norfolk II. 388 ‘To be at slake’, to be at leisure.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. iii. 106 Such side-questions..as, in the heat of the main battle, he..could not get answered; these also he takes up, at the first slake.
1862 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia III. xiv. iii. 648 Some slake occurring..in that interminable Honsbruck Lawsuit.
2. A source or cause of slaking. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [noun] > one who or that which mitigates or moderates
slakea1300
mitigativea1398
allayerc1487
slaker?1518
assuager1547
abater1583
mollifier1583
mitigator1586
moderator1589
softener1599
rebater1601
lightener?1611
allay1614
swager1617
mitigation1622
temperer1630
alleviator1665
alleviative1672
sheather1762
soberera1849
buffer1858
charmer1871
suppressant1884
modifier1890
moderant1897
shock-absorber1924
a1300 Cursor Mundi 24592 His lijk ful lath was þe to þarn, Þat slak was o þi site.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
slaken.2
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/, Scottish English /slek/ Scottish and northern dialect.
A name given to several species of Algæ, including marine and edible kinds as Ulva and Porphyra, and also the freshwater sorts, as Enteromorpha and Conferva.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > algae > [noun] > other algae
slake?a1505
laver1611
sea purse1769
water-net1821
red snow1825
red snow plant1836
hydrodictyon1841
Protococcus1842
snow plant1846
purple laver1847
red snow alga1848
gory dew1861
yellow cell1861
spirogyra1875
blanket-weed1879
phycochrome1881
zoochlorella1882
chlamydomonas1884
zygnemid1887
gonyaulax1902
chlorella1904
chlorophyte1937
a1505 R. Henryson Sum Pract. Med. 45 in Poems (1981) 181 Ane sleiffull of slak that growis in the slus.
1623 Orkney Witch Trial in Dalyell Darker Superst. Scotl. (1834) 389 And giving him a ‘cogfull of slaik’ to be eat raw on a cake, he recovered daily.
1710 T. Ruddiman in G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneis (new ed.) Gloss. at Slike Scot. Bor. call a kind of Sea-weed, very soft and slippery, Slake, which they also eat.
1793 J. Sinclair Statist. Acct. Scotl. VII. 201 The green slake which grows in the river.
1853 G. Johnston Terra Lindisfarnensis I. 287 The Enteromorphæ fill the bed of the lower part of the Tweed during the summer, and are well known to our fishermen under the name of Slake.
1901 Trans. Stirling Nat. Hist. & Archæol. Soc. 68 The Bannock at this point was filled with slake, and so deep that none could ride over it.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
slaken.3
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/ Chiefly northern dialect.
1. Mud, slime.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > mud > [noun]
laira1340
fanc1340
mudc1400
slutchc1400
slikec1425
slipc1440
slobber1440
sorec1440
slot?a1500
glar?a1513
slubber1570
slab1622
lute1694
lutulence1727
sletch1743
sleek1774
slakec1800
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirt > [noun] > mud
loamc725
fenc897
addleOE
fanc1340
mudc1400
slutchc1400
slikec1425
slipc1440
slobber1440
sorec1440
sludge1649
mux1746
gutter1785
slakec1800
sposh1836
mudge1848
c1800 Rep. Agric. Surv., Cumb. 30 (Britten) Slake or mud left by the tide.
1883 Pall Mall Gaz. 10 Nov. 4/1 At low tide a large area of river slake is left exposed on each side to the influences of the weather.
2. A stretch of muddy ground left exposed by the tide; a mud-flat.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > seashore or coast > [noun] > muddy
muds1648
mudflat1795
slake1828
sleech1902
1828 G. Young Geol. Surv. Yorks. Coast (ed. 2) 39 The morass at Hartlepool is evidently a continuation of the slake.
1868 J. Maidment Bk. Sc. Pasquils 4 (note) The slakes are waste lands bordering on the sea shore, which are covered with water when the tide comes in.
1889 Athenæum 16 Mar. 348/3 Adventures..in a gunning punt along the ‘slakes’ off Holy Island.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† slaken.4
Obsolete.
A flake.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > condition of being broad in relation to thickness > [noun] > thin plate or layer > scale > that has come off
shell13..
slake1585
flake1591
scaling1651
exfoliation1750
1585 J. Dee Jrnl. in True & Faithful Relation Spirits (1659) i. 357 They knock their Wedges..and so break off great Slakes of Stone, like Slate.
1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia i. x. 32 Columbine or Pidgeon Marle lies in lumpes and cloddes, but with Sunne and Frost, it resolues and cleaues into thinne slakes or flakes.
1721 Post-master 9 June 264 The Slakes of Fire were wafted by a strong Wind upon the Roofs of the Houses.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
slaken.5
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/, Scottish English /slek/ Scottish and northern dialect.
