stilln.1
/stɪl/, U.S. /stɪl/ 1. figurative.1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 35v And witte..beeinge purified in the still of wisedome.1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. i. 318 Gods grace, whose Still Extracts from drosse of thine audacious ill, Three vnexpected goods.1873 H. Spencer Study Sociol. xi. 289 When the fermenting mass of political passions and beliefs is put into the electoral still, there distils [etc.].
a. An apparatus for distillation, consisting essentially of a close vessel (alembic, retort, boiler) in which the substance to be distilled is subjected to the action of heat, and of arrangements for the condensation of the vapour produced. Also applied to the alembic or retort separately.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > still > [noun]
stillatoryc1386
distillatorya1475
still1562
stillery1595
distil1822
distiller1885
1562 W. Bullein Bk. Simples f. 90v, in Bulwarke of Defence A horned Still. Bagpipe Still... Pelican Still.
1563 T. Gale Certaine Wks. Chirurg. iv. ii. f. 86v Then styll them in a common styll, and keepe thys water to your vse.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 193 Yf you do it in Stils made of Glasse,..your water shal haue the very taste, sauour, and propertie of the hearbe.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 30v Not vnlyke to the Damaske Rose which is sweeter in the still then on the stalke.
1620 in Unton Inventories (1841) 27 In the Still Howse. iiij stills, iij brasse panns, wth table and presse.
1655 N. Culpeper et al. tr. L. Rivière Pract. Physick i. i. 8 Put them in a Retort, or Still so called.
1731 J. Arbuthnot Ess. Nature Aliments iii. 31 This fragrant Spirit is obtain'd from all Plants which are in the least Aromatick, by a cold Still.
1786 R. Burns Poems 28 Thae curst horse-leeches o' th' Excise, Wha mak the Whisky stells their prize!
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian xiii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 298 A charcoal fire, on which there was a still working.
1885 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 4th Ser. 121/2 All ordinary distilling apparatus consists of 2 parts—one in which the heat is applied to the body to be distilled and vaporised (called the ‘still’).
1899 E. J. Parry Chem. Essent. Oils 200 The herbs [sc. mint] are distilled in the green state... In England most of the stills used hold from 4 to 8 cwt. of herbs.
1901 Bolas & Leland Perfumes 14 None of the domestic stills sold for purifying water..are well suited for making perfumes.
b. small-still (whisky) Scottish and Anglo-Irish: ‘whisky supposed to be of superior quality, because the product of a small still’ (Jamieson).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > distilled drink > whisky > [noun] > other whiskies
peat-reek1792
Monongahela1805
rye?1808
corn1820
small-still (whisky)1822
bald-face1840
corn-whiskey1843
raw1844
Bourbon1846
sod corn1857
valley tan1860
straight1862
forty-rod whisky1863
rock and rye1878
sour-mash1885
grain-whisky1887
forty rod lightning1889
Suntory1942
Wild Turkey1949
mash1961
pot still1994
1822 J. Wilson Lights & Shadows Sc. Life 382 Taste the whisky, Mr. Gordon—it is sma' still, and will do harm to no man.
1835 J. D. Carrick Laird of Logan (1841) 312 Anither class contented themsells with sma'-stell whisky, made intil toddy.
1839 John Bull 11 Aug. 381/1 Retiring with his ‘Riverence’ to discuss small-still and the claims of the ‘parsecuted Clargy’.
1856 C. J. Lever Martins of Cro' Martin x. 87 That is ‘poteen’... It's the small still that never paid the King a farthing.
1861 G. H. Kingsley in F. Galton Vacation Tourists 141 A couple of black bottles, which ought to contain whisky of the smallest still.
2. † a. = still-room n. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > place for storing food > [noun] > for preserves, cakes, or liqueurs
still1533
still-roomc1710
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > utility rooms > specific
still1533
stillatory?1600
still-roomc1710
scullery1753
sink-room1823
wash-kitchen1838
wash-up1869
1533 in Froude's Hist. Eng. (1870) I. 44 In the Still beside the Gate. Two old road saddles, one bridle, a horse-cloth.
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 351 Shee gives that [Physick] a nobler way; more from her Purse than still, or Closet.
b. A distillery.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > distilling > [noun] > distillery
still-house1558
stillatory?1600
foundry1670
distil-house1682
distillery1759
stillery1762
still1845
outstill1884
1845 S. Judd Margaret i. xv,. 129 He engaged his services as night-warden at the Still... The ‘Still’, or Distillery, was a smutty, clouted, suspicious-looking building.
3. A chamber or vessel for the preparation of bleaching-liquor by the action of hydrochloric acid on manganese dioxide, or for the preparation of chlorine, of alkalis, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > equipment or apparatus > [noun] > vessels for specific reactions > other
sublimer1749
still1853
Erlenmeyer flask1886
fluorometer1892
Kjeldahl flask1909
fluidizer1955
hydro-cracker1965
hydrogasifier1966
1853 Brit. Patent 1359 1 My inprovements..consist in the application of a cast iron still or retort with leaden dome and head to the manufacture of chlorine and chloride of lime.
1880 J. Lomas Man. Alkali Trade 272 The liquid hydrochloric acid obtained from the sulphate of soda process is run upon a known weight of manganese binoxide in a ‘still.’ The best form of still is shown in Figs. 188 and 189.
1880 G. Lunge Theoret. & Pract. Treat. Manuf. Sulphuric Acid & Alkali III. 26 The stills, B, B1, B2, B3 communicate with each other by a distributor C,..which permits any boiler to be isolated without interrupting the distillation in the others.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 684/1 [article Alkali] Both these reactions are carried out in tall cylindrical columns or ‘stills,’ consisting of a number of superposed cylinders, having perforated horizontal partitions, and provided with a steam-heating arrangement in the enlarged bottom portion.
Compounds
C1. General attributive. See also still-burnt adj., still-head n.2, still-house n., still-room n.
still-cabin n.
ΚΠ
1841 S. C. Hall & A. M. Hall Ireland I. 117 The light curl of smoke issuing from the roof of some illicit still-cabin.
still-cock n.
ΚΠ
1652 in W. M. Williams Ann. Founders' Co. (1867) 110 They found..at Evan Evens's other great still Cockes filled with Lead and so basely wrought, that [etc.].
still-fire n.
ΚΠ
1725 G. Smith Compl. Body Distilling 68 You must have for your Still-fire a large Poker, Fire-shovel, [etc.].
still nose n.
ΚΠ
1725 G. Smith Compl. Body Distilling 71 The worm end, in which your Still nose is luted.
C2.
still-bottoms n. ‘what remains in the still after working the wash into low wines’ ( Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. s.v.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > wine-making > [noun] > leftover or refuse liquid
still-bottoms1753
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Wine The still-bottoms have many uses. The distillers scald and recover their musty casks with them, and [etc.].
still-hanger n. (see quot. 1858).