A splashy daub; a smear; a lick, wipe, soft stroke, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touching with mouth or tongue > [noun] > licking with tongue > a lick
lick1603
slake1721
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirt > soiled condition > [noun] > smeared condition > smear
blur1601
smear1611
daub1731
smudgea1774
clart1808
slake1818
smooch1825
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 396 I'll give you a Gob Slake.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian v, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 109 Maybe a touch o' a blackit cork, or a slake o' paint.
1829 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 26 144 Wafered to the pane with three wafers of divers colours, and a slake of starch.
1855 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Yorks. Words 157 A Slake, a mere wipe, not a thorough cleansing. ‘A lick and a slake’,..as a slut gets over certain of her household duties.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† slakeadj.
Obsolete.
1. Loose, relaxed; not tight. = slack adj. 7.
ΚΠ
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) i. met. i. 4 Þe slake skyn trembleþ vpon myn emty body.
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 1251 Þe stedes rennen wiþ slake bridlen.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 221 Flesshe in tempure neshe, noght slake, tokenyth good vndyrstondynge.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Astrophel & Stella xxviii The raines of Loue I loue, though neuer slake.
1643 J. Steer tr. Fabricius Exper. Chyrurg. xv. 60 It sheweth holes, by whose benefit the ring is made straight, or slake, according as need requireth.
2. Slack, remiss. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > [adjective] > indiligent or remiss
nesheOE
slackc897
undreigha1350
dissolutea1382
defaultyc1390
defaultive1398
remissivec1487
remissa1500
slakea1538
undiligent1564
unindustrious1599
discinct1604
unofficious1611
inindustriousa1631
indiligent1633
lax1812
remissful1836
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 142 For my parte, I wyl never be slake in thys behalfe.
3. slake water n. = slack-water n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > tide > type of tide > [noun] > slack
slake water1589
still water1626
slack1642
pinch-water1682
pinch1721
slack-water1769
1589 W. Borough in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations ii. 458 Diligently note the time of..the slake or still water of full sea.
1635 L. Foxe North-west Fox sig. O4v It was then slake water.
1793 R. Mylne Rep. Surv. Thames improving Navigation 34 From the strong current on the Bucks side, to the slake water on the Berks side.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
slakev.1
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/ I. intransitive.† 1. † b. Const. to with infinitive. Obsolete.† c. Const. of something. Obsolete.† d. To fall away from one; to depart. Obsolete. rare.† 4. † b. To come to an end; to cease. Obsolete.† 5. To become or grow less in number, quantity, or volume; to fall or subside. Obsolete.
a. Of persons: To diminish the intensity of one's efforts; to become less energetic or eager; also, to undergo or manifest a weakening or decrease in some specified respect. Obsolete.In some cases the sense approaches that of ‘cease’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts
slakec1000
slakea1225
flakec1500
slack1560
slacken1641
relax1652
to slack one's hand(s)1688
to drop off1827
ease1863
slack1864
to ease off1925
c1000 Ælfric Exodus xvii. 11 Gif he þonne lithwon slacode, þonne hæfde Amalech sige.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 50 For hire loue in slep y slake, for hire loue al nyht ich wake.
a1400–50 Alexander 3050 Als sone as þe son vp soȝt þe slaȝtere begynnes, And so to þe son-sett slakid þai neuire.
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 110 If þou fynde hem yn hem slakand or failland, comforte here hertes.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 214 Quhen the peple, throuch the dinn and cry tha maid, slaiket nocht lytle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts
slakec1000
slakea1225
flakec1500
slack1560
slacken1641
relax1652
to slack one's hand(s)1688
to drop off1827
ease1863
slack1864
to ease off1925
a1225 Leg. Kath. 2136 Swa þat ich slakie to ofseruin heouenriche.
c1250 Moral Ode 38 in Old Eng. Misc. 59 Ne scholde nomon don a virst ne slakien wel to donne.
a1400 Minor Poems from Vernon MS xxi. 112 Ȝif me grace from synne to fle, And him to loue let me neuer slake.
c1440 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 206 Alas! for to sorow how shuld I slake.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts > in respect of something
slakec1386
relax1687
soft-pedal1898
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 649 They kan nat stynte of hire entencion,..They wol nat of that firste purpos slake.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 13054 Bot þou of suche dedis slake. þou wil noȝt dey wiþ-outen wrak.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 656 Prefand giff he mycht off that languor slalk [= slaik].
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 398 The Inglischemen..slaikit of thair curage.