ΚΠ
1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Still-hanger, an engineer or worker, who fixes the stills for making rum in the West Indies.
still-hunting n. the search for illicit stills.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > [noun] > types of search or searching > searching for illicit stills
still-hunting1821
1821 W. Scott Let. 23 Apr. (1934) VI. 425 Pray write soon & give me the history of your Still-hunting.
1844 G. R. Gleig Light Dragoon (1855) ii. 17 There is not one [duty] on which I now look back with more unmixed abhorrence than the operation of still-hunting.
still-liquor n. bleaching liquor made in a still (see 3).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > named colours > white or whiteness > whitener > [noun] > bleaching agent
blancher1477
whitener1686
white steep1804
eau de Javelle1807
chlorine1810
animal charcoal1838
chemic1843
styrone1852
bleaching powder1854
oxygen1858
decolorizerc1865
still-liquor1866
bleach1898
1866 Brit. Patent 1948 (1867) 4 The still liquors after the first time contain nothing but chloride of manganese and..hydrochloric acid.
still-man n. a workman employed to attend to a still.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > workers with specific tools or equipment > [noun] > with stills
still-man1865
still-headsman1887
1865 G. W. Gesner A. Gesner's Pract. Treat. Coal (ed. 2) viii. 167 One superintendent, two engineers, four still men, and four helpers.
still-pot n. a small still.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > still > [noun] > types of
rose-garland1527
sun still1688
pot still1799
turpentine still1799
still-pota1824
rectifying column1836
patent still1887
stripper1930
pipestill1931
solar still1946
a1824 in Maidment. N.C. Garland 54 A stell-pat they gat, and they brew'd Highland whisky.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 624 This apparatus consists of only two still-pots of cast iron.
still-spirit n. (see quot. 1832).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > distilled drink > other distilled liquor > [noun] > others
koumiss1598
nugs of balm1609
rakia1613
pariah-arrack1671
stalagma1684
fenouillette1706
aguardiente1752
fennel water1757
rakia1778
mahua1810
mahua-arrack1813
kirschwasser1819
mescal1826
still-spirit1832
mobbie1833
zibib1836
potato spirit1839
mowra1846
tequila1849
Jersey lightning1852
petit baume1858
kirsch1869
mastic1876
Hoochinoo1877
mastic brandy1883
mastika1889
hooch1897
ouzo1897
milk-whisky1906
mahua spirit1920
shochu1938
mirabelle1940
tsipouro1947
mahua liquor1961
Mao-tai1962
changaa1975
reposado1982
1832 Trans. Provinc. Med. & Surg. Assoc. 6 ii. 202 These [cider dregs] were formerly collected and distilled, thus yielding a coarse ardent spirit, vulgarly called ‘still-spirits.’
still-tub n. the condensing vessel of a still.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > still > [noun] > vessel of
alembicc1405
retort1527
bagpipe1558
cornute1605
refrigeratory1605
campane1662
cornue1672
refrigerant1678
culb1683
vesica1683
blind-head1743
ambix1781
refrigerator1798
still-tub1826
wash-cistern1853
wash-warmer1900
1826 W. Henry Elem. Chem. II. 600 This test is so delicate, that water condensed by the leaden worm of a still-tub, is sensibly affected by it.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stilladj.n.2
/stɪl/, U.S. /stɪl/ A. adj.† 6. Of a child: Dead before birth. Cf. still-born adj. and n. Obsolete. rare.† 7. Constant, continual; continued until now.
1. Motionless; not moving from one place, stationary; also, remaining in the same position or attitude, quiescent.† b. Abstaining from action. Const. of (in Old English, genitive). Phrase, to hold oneself still. Obsolete.
a. as predicate or complement.In stand, sit, lie still the word may be taken either as adjective or adverb. In Old English, however, there is evidence that in these collocations it was sometimes adverb, and no evidence that it was ever adjective, the constant form being stille (which always admits of being regarded as adverbial), never stillu, which would be the proper form of the adjective when the subject is feminine singular or neuter plural. Further, in Old Saxon and Old High German the adverb stillo, not the adjective, is used with the verb ‘to stand’. These phrases are therefore treated under still adv. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > not moving
stillc888
unmoving?a1425
quatc1425
stock-still1508
stony1642
riveting1658
sitfast1669
unstirringa1684
sedate1684
statued1744
unshifting1811
stirless1816
unwaving1818
immotioned1821
standstill1829
akinetic1841
swayless1856
flutterless1873
static1910
squat1956
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxix. viii He astereð þone rodor & þa tunglu, & þa eorðan gedeð stille.
OE Beowulf 2830 Se widfloga wundum stille hreas on hrusan.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2254 Stille he wes iswoȝen on his kine-stole.
c1374 G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite 54 Mars..ne rested neuer stille But throng now here now þere.
a1400–50 Wars Alex. 263 Quen he þire sawis had sayd he in his sege lened, In stody still as a stane & starid in hire face.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) v. ii. 103 Ha, no more mouing, Still as the graue. View more context for this quotation
1732 in A. Clarke Mem. Wesley Family (1823) 264 They were as soon taught to be still at family prayers.
1816 J. Wilson City of Plague i. i. 79 There it hangs Still as a rainbow in the pathless sky.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany 51 One or two women..remained still long enough to be more defined in outline.
1889 R. S. S. Baden-Powell Pigsticking 170 It is easy enough for a man to keep still, but the difficulty is to make the horse do so.
1897 H. Caine Christian i. x. 49 The dance is over, but she can't keep her feet still.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > [adjective]
stillc1000
c1000 Laws of Wihtræd §6 Sio he stille his þegnungæ oþ biscopes dom.
c1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1725) 47 Edmunde & the erle Uctred þat tyme held þam stille.
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 3449 When þou..wille noght help bot haldes þe stylle.
138. J. Wyclif De Eccl. in Sel. Wks. III. 346 A stiward..þat whanne many servauntis done amys, holdiþ stille, and bryngiþ in newe þat done werse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 408 Þe seuend o werk he hild him still.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10323 Þof godd vmquil be funden still, Al mai he wirk þou quat he will.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. ii. 69 Hold you still: Ile fetch my sister to get her good will. View more context for this quotation
c. in attributive use. (In quot. a1586: †Averse from moving about, sedentary.) Somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of sitting > [adjective] > sedentary or sitting still
stilla1586
stillsitting1598
sedentary1662
bench1820
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. iv. sig. Ll2 Therfore would he not employ the stil man to a shifting practise, nor the liberall man to be a dispenser of his victuals.
1798 S. T. Coleridge Anc. Marinere iv, in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads 24 The charmed water burnt alway A still and awful red.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xii. 38 Even as a storm let loose beneath the ray Of the still moon.
1853 C. Brontë Villette I. iii. 40 In his absence she was a still personage, but with him the most officious, fidgetty little body possible.
1875 T. H. Huxley & H. N. Martin Course Elem. Biol. 12 The still condition of Protococcus, just described, is not the only state in which it exists. Under certain circumstances, a Protococcus becomes actively locomotive.
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 129/2 (Bowls) Still bowl, a bowl at rest.
d. Of wine or a soft drink: Not sparkling or effervescing.Chiefly used to designate a variety of one of those wines which have also a ‘sparkling’ variety, as champagne, hock, moselle. Used also of soft drinks, to distinguish them from the carbonated variety.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > qualities or characteristics of wine > [adjective] > sparkling > not
still1777
the world > food and drink > drink > types or qualities of beverage > [adjective] > not carbonated
still1949
1777 P. Thicknesse Year's Journey France & Spain I. v. 31 The difference between still Champaigne, and that which is mousser, is owing to..the time of year in which it is bottled.
1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 71 Champagne wines are divided into sparkling.., demi sparkling.., and still wines (non mousseux).