1621 in Gude & Godlie Ball. App. i. 232 I will ȝow exhort..To slaik of ȝour sleuth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]
wendeOE
i-wite971
ashakec975
shakeOE
to go awayOE
witea1000
afareOE
agoOE
atwendOE
awayOE
to wend awayOE
awendOE
gangOE
rimeOE
flitc1175
to fare forthc1200
depart?c1225
part?c1225
partc1230
to-partc1275
biwitec1300
atwitea1325
withdrawa1325
to draw awayc1330
passc1330
to turn one's (also the) backc1330
lenda1350
begonec1370
remuea1375
voidc1374
removec1380
to long awaya1382
twinc1386
to pass one's wayc1390
trussc1390
waive1390
to pass out ofa1398
avoida1400
to pass awaya1400
to turn awaya1400
slakec1400
wagc1400
returnc1405
to be gonea1425
muck1429
packc1450
recede1450
roomc1450
to show (a person) the feetc1450
to come offc1475
to take one's licence1475
issue1484
devoidc1485
rebatea1500
walka1500
to go adieua1522
pikea1529
to go one's ways1530
retire?1543
avaunt1549
to make out1558
trudge1562
vade?1570
fly1581
leave1593
wag1594
to get off1595
to go off1600
to put off1600
shog1600
troop1600
to forsake patch1602
exit1607
hence1614
to give offa1616
to take off1657
to move off1692
to cut (also slip) the painter1699
sheera1704
to go about one's business1749
mizzle1772
to move out1792
transit1797–1803
stump it1803
to run away1809
quit1811
to clear off1816
to clear out1816
nash1819
fuff1822
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
mosey1829
slope1830
to tail out1830
to walk one's chalks1835
to take away1838
shove1844
trot1847
fade1848
evacuate1849
shag1851
to get up and get1854
to pull out1855
to cut (the) cable(s)1859
to light out1859
to pick up1872
to sling one's Daniel or hook1873
to sling (also take) one's hook1874
smoke1893
screw1896
shoot1897
voetsak1897
to tootle off1902
to ship out1908
to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909
to push off1918
to bugger off1922
biff1923
to fuck off1929
to hit, split or take the breeze1931
to jack off1931
to piss offa1935
to do a mick1937
to take a walk1937
to head off1941
to take a hike1944
moulder1945
to chuff off1947
to get lost1947
to shoot through1947
skidoo1949
to sod off1950
peel1951
bug1952
split1954
poop1961
mugger1962
frig1965
c1400 Sir Cleges (W.) 80 His men..Gan slake awaye on euery syde; With hym there wold dwell non.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xi. 248 Wyne dreggis wole make hem [ants] thennes slake.
2. † a. To become relaxed, slack, or loose. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1000 Ælfric Exodus xvii. 12 Aaron and Ur underwriðedon Moises handa..and hig ne slacedon nan þing syððan.
c1220 Bestiary 126 [The serpent] fasteð til his fel him slakeð.
c1420 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 1244 The bende of your bowe Begynneth to slake.
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 21 When the bodies strongest sinewes slake.
b. Of lime: To become hydrated or slacked (slacked adj. 2).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > lime materials > actions of lime materials [verb (intransitive)] > slake
fry1624
slack1700
slacken1703
slake1766
1766 Compl. Farmer at Lucern The chalk slakes, when thaws and rains come on.
1857 W. A. Miller Elements Chem. III. iii. §1. 122 The lime gradually slakes and falls to powder.
1895 J. M. Thomson & A. G. Bloxam Bloxam's Chem. (ed. 8) 332 Air-slaked lime has slaked by simple exposure to air.
3.
a. To decrease in force or intensity; to become less violent, oppressive, or painful; to abate, moderate. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)]
allayc1275
softc1300
assuage1330
swagec1330
slakea1352
stanchc1420
overslakec1425
appeasec1440
to swage ofc1440
to sit downa1555
soften1565
slack1580
mitigate1633
moderate1737
gentle1912
a1352 L. Minot Poems v. 4 Wald he salue vs sone, mi sorow suld slake.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3772 Sco send him son in-til aran,..þar-to suiorn..Til þat his broþer wreth suld slake.
a1400 Rom. Rose 3108 In me fyve woundes dide he make, The soore of whiche shalle nevere slake.
c1440 Generydes 4190 Atte last the wynde beganne to slake.
1581 W. Stafford Compend. Exam. Complaints (1876) iii. 93 That the indignation against them shortly will slake of it selfe.
1589 R. Hakluyt tr. C. Adams in Princ. Navigations ii. 285 The winter..doth still..increase, by a perpetuitie of cold: neither doth that colde slake, untill [etc.].
a1626 W. Rowley Birth of Merlin (1662) sig. A4v No man leaves physick when his sickness slakes.
1648 J. Beaumont Psyche vi. xiv. 76 Custome..can make The dint and edge of any strangeness slake.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. vi. 270 It tolled One when the firing began; and is now pointing towards Five, and still the firing slakes not.
b. Of fire: To burn less strongly; to die down, die away, go out. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > become fire [verb (intransitive)] > subside (of fire or flame)
falleOE
slakec1340
sink1611
burn low1834
flit1839
to die down1895
c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 6224 Þe synful..sal wende Until helle fire, þat never sal slake.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 23 Þere þe fuyre slakeþ, it chaungeth into stony clottes.
a1400 Minor Poems from Vernon MS xxxiii. 14 Poul sayh bi-foren helle ȝates Brennynge tres þat neuer slakes.
?1606 M. Drayton Ode i, in Poemes sig. B2v Tis possible to clyme To kindle or to slake Allthoughe in Skelton's Ryme.
1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. i. 3 Shee perceiuing that his flame did slake, And lou'd her onely for his Trophies sake.
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. T7 Look how next the holy fier Either slakes, or doth retire.
a. To become weaker or fainter; to lessen, fall off. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)] > decline or fall off
afalleOE
swindOE
slakec1315
pairc1390
fade1398
to fall awayc1510
decline1530
to fall off1608
sink1613
recess1641
fail1819
lighten1827
c1315 Shoreham i. 806 Ȝef mannes deuocioun slakeþ..By~þenche hym Of þe uertue þat þer hys.
a1400 Hymns to Virgin 71 Þi siȝte and heeryng bigynneþ to slake.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xviii. i. 726 I see and fele dayly that thy loue begynneth to slake.
1557 T. Tusser Hundreth Good Pointes Husbandrie sig. A.ii My ioye gan slake, then made I chaunge.
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 114/2 When we see the honour of God slake, or bee in daunger to be darkened.
1614 D. Dyke Myst. Selfe-deceiuing His forwardnesse slaked.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > specifically of things, actions, or processes
restOE
leathc1275
stintc1275
slakea1300
ceasec1374
slocka1400
batec1400
lissec1400
stanchc1420
surcease1439
remain1480
stopa1529
break1530
decease1538
falla1555
to shut up1609
subside1654
drop1697
low1790
to go out1850
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > be at an end [verb (intransitive)] > come to an end, terminate, or expire
to run outeOE
endOE
stintc1275
slakea1300
overpassc1350
determinec1374
overruna1393
dispend1393
failc1399
missa1400
to wear out, forth1412
stanchc1420
to come outa1450
terminea1450
expire?c1450
finish1490
conclude1593
upclose1603
terminate1608
to shut up1609
to wind off1650
stop1733
to fall in1771
close1821
to blaze out1884
outgive1893
to play out1964
a1300 Cursor Mundi 23794 Als wreches [we] wid vr will forsakis Þat selines þat neuer slakis.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12886 Þe ald testament hir-wit nu slakes, And sua þe neu bigining takes.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 244 Al stouned at his steuen, & stonstil seten..As al were slypped vpon slepe so slaked hor loteȝ in hyȝe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > become reduced in size or extent [verb (intransitive)]
narrowOE
waneOE
smallOE
slakec1380
welk1390
fade1398
lessenc1400
minish?a1425
decay1489
adminisha1500
diminish1520
to grow downwards?1523
ungrow1598
scant1607
settlea1642
to run off1765
dwarf1776
comminute1850
downsize1977
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)]
littleOE
setc1000
wanzec1175
lessc1225
allayc1275
wane1297
slaken1303
disincreasec1374
slakec1380
decrease1382
debatea1400
unwaxa1400
wastea1400
adminishc1400
lessenc1400
imminish14..
aslakec1405
minish?a1425
assuagec1430
shrinkc1449
to let down1486
decay1489
diminish1520
fall1523
rebate1540
batea1542
to come down1548
abate1560
stoop1572
pine1580
slack1580
scanten1585
shrivel1588
decrew1596
remit1629
contract1648
subside1680
lower1697
relax1701
drop1730
to take off1776
to run down1792
reduce1798
recede1810
to run off1816
to go down1823
attenuatea1834
ease1876
downscale1945
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 2595 Now is þe þridde day a-gon þat our vitaile gunne to slake.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 411 They leueþ in more pees, By cause of hir riches. For hir catel schulde slake, And þey vseþ ofte wrake.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Evagrius Scholasticus i. xvii, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 421 This misery..fell and slaked by a litle and a litle vntill at length all was ended.
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. M1 No floud by raining slaketh . View more context for this quotation
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 42 The tides swell, and anon again..they slake.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 580 Nilus slaking, the Windes then blowing,..the Winter approaching.
II. transitive.† 6. † b. To let or set loose; to set free, release. Obsolete.† c. To pour (on something). Obsolete. rare.† 7. To make smaller or less in amount or size; to reduce, diminish, lessen. Obsolete.† 9. † 13. † b. To remit or slacken (exertion, etc.). Obsolete.† 14. † b. To neglect, allow to pass. Obsolete.
a. To make slack or loose; to lessen the tension of; to allow to become slack or relaxed. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 51 Mon sunfulle þet lið in heuie sunne and þurh soðe scrift his sunbendes nule slakien.
c1275 Laȝamon Brut 21922 Louerd Arthur þe king slake oure bendes.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 341 The See was plein, Hem nedeth noght a Riff to slake.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6421 Quils moyses heild vp his hend..Had godds folk þe hale maistri; Bot if he þam slaked ani sith, Sir amalech wan als suith.