1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 17 Oct. in French & Ital. Notebks. (1980) vi. 484 Wine..somewhat resembling still champagne, but finer.
1911 Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 724/1 The white growths of the Loire..up to 1834 were used only as still wines.
1949 Acct. Soft Drinks Industry in Brit. 1942–48 iii. 37 A number of beverages essential for some purpose, such as health..were excluded from the general restrictions... The list of these drinks included..sugar-free drinks for diabetics..and still spa waters.
1981 Soft Drinks Rep. i. 2 Mineral and Bottled Water. This includes natural spring water products which are either still or naturally or artificially sparkling.
1981 Soft Drinks Rep. ii. 9 2·5 billion litres of diluted still drink was consumed in 1980.
e. Bridge. Designating the pack not in use in any particular round.
ΚΠ
1927 in E. V. Shepard Corr. Contract Bridge (1930) 245 The next dealer deals in the regular way with the still pack.
1929 M. C. Work Compl. Contract Bridge 188 The hand is abandoned and the next dealer deals the still pack.
2. Silent.† a. Predicatively of a person. to be (hold oneself) still: to hold one's peace, refrain from speaking (of something). Also, †still of noise. Obsolete.† c. Proverb. the still sow eats all the draff. (Very common in 16–17th centuries.) Cf. the silent sow eats up all the draff at silent adj. and n. Phrases 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > be silent/refrain from speaking [verb (intransitive)]
to hold one's tonguec897
to keep one's tonguec897
to be (hold oneself) stilla1000
to say littleOE
to hold one's mouthc1175
to shut (also close) one's mouthc1175
to keep (one's) silence?c1225
to hold (also have, keep) one's peacea1275
stillc1330
peacec1395
mum1440
to say neither buff nor baff1481
to keep (also play) mum1532
to charm the tonguec1540
to have (also set, keep) a hatch before the door1546
hush1548
to play (at) mumbudgeta1564
not to say buff to a wolf's shadow1590
to keep a still tongue in one's head1729
to sing small1738
to sew up1785
let that fly stick in (or to) the wall1814
to say (also know) neither buff nor stye1824
to choke back1844
mumchance1854
to keep one's trap shut1899
to choke up1907
to belt up1949
to keep (or stay) shtum1958
shtum1958
a1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xxii. 34 Þæt he het þa saduceiscan stylle beon [L. quod silentium imposuisset Sadducæis].
a1200 Moral Ode 112 Þe ðe lest wat biseið ofte mest; þe hit al wat is stille.
c1200 Vices & Virtues 11 Ðus ðu dedest, and ic was stille.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 373 Stille beo þu þenne & stew swuche wordes.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 92 Ich am stille of þet mare [i.e. I do not speak of the greater (offence)].
c1275 Passion our Lord 253 in Old Eng. Misc. Ihesuc hym wes stille, nolde heo nowyht speke.
c1305 St. Christopher 165 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 64 Þu miȝt, quaþ þis oþer: as wel beo stille.
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 1388 Ne sileas [etc.]..Þat es to say, be noght swa stille, Þat [etc.].
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. xx. 31 Forsothe the cumpanye blamyde hem, for to be stille [L. ut tacerent].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19994 Fra nu forward i will O þe apostels hald me still.
c1400 Rule St. Benet i. 4 Better es to be stille þan for to speke of þair lif.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1677 And whan he say the peple of noyse al stille Thus shewed he the myghty dukes wille.
a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 6 Ȝif þou had bene stille thou had bene holden a philosophre.
c1480 (a1400) St. Ninian 665 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 323 Þai held þame stil, þo þai wa ware, nedly for þai mycht nomare.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 63 Be nocht of langage quhair ȝe suld be still.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxviii. 236 Better it is to shew the trouthe then to be styll.
1518 H. Watson tr. Hystorye Olyuer of Castylle (Roxb.) K 1 b Wherfore she helde her styll and sayd nothynge.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer i. f. cccxxxiiiv Lo eke an olde prouerbe amonges many other, He that is stylle semeth as he graunted.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Zech. ii. 13 Let all flesh be still before the Lorde, for he is rysen out of his holy place.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 794 All was still and muete, and not one worde aunswered to.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) v. ii. 49 Peace, and be still . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. ii. 69 Oh soft sir, hold you still.
b. Habitually silent, taciturn. Phrase, to keep a still tongue in one's head.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > be silent/refrain from speaking [verb (intransitive)]
to hold one's tonguec897
to keep one's tonguec897
to be (hold oneself) stilla1000
to say littleOE
to hold one's mouthc1175
to shut (also close) one's mouthc1175
to keep (one's) silence?c1225
to hold (also have, keep) one's peacea1275
stillc1330
peacec1395
mum1440
to say neither buff nor baff1481
to keep (also play) mum1532
to charm the tonguec1540
to have (also set, keep) a hatch before the door1546
hush1548
to play (at) mumbudgeta1564
not to say buff to a wolf's shadow1590
to keep a still tongue in one's head1729
to sing small1738
to sew up1785
let that fly stick in (or to) the wall1814
to say (also know) neither buff nor stye1824
to choke back1844
mumchance1854
to keep one's trap shut1899
to choke up1907
to belt up1949
to keep (or stay) shtum1958
shtum1958
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > [adjective]
unspeakinga1382
speechless1390
mutec1400
dumb1406
silenta1425
peaceablec1425
secretc1440
of few wordsa1500
tongue-tied1529
mum1532
closec1540
strait-laced1546
tongue-dumb1556
incommunicable1568
sparing1568
inconversable1577
retentive1599
wordless1604
mumbudget1622
uncommunicable1628
monastica1631
word-bound1644
on (also upon) the reserve1655
strait-mouthed1664
oyster-like1665
incommunicative1670
mumchance1681
speechless1726
taciturnous1727
tongue-tacked1727
monosyllabic1735
silentish1737
untalkative1739
silentious1749
buttoned-up1767
taciturn1771
close as wax1772
untittletattling1779
reticent1825
voiceless1827
say-nothing1838
unremonstrant1841
still1855
unvocal1858
inexpansive186.
short-tongued1864
non-communicating1865
tight-lipped1876
unworded1886
chup1896
tongue-bound1906
shut-mouthed1936
zip-lipped1943
shtum1958
1729 G. Adams tr. Sophocles Antigone iv. i, in tr. Sophocles Trag. II. 61 Lead me home, that he may..know how to keep a stiller Tongue, and ever be of a better Mind than now he is.
1855 C. Kingsley Westward Ho! xv He was a very still man, much as a mass~priest might be.
1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Adam Bede II. iii. xxiii. 164 I'll tell you what I know, because I believe you can keep a still tongue in your head if you like.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Grandmother iv, in Enoch Arden, etc. 116 Strong of his hands, and strong on his legs, but still of his tongue!
1869 W. C. Hazlitt Eng. Prov. & Phr. 35 A still tongue makes a wise head.
1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh I. 112 I'm a strange still chap mysen.
1890 ‘W. A. Wallace’ Only a Sister 328 He was a rare man John, a rare still 'un.
ΚΠ
c1200 Prov. in MS. Rawlinson C. 641 lf. 13 b/1 Sistille suge fret þere grunninde mete.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. x. sig. Civv The styll sow eats vp all the draffe Ales.