c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) iv. xxviii. 190 But summe of þe hoopes weren slaked for defaute of oseres.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. xxiv. 77 Syn cam a rayne that slaked the cordes of theyre bowes.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid x. v. 34 Takyll thy schippis, and thy schetis sclaik.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) iii. 157 b The father must somewhat slake the bridle hand, and giue her more libertie.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > from confinement
unbindc950
to let freec1000
aletOE
to let out1154
loosea1225
slakec1374
loosen1382
to let goc1384
releasec1384
unloosec1400
unlockc1410
dissolvec1420
relievec1450
unloosen?a1475
to set at liberty1509
enlargea1513
to let at large1525
to let loose1530
to turn loose?1566
enfranchise1569
to turn up1573
enfranch1581
unkennel1589
unwind1596
to cast loosec1600
disimmure1611
disimprison1611
unhamper1620
to let abroad1633
unfold1633
disencloister1652
disencage1654
discagea1657
disincarcerate1665
eliminate1745
unspherea1806
unmew1818
unbottle1821
uncage1837
unbag1854
bust1921
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) iii. metr. ii. 68 Þei [lions]..slaken hir nekkes from hir cheins vnbounden.
a1400 Evang. Nicod. 518 in Herrig Archiv 53 401 At pasch of Iewes þe custom was Ane of preson to slake.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or fact of pouring or being poured > pour [verb (transitive)] > on or upon
insheda1382
infusec1420
infound?1440
slakec1440
superinfund1599
affuse1649
affund1657
superfuse1657
slosh1912
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 540 Of aysel oon emyne on hit they slake.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 582 Aysel theron and hony wol they slake. [L. superfundere.]
d. To disintegrate or slack (lime).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with other materials > work with other materials [verb (transitive)] > hydrate lime
sleck1530
quench1587
sliss1599
squench1643
slock1655
slake1662
1662 B. Gerbier Brief Disc. Princ. Building 20 Did not make use of their Lime at the same time it was slakt.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 331 Let the lime be slaked, by plunging it into a butt filled with soft-water.
1837 J. T. Smith tr. L. J. Vicat Pract. & Sci. Treat. Mortars & Cements 198 The Lyonese builders..slake the lime by aspersion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > reduce in size or extent [verb (transitive)]
thinc900
narroweOE
smalleOE
slakea1300
adminisha1325
minisha1382
reduce?c1400
diminish1417
littlea1500
extenuate1555
enstraiten1590
scantle1596
scant1599
bedwarfa1631
epitomize1630
dwarf1638
retrench1640
stunt1659
to take in1700
belittle1785
dwarfify1816
reduct1819
micrify1836
clip1858
downsize1977
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)]
littleeOE
anitherOE
wanzelOE
lessc1225
slakea1300
littenc1300
aslakec1314
adminisha1325
allayc1330
settle1338
low1340
minisha1382
reprovea1382
abatea1398
rebatea1398
subtlea1398
alaskia1400
forlyten?a1400
imminish14..
lessenc1410
diminish1417
repress?a1425
assuagec1430
scarcec1440
small1440
underslakec1440
alessa1450
debate?c1450
batec1460
decreasec1470
appetisse1474
alow1494
mince1499
perswage?1504
remita1513
inless?1521
attenuate1530
weaken1530
defray1532
mitigate1532
minorate1534
narrow?1548
diminuec1550
extenuate1555
amain1578
exolve1578
base1581
dejecta1586
amoinder1588
faint1598
qualify1604
contract1605
to pull down1607
shrivel1609
to take down1610
disaugment1611
impoverish1611
shrink1628
decoct1629
persway1631
unflame1635
straiten1645
depress1647
reduce1649
detract1654
minuate1657
alloy1661
lower?1662
sinka1684
retreat1690
nip1785
to drive down1840
minify1866
to knock down1867
to damp down1869
scale1887
mute1891
clip1938
to roll back1942
to cut back1943
downscale1945
downrate1958
slim1963
downshift1972
a1300 Cursor Mundi 26269 Ai quen nede es for to slak [v.r. slake] þe sett penance.
c1400 Rule St. Benet (Verse) 2343 Ȝit sall þai not þam-self it [sc. their task] slake, Bot suffer it for godes sake.
a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 49 Þe 3 day, forsoþ, remeuyng þe emplatstre, þe bolnyng in party was slaked.
?1560 H. Rhodes Bk. Nurture (new ed.) sig. C.iii If thou spende aboue thy degree thou shalt slake.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 749 Taken in the same maner they slake the bellyes of suche as have the dropsie.
1617 J. Woodall Surgions Mate 118 Wheate branne..doth slake and swage the hard swellings.
8. † b. To relieve (one) from or of sorrow, etc.; to comfort. Obsolete.
a. To render less acute or painful; to abate, mitigate, or assuage. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate
lithec897
lighteOE
lissea1000
stillc1000
alightOE
alithe?a1200
softc1225
swagec1330
abate?c1335
easea1374
accoya1375
allegea1375
stintc1374
slakea1387
assuage1393
planea1400
slecka1400
plasterc1400
soften?c1415
lighten?a1425
mitigate?a1425
relievec1425
asoftc1430
alleviate?a1475
allevya1500
sletcha1500
alleve1544
allevate1570
salve?1577
sweetena1586
smooth1589
disembitter1622
deleniate1623
slaken1629
tranquillitate1657
soothe1711
the mind > emotion > pleasure > state of being consoled or relieved > be relieved of [verb (transitive)] > console or relieve > relieve (suffering)
lissea1000
alightOE
allayc1225
softc1225
comfort1297
laya1300
eathea1325
allegea1375
appeasec1374
laska1375
slakea1387
releasea1393
balma1400
to bete one of one's balea1400
to cool a person's caresc1400
delivera1413
leggea1425
mitigate?a1425
repress?a1425
alleviate?a1475
allevya1500
alleve1544
leviate1545
lenify1567
allevate1570
ungrieve1589
straight1604
mulcify1653
balsama1666
solace1667
meliorate1796
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 11 He fonde up also halsynge coniuresouns for to slake wiþ siknesse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9641 Þat sua þou wald his sorus slak, þat he moght dom be-for þe tak.
a1400 Stockholm Med. MS. i. 84 in Anglia XVIII. 297 Þis drinke xal..slakyn þe terys euerychon.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 212 His brethir þoght þai wuld somwhat slake his truble.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xxvii. 120 Dame Venus..all thy payne may sone redresse and slake.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 317 The roote..slaketh the gryping paynes of the belly.
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin ii. 57 Hope of Lawful gain might slake my Anguish.
1821 P. B. Shelley Adonais xxii. 14 Wake thou..and slake..A wound more fierce than his with tears and sighs.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > state of being consoled or relieved > be relieved of [verb (transitive)] > console or relieve > relieve of suffering
lighteOE
unbindc950
alightOE
slakea1300
deliverc1325
covera1375
lissec1374
relievea1382
allegea1425
refreshc1430
alighten1530
untaste1609
mitigate1644
disaffright1676
soothe1746
shrive1899
a1300 E.E. Psalter xciii. 13 Þat þou slake him fra daies ille.
c1330 King of Tars 733 That ilke lord ful of miht, Of serwe he may me slake.
14.. Sir Beues 711 So him solaste [v.r. slaked] þat mai, Þat al is care wente awai.
c1480 (a1400) SS. Cosmas & Damian 254 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 299 Prayand þame for goddis sake hyme of his sorou for to slake.
1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxiii. 28 Thow knawis thy self gif he was diligent To get thy peax, and slaik the of that weir.
a1585 Ld. Polwart Flyting with Montgomerie 230 I want wares And salues, to slake thee of thy saires.
a. To make less vehement, violent, or intense; to diminish the force or fury of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)]
temperc1000
keelc1175
slakea1300
abate?c1335
settle1338
swagea1340
modifyc1385
rebatea1398
bate1398
moder1414
releasea1425
remiss?a1425
moderate1435
alethe?1440
delaya1450
appal1470
addulce1477
mollify1496
mean?a1513
relent1535
qualify1536
temperatea1540
aplake1578
slack1589
relaxate1598
milden1603
mitigate1611
relax1612
alleniate1615
allay1628
alloy1634
castigate1653
smoothen1655
tendera1656
mitify1656
meeken1662
remitigate1671
obviscate1684
slacken1685
chastise1704
dulcify1744
absorb1791
demulceate1817
chasten1856
modulate1974
mediate1987
a1300 E.E. Psalter lxxxviii. 10 Stiringe of his stremes slakes þou.
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 746 And eek the pope, rancour for to slake, Consenteth it.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 672 He thocht to slaik Makfadȝanys hie curage.
15.. in Q. Eliz. Acad., etc. 45 Þat schall sclake hym of hys mode.
1600 R. Hakluyt tr. G. B. Ramusio in Princ. Navigations (new ed.) III. 421 Who of his great goodnesse..vouchsafed a little to slake the tempest.
1628 G. Wither Britain's Remembrancer i. 453 She often makes Our peace with God, and his displeasure slakes.
1664 H. More Modest Enq. Myst. Iniquity vii. 126 The just chastisements of their offended Consciences being slaked.
b. To allow to diminish in vehemence or vigour; to moderate (one's anger, etc.). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous > allow to become less vigorous > specific one's actions, etc.
slake1390
mitigate?a1500
slack1520
slake1586
relax1655
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 96 Hire oghte of mercy forto slake Hire daunger.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18357 Þou þat þi wreth sua suetli slakes, And fra þi folk þair sinnes takes.
a1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xxxviii. 42 To this she hath goodly agreed hyr selue, slakyng hyr ryghtwys rygour.
1591 J. Lyly Endimion i. ii. sig. B3 He shall slake that loue which he now voweth to Cynthia.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 356 The Quene for her humanitie and gentlenes, slaiket her seueritie.