1611 J. Florio Queen Anna's New World of Words Acqua queta,..a close, slie, lurking knaue, a stil sow as we say.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. ii. 97 'Tis old, but true, Still Swine eats all the draugh.
3. † b. esp. of music; hence of instruments, performers, etc. Obsolete.† c. Secret. Obsolete.
a. Of a voice, sounds, utterances: Subdued, soft, not loud. Now archaic. (Chiefly after 1 Kings xix. 12.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adjective]
smalleOE
stillc1000
softc1230
dim1398
lowc1400
obscure?a1450
basea1500
remiss1530
indistinct1589
demiss1646
faint1660
murmurant1669
faintish1712
slender1785
under1806
unclamorous1849
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > [adjective] > pleasant > soft or gentle voice
stillc1000
smalla1325
lowc1400
submiss1585
feigning1600
submissive1632
summiss1742
submitted1806
cushioned1909
c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 410 Ðine æhta mid stylre stemne wyllað þe wregan to ð inum Drihtne.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 2005 Heo..cleopede toward heouene,..wið stille steuene [etc.].
a1300 Floriz & Bl. (Cambr.) 37 To hire louerd heo sede wiþ stille dreme, ‘Sire,’ [etc.].
13.. Coer de L. 177 She answeryd with wordys stylle, ‘Sere, I am at my faderys wylle.’
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 7458 Alisaunder makeþ a stille cry.
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. i. 195 The eris that here the styll spekynge or rownynge of almyghty god.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 230 Sayand till hir with wirdis still.
1531 W. Tyndale Expos. 1 John (1537) 87 The preste prayeth in latyne and sayeth euermore a styll Masse, as we saye.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Kings xix. 12 After the fyre came there a styll softe hyssinge [1611 a still small voice].
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 358/1 Susurrus,..a soft or still noise, as of waters, falling with a gentle streame, or of leaues from trees.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 138 The louder and shriller voice of a Dogge, is called barking, the lower and stiller, is called whining, or fawning.
1675 J. Smith Christian Relig. Appeal ii. viii. 100 To tune the still voice of the Gospel, to the shrill tones of the Law.
c1751 T. Gray Elegy in Poems (1966) 40 In still small Accents whisp'ring from the Ground A grateful Earnest of eternal Peace.
1769 T. Gray Ode at Installation Duke of Grafton 6 Sweeter yet The still small voice of Gratitude.
a1777 Transl. & Paraphr. xxiii. iii Gentle and still shall be his voice.
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall III. lxix. 524 The still voice of law and reason was seldom heard or obeyed.
1811 P. B. Shelley St. Irvyne ii. 49 And, from the black hill, Went a voice cold and still.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre II. iv. 101 Strong wind, earthquake, shock, and fire may pass by: I shall follow the guiding..of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience.
1874 J. G. Whittier Poet. Wks. 458/1 Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, O still, small voice of calm!
1918 L. Strachey Eminent Victorians 64 In such a situation the voice of self-abnegation must needs grow still and small indeed.
1953 P. C. Berg Dict. New Words 14 The still small voice of Professor Bryant..has a few good words to say in favour of these ‘abominations’.
1983 Daily Tel. 25 Mar. 20/5 If it is not too late, may a still small voice be allowed to publicise a fact not yet revealed by either the protagonists or critics of the Budget?
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > volume > [adjective] > soft
softa1525
still1541
piano1683
pianissimo1838
1541 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. xii. 242 To the stille minstrelles, in rewarde..iiij li.
1573 G. Gascoigne & F. Kinwelmersh Iocasta 5th Dumbshow in G. Gascoigne Hundreth Sundrie Flowres sig. Tiiv First the Stillpipes sounded a very mournfull melodye.
1595 T. Edwards Narcissus (Roxb.) 40 Some with Still musicke, some with pleasing songes Some with coye smiles, [etc.].
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iv. iii. sig. G4 (stage. direct.) The still flutes sound softly.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) v. iv. 105 (stage direct.) Enter Hymen, Rosalind and Celia. Still Musicke.
1640 T. Carew Poems 85 The gentle blasts of Westerne winds, shall..breath Still Musick.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iv. xv. 318 Yet spake she very little to any, sighing out more then she said, and making still musick to God in her heart.
1645 J. Milton Passion iv, in Poems 18 Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of Lute, or Viol still.
1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) 931 As still musick is sweeter then the loud.
1738 J. Wesley Hymns ‘Hark, dull Soul, how every Thing’ iv All the Flowers that paint the Spring Hither their still Musick bring.
1816 P. B. Shelley Hymn Intell. Beauty 34 Music by the night-wind sent Through strings of some still instrument.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective]
dernc897
dighela1000
hid?c1225
stillc1275
stillyc1275
covertc1303
secrec1374
secret1399
secretivec1470
covered1484
dark1532
underhid1532
hiddena1547
concealed1558
abstruse1576
unshewing1598
mystical1600
of secreta1616
mystica1625
subterraneous1652
researched1653
hugger-mugger1692
hidlingsa1810
sub rosa1824
cachet1837
cloak and dagger1841
theftuous1881
q.t.1910
closet1966
down-low1991
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2244 Stille boc-runen. heo senden him to ræden.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 5958 Ȝyf þou boghtest of any seriaunt pryuyly, yn stylle cunnaunt, Þyng þat þou wystyst wel was stole.
a1450 Le Morte Arthur 3860 The bysshope..shrove hym..Off All hys synnes loude and stylle.
1647 H. More Philos. Poems i. 349 It is inconceivable that the least motions of the mind, or stillest thought should escape her.
4. Free from commotion.proverbial.1791 W. Scott Let. 26 Aug. (1932) I. 20 Though he makes no noise about feelings, yet still streams always run deepest.1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxvii. 119 ‘“Still waters run deepest,” they used to tell me,’ said Miss Ophelia oracularly.1895 ‘G. Paston’ Study in Prejudices xiii Hers was a case of ‘Still waters run deep’.† c. Quiet, gentle in disposition; meek. still and bold (absol.), men of whatever temper. Obsolete.
a. Of water: Having an unruffled surface, without waves or violent current; motionless or flowing imperceptibly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > fact of being still or not flowing > [adjective]
stillOE
standingOE
settled1600
commorant1610
restagnant1651
stagnant1669
stagnated1703
stagnate1706
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > state of sea > [adjective] > not rough
stillOE
plainc1330
smoothc1374
demure1377
calmc1440
softa1450
glassy1535
sleek1603
eddyless1621
oily smooth1803
waveless1804
foamless1821
undimpled1821
rippleless1832
the world > matter > liquid > water > [adjective] > properties or characteristics of water > still, calm, smooth, or without current
stillOE
deada1000
lithec1275
smoothc1374
unruffled1710
unrippled1775
streamless1863
streamline1907
OE Riddle 2 14 Saga, þoncol mon, hwa mec bregde of brimes fæþmum, þonne streamas eft stille weorþað, yþa geþwære, þe mec ær wrugon.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 102 A stille water for the nones Rennende upon the smale stones.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 699 Wherf..becommeth more still, and so gently intermingleth his water with Ouse.
1735 W. Somervile Chace iv. 381 Where ancient Alders shade The deep still Pool.
1785 W. Cowper Task vi. 929 Stillest streams Oft water fairest meadows.
1803 W. Wordsworth Yarrow Unvisited 43 Let..The swan on still St. Mary's Lake Float double, swan and shadow.
1834 M. Somerville On Connexion Physical Sci. (1849) xiii. 110 A stone plunged into a pool of still water.
1847 H. Miller Test. Rocks (1857) viii. 337 While other fresh water fishes, such as the tench and carp, are reared most successfully in still reedy ponds.
b. Of the air, weather: Free from commotion, quiet. Of rain: Unattended by wind, gentle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [adjective] > calm (of weather, climate, or the elements)
smoltc950
lithec1275
still1390
smoothc1402
peaceablec1425
calmc1440
serenousc1440
lownc1485
stormlessc1500
serene1508
calm-winded1577
unwindy1580
calmy1587
sleek1603
halcedonian1611
pacific1633
settled1717
unstormy1823
untempested1846
placable1858
untempestuous1864
unrestless1919
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 371 For the weder stille Men preise, and blame the tempestes.
c1500 Melusine (1895) xx. 107 Wel fole is he that fighteth ayenst the wynd, wenyng to make hym be styll.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State i. x. 24 But our widows sorrow is no storm but a still rain.
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 42 Or usher'd with a shower still, When the gust hath blown his fill.
1795–6 W. Wordsworth Borderers ii. 25 The moon shone clear, the air was still, so still The trees were silent as the graves beneath them.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. i. 44 The matin-hymn..came upon the still air and ascended towards the cloudless heavens.
1829 Chapters Physical Sci. 296 When he has been walking in still weather on the brink of a lake.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Merlin & Vivien 1 in Idylls of King A storm was coming, but the winds were still.
1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 313 The air is strangely still.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > meekness or mildness > [adjective]
stillc825
tamec888
mildeOE
lithea1000
daftc1000
meekc1325
lambishc1374
meeklyc1375
benign1377
temperatec1380
quieta1382
gall-lessa1398
mansuetea1425
meeta1425
unwrathful1542
rageless1578
lamb-like?1592
mildya1603
milky1602
pigeon-livered1604
placid1614
spleenless?1615
passive1616
unprovokable1646
milken1648
uncaptious1661
stomachless1727
unindignant1789
pianoa1817
ireless1829
unquarrelsome1830
quiet-goinga1835
uncholeric1834
unoffendable1839
baby-milda1845
quiet-tempered1846
turtlish1855
pathic1857
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > [adjective]
stillc825
tamec888
nesheOE
mildeOE
softOE
lithea1000
daftc1000
methefulOE
sefteOE
meekc1175
benign1377
pleasablea1382
mytha1400
tendera1400
unfelona1400
mansuetea1425
meeta1425
gentlec1450
moy1487
placablea1522
facile1539
effeminate1594
silver1596
mildya1603
unmalicious1605
uncruel1611
maliceless1614
tender-hefteda1616
unpersecutive1664
baby-milda1845
rose water1855
turtlish1855
unvindictive1857
soft-boiled1859
tenderful1901
soft-lining1967
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [noun] > the generality > each and every one thing
each oneOE
everya1250
still and boldc1300
all and somea1350
all and somea1350
one and all (also all and one)a1400
all and sundry1428
all the sort of1535
every or each several?a1562
first and last1582
each and singular1668
all and singular1669
every man jack1807
c825 Vesp. Psalter lxxv. 10 Alle stille eorðan [L. omnes quietos terræ].
c1000 in Sax. Leechd. III. 430 Heo wæs..on eallum þingum eaðmod & stille.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1177 Forr shep iss all unnskaþefull & stille der. & liþe.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 955 Him loueden alle, stille and bolde.
c1300 Leg. Gregory (Schulz) 173 Þo sche held hir stille and milde, Hir sorwe was strong and sterne.
c1460 R. Roos tr. La Belle Dame sans Mercy 656 For þai be not rebell, bot still as stone.
d. Settled, unperturbed in mind. † Also, in mystical language, said of one that has attained to freedom from passion.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > [adjective]
eveneOE
still1340
unperturbeda1450
unmovedc1480
quietful1494
lowna1500
calma1568
calmya1586
unpassionatea1586
smartless1593
reposeful1594
dispassionate1595
recollected1595
unaffectedc1595
unpassioned?1605
unpassionated1611
collecteda1616
tranquila1616
untouched1616
impassionate1621
composed1628
dispassioneda1631
tranquillous1638
slow1639
serene1640
dispassionated1647
imperturbed1652
unruffled1654
reposing1655
equanimous1656
perplacid1660
placate1662
equal1680
collect1682
cooled1682
posed1693
sedate1693
impassive1699
uninflamed1714
unexcited1735
unalarmed1756
unfanned1764
unagitated1772
undistraught1773
recollected1792
equable1796
unfussy1823
take-it-easy1825
unflurried1854
cool1855
comfortable1856
disimpassioned1860
tremorless1869
unpressured1879
unrippled1883
ice-cool1891
unrattled1891
Zen-likea1908
unrestless1919
steadyish1924
ataractic1941
relaxed1958
nonplussed1960
loose1968
Zenned-out1968
downtempo1972
mellowed1977
de-stressed1999
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > sin > [adjective] > free from
still1741
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 940 Stoute is he, stedefast & stille of his herte.
a1400 Minor Poems from Vernon MS xxiii. 651 Heil, whos deore sone stod In þe Synagoge of goddes And iuged þer wiþ stille mood Princis.
1741 J. Wesley Jrnl. 12 Feb. Others..who had constantly affirmed ‘That Mr. Charles Wesley was still already, and would come to London no more.’
1858 G. MacDonald Phantastes xv. 196 My soul was not still enough for songs.
5. † b. Of a mode of life: Quiet, uneventful, dull.
a. In mixed sense of 2 and 4. Of places, times, conditions: Characterized by absence of noise and movement; silent, quiet, calm.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > [adjective]
stillc1275
coyc1330
restful1340
quieta1382
peaceablec1384
peacefula1400
undisturbleda1400
somec1460
quietous1528
reposeda1533
unnoyed1543
calma1568
halcyon1570
calmya1586
quietsome1595
halcyonian1602
undisturbeda1610
halcedonian1611
tranquila1616
tranquillous1638
slumbering1645
halcydon1648
smooth1757
slumberous1765
stilly1776
sleeping1785
unfrenzied1805
Sabbath-like1824
unbustling1826
eddyless1862
restinga1865
pacific1865
Sabbatismal1881
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adjective] > silent > of places or times
stillc1275
quieta1382
silent1559
as silent as the grave1613
cosh1803
soundless1816
voiceless1816
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 12717 Ah al hit wes stille in hirede and in halle.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1203 Þay stel out on a stylle nyȝt er any steuen rysed.
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. lix. N iv Then shall the pacyent be layde in a styl place where he may haue rest.
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 375/1 The dead or stil time of the night.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 29 That Herne the Hunter..Doth..at still midnight Walke round about an Oake. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. v. 163 For this, from stiller Seats we came. View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 40 Som still removed place will fit.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 598 Now came still Eevning on. View more context for this quotation
a1722 E. Lisle Observ. Husbandry (1757) 29 It must be spread the first still day.
1770 G. White Let. 8 Oct. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 135 Swallows and house-martins abound yet, induced to prolong their stay by this soft, still, dry season.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho II. ii. 48 And oft at midnight's stillest hour, When summer seas the vessel lave.