1664 H. More Apol. in Modest Enq. Myst. Iniquity 558 If there be any that would slake their zeal in this point.
1887 W. Morris tr. Homer Odyssey I. i. 4 But Poseidon Girdler of Earth his anger will not slake.
10. To appease, allay, or satisfy (desire, thirst, †hunger).Said either of the person or of the means.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be content or satisfied with [verb (transitive)] > content or satisfy > a desire or appetite
stanchc1315
queema1325
slakec1325
fill1340
servea1393
feedc1400
exploita1425
assuagec1430
astaunchc1430
slocken?1507
eslakec1530
sate1534
saturate1538
appease1549
glut1549
answer1594
exsatiate1599
embaitc1620
palliate1631
recreate1643
still1657
jackal1803
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > satisfying hunger or thirst > satisfy or relieve hunger or thirst [verb (transitive)] > specific hunger
slakec1325
quencha1533
(a)
(b)c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) iii. pr. ii. 71 Ryche men han y-nouȝ wher wiþ þei may staunchen her hunger, and slaken her þrest.1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xviii. 366 May no drynke me moiste ne my thruste slake.?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xi. 796 Tormented Tantalus..could not slake His burning thirst.1713 J. Addison Cato i. iv Amidst the running stream he slakes his thirst.1785 W. Cowper Task ii. 509 A crystal draught Pure from the lees, which often more enhanc'd The thirst than slak'd it.1869 J. Phillips Vesuvius viii. 213 Here wild boars and deer slake their thirst in small lakes.1876 W. E. Gladstone Homeric Synchronism 28 Fine springs..slaked the thirst of the Explorer's workmen during the excavations.(c)c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Ariadne. 2006 In to the bestis throte he shal hem [i.e. balls] caste To slake his hungir.?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 1820 Þar with þair hungyr forto slake.1568 Newe Comedie Iacob & Esau ii. ii. sig. C.ijv Giue me somewhat wherwith to slake mine honger.1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Cc4 They slaked had the feruent heat Of appetite with meates of euery sort.1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 492 Men..may..eat to slake hunger and content nature.c1325 Metr. Hom. 80 He umthoght him..How he might this ilk nonne fange To slake his lust that was so strange.
1538 J. Bale Tragedye Promyses God 1 Plages of coreccyon Most grevouse and sharpe, hys wanton lustes to slake.
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. D3 His rage of lust by gazing qualified; Slakt, not supprest. View more context for this quotation
1608 S. Hieron Helpe vnto Deuotion in Wks. (1620) I. 722 Crucifie my lustes,..slake and quench in me this vnlawfull heate.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna iv. iv. 77 In life and truth, Might not my heart its cravings ever slake?
1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 173 Each, apart, too soon will tire; All together slake desire.
1894 S. J. Weyman My Lady Rotha iv All who could not get into the house to slake their curiosity or anger.
11. To quench or extinguish (fire); to cause to burn less strongly. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > extinguishing fire > extinguish (fire) [verb (transitive)] > choke or smother (a fire)
strangle?1527
choke1528
queasom1561
slake?1567
smothera1591
damp1706
stifle1726
?1567 Merie Tales Master Skelton sig. Ciiiv The fire being quickly slaked, Skelton cam in with his frendes.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Esdras v. 8 The fire shalbe oft..[margin. slaked] againe.
1657 J. Watts Scribe, Pharisee 125 I hope I have slaked your flame, and stopt your mouth with a..better ordinance.
a1800 S. Pegge Suppl. Grose's Provinc. Gloss. (1814) (at cited word) To slake a fire is to put on small coals, that it may not burn too fast.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xxvi ‘Only for two days,’ said Charlotte, trying to slake the flame she had raised.
1868 H. H. Milman Ann. St. Paul's Cathedral vii. 144 By mitigating..the pains of inevitable Purgatory, slaking the penal fires [etc.].
12. reflexive.1873 W. H. Dixon Hist. Two Queens IV. xxi. v. 152 The great passion of the age began to slake itself with blood.
a. To cool or refresh by means of water or other fluid. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > make cold [verb (transitive)] > cool > by liquid
slake1387
quencha1398
slecka1475
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VII. 311 He boorded soo for kyng William hadde i-slaked his greet wombe wiþ a drynke þat he hadde i-dronke.
1527 L. Andrewe tr. H. Brunschwig Vertuose Boke Distyllacyon sig. Aij Sorell water..slaketh all hote thynges bothe within the body and without.
1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. i. sig. A2 Ere Sol had..slakte his smoaking Charriot in her floud.
1749 T. Smollett Regicide ii. vii. 24 In the Blood that warms Thine Heart, Perfidious, I will slake mine Ire!
1813 C. Lamb in Philanthropist Jan. 52 When a draught from the next clear spring could slake any heats which summer suns..had power to stir up in the blood.