1816 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto III lxxxix. 49 All heaven and earth are still—though not in sleep.
1817 P. B. Shelley Mont Blanc ii, in Hist. Six Weeks' Tour 177 In the still cave of the witch Poesy.
1849 J. A. Froude Nemesis of Faith 194 The room was deathly still; no sound but the heavy breathing of the child, [etc.].
1855 Ld. Tennyson Maud xxv. vii, in Maud & Other Poems 93 She comes from another stiller world of the dead.
1884 W. C. Smith Kildrostan 34 You've seen the Loch, on some still evening, Mirror each stone.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > feeling of weariness or tedium > [adjective] > wearisome or tedious > of life or circumstances
flat1604
still1706
dullsville1960
1706 J. Addison Epil. in G. Granville Brit. Enchanters sig. A4 Scenes of still Life, and Points for ever fix'd, A tedious Pleasure to the Mind bestow.
1715 H. Felton Diss. reading Classics (ed. 2) 266 The stiller Scenes of Life.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. lxxxviii. 327 What a cursed still-life this!
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 746 Yet neither these delights, nor aught beside..Can save us always from a tedious day, Or shine the dulness of still life away.
c. contextually (poetic) = That has become still; no longer active or audible.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > [adjective] > no longer active
stillc1485
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adjective] > silent > made or become silent
stillc1485
hushed1602
stilled1614
muted1860
c1485 Early Eng. Misc. (Warton Club) 1 The byrd was go; my joy was stylle, For woo, alasse! myselffe I spylle.
1748 T. Gray Ode in R. Dodsley Coll. Poems II. 266 Still is the toiling hand of care.
a1822 P. B. Shelley tr. P. Calderon Scenes from Magico Prodigioso in Posthumous Poems (1824) 380 Since the fury Of this earthquaking hurricane is still.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Break, break, Break in Poems (new ed.) II. 229 But O for the touch of a vanish'd hand, And the sound of a voice that is still!
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > dead person or the dead > [adjective] > still-born
dead-bornc1330
still1607
still-born1607
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 433 The milk of a Mare being drunk..doth cause a still child to bee cast forth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > [adjective] > continuous or without stop or pause (of action)
ithanda1300
continualc1340
unstintingc1380
perpetuala1382
unfailinga1382
unceasing1382
everlastinga1398
restless?a1439
continuedc1440
running1492
incessant1532
uncessant1548
incessable1552
universal1561
never-ceasing1567
still1570
unpausing1585
ceaseless1590
uncessable1596
indesinent1601
uninterrupted1602
unceasable1604
Sabbathless1605
unceased1605
unintermissive1610
unstaying1616
constant1653
jugial1654
uninterrupted1657
stopless1660
uncheque1671
chronical1672
unarrested1733
well-sustained1743
uninterrupt1776
unsuspended1792
sustained1796
pauseless1820
unhalting1832
persistent1842
unresting1856
unbreaking1870
non-stop1915
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > [adjective] > lasting, continuous
endlessc888
perpetuala1382
unceasing1382
restless?c1425
biding1430
continual1462
remanent?a1475
incessant1532
uncessant1548
incessable1552
never-ceasing1567
still1570
ceaseless1590
indesinent1601
unceasable1604
unintermissive1610
constant1653
jugial1654
tarrying1654
insuccessive1678
perpetuative1785
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Kiiiv/2 Stil, iugis..continuus.
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xvii. 711 Of Vlysses (where the Thesprots dwell,..) Fame, he sayes, did tell The still suruiuall.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus (1623) iii. ii. 45 But I (of these) will wrest an Alphabet, And by still practice, learne to know thy meaning.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Richard III (1623) iv. iv. 221 + 9 But that still vse of greefe, makes wilde greefe tame.
B. n.2† 1. A calm, literal and figurative. Obsolete.† 3. A still pool. Obsolete.† 5. slang. A still-born child; a still-birth. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [noun] > calm weather > period of
still?c1225
halcyon days1545
the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > [noun] > period of
fallow?1523
lucid interval1581
still1615
oasis1814
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 276 Qui post tempestatem tranquillum facit..þet is iblescet beo þu lauerd. þe makest stille efter storm.
1615 F. Bacon Charge against O. St. John in Wks. (1778) II. 588 There is no better sign of omnia bene, than when the court is in a still.
a1626 F. Bacon Henry VIII in Considerations War with Spain (1629) 164 He had neuer any the least..Difference..with the King his Father, which might giue any occasion of altering Court or Counsell vpon the change; but all things passed in a Still.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §193 The Vnequall Agitation of the Winds, and the like,..make them to be heard lesse Way, than in a Still.
2. Stillness, quiet. Now only poetic or rhetorical.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > [noun]
stillnessc888
roOE
stilth?c1225
lowna1250
peacea1275
restc1350
tranquillityc1374
leea1400
tranquille1412
quietness?a1425
quiet?c1450
restfulnessc1450
quiety?a1500
quietation?1504
calm1547
calmness1561
peacefulnessa1566
halcyon1567
repose1577
quietude1598
still1608
hushtness1609
reposedness1616
reposeness1617
serenity1641
undisturbedness1649
indisturbance1660
pacateness1666
sleep1807
tranquilness1818
requiescence1837
reposefulness1872
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [noun] > silence
stillnessc1050
silence?c1225
clum1340
stillhead1340
quiet?c1450
whust1558
husht1566
muteness1590
silency1595
still1608
hushtness1609
whistness1609
silentness1664
noiselessness1834
soundlessness1834
non-speech1863
shush1954
deafening silence1968
ciunas1986
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 99 In the still of the night, when euery one besides were at rest.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 132 No murmur waked the solemn still, Save tinkling of a fountain rill.
1830 W. Phillips Mt. Sinai i. 512 A still of limb and lip Hush'd all his brethren.
1900 N. Munro in Blackwood's Mag. Oct. 449/2 His ear had not grown accustomed to the still of the valleys.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun]
pooleOE
seathc950
lakea1000
flosha1300
stanga1300
weira1300
water poolc1325
carrc1330
stamp1338
stank1338
ponda1387
flashc1440
stagnec1470
peel?a1500
sole15..
danka1522
linn1577
sound1581
flake1598
still1681
slew1708
splash1760
watering hole1776
vlei1793
jheel1805
slougha1817
sipe1825
1681 J. Chetham Angler's Vade Mecum xxxiii. 122 You may Dib with the Green-Drake both in Streams and Stills.
4. Shetland. (See quot. 1844) [Perhaps < still v.1]
ΚΠ
1844 W. H. Maxwell Scotl. (1855) xiii. 118 A brief lull occurs at high water, and is termed by Shetlanders ‘the still.’
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > dead person or the dead > [noun] > dead child > still-born child
abortivea1382
abort1578
dead-birth1676
still1864
still-born1913
still-birth1963
1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) 247 Stills, the undertaker's Slang term for still-born children.