1850 J. G. Whittier All's Well The clouds, which rise with thunder, slake Our thirsty souls with rain.
1871 L. Stephen Playground of Europe (1894) x. 235 I reached a little patch of snow, and managed to slake my parched lips.
b. To moisten, wet, soak. (Cf. 6d.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > condition of being or making wet > make wet [verb (transitive)]
weta950
bathec1000
drenchc1230
blotenc1325
danka1350
anointa1375
moista1382
beshed1382
moil?a1425
madefy?1440
arrouse1480
moisturea1500
humect1531
intinct1547
moisten1559
rinse1579
inebriate1610
irrigate1615
slocken1627
irriguate1632
humectate1640
madidate1656
slake1810
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake ii. 62 A mass of ashes slaked with blood.
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. x. 249 Oat-meal slaked with cold water.
1824 L.-M. Hawkins Annaline III. 35 The rebels retraced their steps, leaving this fertile province slaked in blood and ashes.
a. To render less active or vigorous. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous
slake1549
relax1612
slackena1631
rebate1788
1549 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Phil. in Paraphr. New Test. II. 9 Howbeit your good wil was not slaked,..yet you wanted oportunitie to sende the thinges.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 121 James Earle of Douglas..past fordwart with displayit banner to slaike the kingis airmie lyand at the seige of Abercorne.
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles x. 1 Now sleepe yslacked hath the rout. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous > allow to become less vigorous > specific one's actions, etc.
slake1390
mitigate?a1500
slack1520
slake1586
relax1655
1586 Drake in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. II. 304 We then slaked no possyble travel or dyllygence.
1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne i. 37 Vnto some Frigate light get thee aboord, And towards Greekish soyle no sayling slake.
a. To put off, delay. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)]
forslowc888
eldc897
forsita940
gele971
lengOE
drilla1300
delayc1300
onfrestc1300
tarryc1320
jornc1330
dretchc1380
defer1382
forbida1387
to put offa1387
to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393
dilate1399
fordrawa1400
to put overc1410
latch?c1422
adjournc1425
prolongc1425
proloynec1425
rejournc1425
to put in respite1428
sleuthc1430
respitea1450
prorogue1453
refer1466
sleep1470
supersede1482
respectc1487
postpone1496
overseta1500
respett1500
enjourna1513
relong1523
retract1524
tarde1524
track1524
to fode forth1525
tract1527
protract1528
further1529
to make stay of1530
surcease1530
prorogate1534
to fay upon longc1540
linger1543
retard?1543
slake1544
procrastine1548
reprieve1548
remit1550
suspense1556
leave1559
shiftc1562
suspend1566
procrastinate1569
dally1574
post1577
to hold off1580
drift1584
loiter1589
postpose1598
to take one's (own) timea1602
flag1602
slug1605
elong1610
belay1613
demur1613
tardya1616
to hang up1623
frist1637
disjourn1642
future1642
off1642
waive1653
superannuate1655
perendinate1656
stave1664
detard1675
remora1686
to put back1718
withhold1726
protract1737
to keep over1847
to hold over1853
laten1860
to lay over1885
hold1891
back-burner1975
1544 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) X. 48 It seamith that the Bushop slakith the sending of the Cardinals to thEmperour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > allow to pass or miss (an opportunity, etc.)
overleapa1400
slack1548
slake1560
lapse1667
1560 J. Frampton Narr. Journ. Sevil in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. 230 They asked me, Why I did so slake the time, and not declare the truth.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
slakev.2
/sleɪk/, U.S. /sleɪk/ dialect.in extended use.1807–10 R. Tannahill Poems (1846) 68 I never had an itchin' To slake about a great man's kitchen, And like a spaniel lick his dishes.
intransitive and transitive. To lick with the tongue; to smear, daub, wet slightly, etc. Common in Scottish and northern dialect use; for variations of sense see the Eng. Dial. Dict.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touching with mouth or tongue > touch with mouth or tongue [verb (transitive)] > touch with tongue > lick
lickc1000
slake1535
overlick1567
sleak1846
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirt > dirtiness or soiling with specific kinds of dirt > dirty or soil with specific kinds of dirt [verb (transitive)] > dirty with saliva or spittle
spitc950
sputea1225
bespetea1240
bedravel1377
spouta1382
bespitc1384
beslobber1393
spew1526
slabber1579
beslaver1589
slaver1591
spittle1596
bespawl1602
drivel1609
bedribble1620
slop1696
bedrivel1721
slake1808
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > dirt > dirtiness or soiling with specific kinds of dirt > be or become dirty or soiled with specific kinds of dirt [verb (intransitive)] > dirty with saliva or spittle
slake1824
1535 D. Lindsay Satyre 2173 Set thou not by, howbeit scho kisse and slaik it.
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. To Slaik,..to bedaub.
1811 R. Willan in Archaeologia 17 158 Slake, to smear, to wet, or bedaub.
1824 J. Mactaggart Sc. Gallovidian Encycl. 5 Adders rough, and gruesome horrid,..gluey tongues did slake and feed.
1871 C. Gibbon For Lack of Gold xxx The mischievous ones were busy..‘slaking’ neighbour's doors with sowens.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1a1300n.2?a1505n.3c1800
n.41585n.51721adj.c1374
v.1c1000
v.21535