1897 W. S. Maugham Liza of Lambeth x. 167 I've 'ad twelve, ter sy nothin' of two stills an' one miss.
6.
a. An ordinary photograph, as distinguished from a motion picture; spec. a single shot from a film (or a specially posed photograph of a scene from it) for use in advertising. Frequently with defining word, as cinema still, film still, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > a photograph > [noun] > photograph by style or subject
high key1849
carte1861
carte-de-visite1861
wedding group1861
vignette1862
studio portrait1869
press photograph1873
cameo-type1874
war picture1883
mug1887
panel1888
snapshot1890
visite1891
fuzz-type1893
stickyback1903
action photograph1904
action picture1904
scenic1913
still1916
passport photo1919
mosaic1920
press photo1923
oblique1925
action shot1927
passport photograph1927
profile shot1928
smudgea1931
glossy1931
photomontage1931
photomural1931
head shot1936
pin-up1943
mug shot1950
wedding photograph1956
wedding photo1966
full-frontal1970
photofit1970
split beaver1972
upskirt1994
selfie2002
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > a film > [noun] > extract from
still1916
film clip1942
clip1958
1916 Independent 5 June 86 (caption) A striking ‘still’ from the film ‘The Fall of a Nation’.
1922 Glasgow Herald 12 Oct. 6 Mr Johnson succeeded in exposing 25,000 feet of film and in taking some 1000 ‘stills’.
1938 Archit. Rev. 83 facing p. 72 (caption) Two aspects of a turbulent age are seen in ‘The Temple of Janus’,..wherein the figures of the Furies are attested as in a cinema ‘still’.
1945 H. Read Coat of Many Colours xxix. 142 We may select ‘stills’ for their closed form—for their pictorial composition—but the film itself is essentially open form.
1957 Times 25 Nov. 11/3 The story of that enchanting film The Red Balloon illustrated with film stills and with a photographic cover in colour.
1962 E. Snow Other Side of River (1963) xv. 109 McDermott and I used our Canons taking stills.
1972 C. Weston Poor, Poor Ophelia (1973) xxvi. 164 The photo was a standard publicity still.
1976 Oxf. Compan. Film 66/1 Frame stills are reproductions of single frames from the film itself... They convey the true feeling of a film more exactly than can a posed production still.
1978 ‘A. Garve’ Counterstroke i. 88 George had brought along a full-face ‘still’ of Lacy.
b. attributive (as singular or plural).
ΚΠ
1922 Opportunities in Motion Picture Industry (Photoplay Research Society) 47 Ask the first director you meet where you can find the still man.
1922 Opportunities in Motion Picture Industry (Photoplay Research Society) 48 Still pictures are made for the publicity department.
1922 Opportunities in Motion Picture Industry (Photoplay Research Society) 50 Seldom are the many lights placed for the movie camera exactly suited to the still camera.
1922 Opportunities in Motion Picture Industry (Photoplay Research Society) 50 The still cameraman is of necessity a versatile flea.
1925 B. Beetham in E. F. Norton et al. Fight for Everest: 1924 324 His time was so fully taken up with cinema work that most of the still photography had to be done by other members of the party.
1928 Manch. Guardian Weekly 26 Oct. 335/1 There are four motion picture newsreel cameramen, and four ‘still’ photographers.
1963 Movie July–Aug. 27/4 The still pictures have greater effect than the newsreel shots.
1964 C. Willock Enormous Zoo ix. 165 Roger spent one whole afternoon trying to get the moment of entry and exit from the sandstone burrow with a stills camera.
1964 M. McLuhan Understanding Media ii. xx. 193 The physical and psychic gestalts, or ‘still’ shots, with which they [sc. Freud and Jung] worked were much owing to the posture world revealed by the photograph.
1974 Times 16 Nov. 10/6 It was through stills photographs that the public were first introduced..to the stars.
1974 Times 16 Nov. 10/7 The stills men would retouch the negative.
1974 M. Taylor tr. C. Metz Film Lang. i. 12 Rudolf Arnheim recognises that..still photography produces an impression of reality much weaker than that of the cinema.
1981 Gossip (Holiday Special) 54/3 I met her on a film I did a while back. She was the still photographer.
7. Nautical. An instruction to cease work and stand to attention conveyed to a ship's crew by the boatswain's pipe.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [noun] > sounding of or signals on pipe
pipe down1839
pipe1873
secure1895
still1933
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > [noun] > sounding of whistle > signal made on whistle
pipe down1839
still1933
1933 ‘L. Luard’ All Hands 140 Pipe the still, Cox'un.
1963 Times 26 Feb. 12/7 Twenty-odd ‘pipes’ for special occasions were there to be learnt, from the ‘still’..to the complicated ‘Pipe down’ at the end of the day.
Compounds
still-air adj. (a) Aeronautics applicable or calculated for a state of no wind; (b) not employing forced draught.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping birds > poultry-keeping > [adjective] > of incubator
still-air1913
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > qualities and parameters of aircraft > [adjective] > applicable to state of no wind
still-air1913
1913 Captain Sept. 1072/2 A machine with still-air speed of 57 miles per hour was sent up to fight a gale for 400 yds.
1948 Jrnl. Royal Aeronaut. Soc. 52 600/2 We often read..of two aircraft of widely varying characteristics being compared over similar still-air ranges.
1951 ‘N. Shute’ Round Bend vi. 177 She had tankage for twelve hundred gallons, giving her a still-air range of about two thousand miles.
1960 Farmer & Stockbreeder 19 Jan. 108/1 Game birds are not..easy to hatch..in the big cabinet..machines... Reasonably good results, on a small scale,..can be got from the more old-fashioned still-air machines.
1961 P. W. Brooks Mod. Airliner iv. 100 A payload of 6,000 lb. was required for a still-air range of 3,500 miles.
1977 Shooting Times & Country Mag. 13–19 Jan. 26/2 Small incubators—those that take 100–200 pheasant eggs—are nearly always the ‘still air’ type and depend on convection currents for ensuring air movement.
still-bait n. U.S. bait for still-baiting.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fishing-tackle > means of attracting fish > [noun] > bait > still-bait
ledger1653
ledger-bait1653
still-bait1888
1888 G. B. Goode Amer. Fishes 58 The angler finds them at the proper seasons equally eager for fly-hook, trolling-spoon, or still-bait.
still-baiting n. U.S. (see quot. 1859).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > type or method of fishing > [noun] > fishing with line > in one spot
still-baiting1859
still-fishing1883
1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) 451 Still-baiting, fishing with a deep line in one spot, as distinguished from trolling.
still-fishing n. = still-baiting n.
ΚΠ
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 82/2 (Bass) Still-fishing.
still-footed adj. with silent tread.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adjective] > silent > of footsteps
feather-footed1565
woollen1597
cat-footed1598
soft-footed1603
woolly1631
still-footed1894
1894 Outing 23 395/1 The fox comes trotting, still-footed, along this avenue.
still-vaulting n. vaulting without a run.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > [noun] > actions or positions
vaulting1531
cross-step1728
still-vaulting1854
roll1858
trampolining1867
planche1878
handstand1890
rollover1891
trapezing1894
press1901
straddle1905
kip1909
upstart1909
headstand1915
round-off1917
neck-roll1920
undergrip1920
pike1928
swivel hips1943
thigh lift1949
overswing1955
shoulder stand1956
stand1956
floor exercise1957
squat1959
turnaround1959
salto1972
Tsukahara1972
1854 G. Roland Gymnastics 28 Every young person who has seen what is called ‘still-vaulting’ at Ducrow's.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stillv.1
/stɪl/, U.S. /stɪl/ To make or become still. (Very common in 16–17th centuries; now chiefly poetic and rhetorical.)
I. transitive. (In Old English sometimes with dative.)† 3. To keep back, repress, desist or refrain from (words, tears); to keep (one's tongue) still. Obsolete.† 5. To pacify, induce to desist from complaint or opposition. Obsolete.† 6. To lull, soothe (a child); to induce (a person) to cease from weeping. Obsolete.† 8. † b. To ‘quiet’ by killing or stunning. ? slang.
1.
a. To quiet, calm (waves, winds, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [verb (transitive)] > make (the weather or elements) calm
stillOE
lown1513
pacifya1522
to lay down1563
strew1594
lull1680
OE Andreas (1932) 451 Þa seo menigo ongan clypian on ceole, cyning sona aras, engla eadgifa, yðum stilde, wæteres wælmum.
a1175 Cott. Hom. 229 He ȝestilde windes mid his hesne.
c1425 Eng. Conq. Ireland xlix. 126 & so the grete tempeste of that weddyr hape yn lytel whyle was I-queynt & I-stylled.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxix. 9 Thou rulest the pryde of the see, thou stillest the wawes therof, when they arise.
1637 J. Milton Comus 4 A Swaine,..Who with his soft Pipe,..Well knows to still the wild winds when they roare.
c1639 W. Mure Psalmes cvii. 30 in Wks. (1898) II. 166 He..brings them glade, (the tempest stild,) To their desyred heawen.
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xviii. 481 Wide with distorted Legs, oblique he goes, And stills the Bellows.
1782 J. Priestley Hist. Corruptions Christianity I. iv. 398 Power..to still winds and tempests.
1841 H. W. Longfellow Wreck of Hesperus in Boston Bk. (ed. 3) 76 And she thought of Christ, who still'd the wave On the Lake of Galilee.
1856 D. G. Rossetti Blessed Damozel (rev. ed.) in Oxf. & Cambr. Mag. Nov. 713 Her eyes knew more of rest and shade Than waters still'd at even.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems xlvi. 3 Now doth Zephyrus..Still the boisterous equinoctial heaven.
1881 W. Black Beautiful Wretch I. 166 The hot sun had stilled the water.
b. In figurative context.
ΚΠ
1786 F. Burney Diary 10 Aug. (1842) III. 73 This undid all again, though my explanation had just stilled the hurricane.
1810 P. B. Shelley Posthumous Fragm. M. Nicholson 14 Awhile it stills the tide of agony.
1840 A. Carson Hist. Providence 388 He suffers the fury of the enemy to swell against his cause, but he stills it at his pleasure.
1868 A. Helps Realmah (1876) vi. 118 Whom they stood aloof from only to break and still the opposing waves of popular opinion.
1903 J. Morley Life Gladstone III. ix. i. 220 The surface was thus stilled for the moment, yet the waters ran very deep.
c. To subdue, allay (sedition, tumult).
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)]
appease1330
peasea1387
soberc1430
pacifya1513
stay1537
stickle1556
still1570
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Kiiiv/1 To Stil a trouble, quietare, sedare.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives II. 253 But Timoleon stilled the tumult, by representing, That [etc.].
1868 J. T. Nettleship Ess. Browning's Poetry vi. 196 Who like Saturn stilled the tumult and took throne supreme.
2. To relieve (pain); to assuage, allay (an appetite, desire).
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 > 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
c1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 59 Þæt stilð þam sare.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclviii Thus haue I stylled my disease, thus haue I couered my care.
1657 J. Trapp Comm. Esther iii. 1 Honour is but..a glorious fancie, a rattle to still mens ambition.
1856 R. C. Trench 5 Serm. Cambr. (1857) ii. 43 He tries..to still, or at least to deaden, the undying pain of his spirit.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda IV. vii. liv. 102 But what can still that hunger of the heart which sickens the eye for beauty..?
1882 Rep. Prec. Metals U.S. 539 This thirst for land being stilled, we may count upon a greater stability in the number of miners.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > refrain from uttering [verb (transitive)] > silence or prevent from speaking
to stop a person's mouthc1175
stilla1225
to keep ina1420
stifle1496
to knit up1530
to muzzle (up) the mouth1531
choke1533
muzzle?1542
to tie a person's tongue1544
tongue-tiea1555
silence1592
untongue1598
to reduce (a person or thing) to silence1605
to bite in1608
gaga1616
to swear downa1616
to laugh down1616
stifle1621
to cry down1623
unworda1627
clamour1646
splint1648
to take down1656
snap1677
stick1708
shut1809
to shut up1814
to cough down1823
to scrape down1855
to howl down1872
extinguish1878
hold1901
shout1924
to pipe down1926
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1530 Stute nu þenne, & stew þe, & stille þine wordes.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 141 Þet child is ipaiȝet..& stilleð hise teares.
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde ii. 230 Yet were it bet my tonge for to stille Than sey a soth þat were a-yens youre wylle.
c1400 Rule St. Benet (1902) 51 Proibe linguam tuam a malo—In þe begining, still þi tung, And spek no uyl of ald na ȝong.
c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 307 Sore weping he coud nat stil.
4.
a. To quiet, calm (a person's mind); to subdue (agitation, emotion); †reflexive to compose oneself.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)]
softa1225
stilla1325
coolc1330
accoya1375
appeasec1374
attemperc1386
lullc1386
quieta1398
peasea1400
amesec1400
assuagec1400
mesec1400
soberc1430
modify?a1439
establish1477
establish1477
pacify1484
pacify1515
unbrace?1526
settle1530
steady1530
allay1550
calm1559
compromitc1574
restore1582
recollect1587
serenize1598
smooth1604
compose1607
recompose1611
becalm1613
besoothe1614
unprovokea1616
halcyon1616
unstrain1616
leniate1622
tranquillize1623
unperplexa1631
belull1631
sedate1646
unmaze1647
assopiatea1649
serenate1654
serene1654
tranquillify1683
soothe1697
unalarm1722
reserene1755
quietize1791
peacify1845
quieten1853
conjure1856
peace1864
disfever1880
patise1891
de-tension1961
mellow1974
the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)]
stilla1325
spakea1400
amesec1400
soft?a1500
stay1537
recollect1595
collect1602
compose1607
recompose1611
to reassume oneself1635
relax1685
summon1745
mellow1974
centre1980
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3924 And sente after balaam ðe prest Wið riche men an giftes oc For to stillen hise [vn-]eðe mod.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xliii. 31 He..stillide hym self [L. continuit se].
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 363 Sche wolde noght hirselven stille, Bot deide only for drede of schame.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2565 ‘Stillith ȝewe,’ quod Geffrey.
c1475 Partenay 2969 Geffray thaim said, ‘stil you, noght dismay’.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 163 A turne or two, Ile walke To still my beating minde. View more context for this quotation
1819 P. B. Shelley Rosalind & Helen 46 I stilled the tingling of my blood.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. vi. 102 With this reflection, I stilled the beating of my heart.
b. To appease (anger).
ΚΠ
c1290 Beket 511 in S. Eng. Leg. 121 Þo..radden him wende to þe kinge is wrathþe for-to stille.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Esther vii. B Then was the kynges wrath stylled.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn II. lxiv. 312 Nero stood amazed—his wrath stilled before so majestic an indifference.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 13075 To sla him was he noght in will, Bot for þat wicked wijf to still.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xix. 408 Reynawde was wyse and well taughte for to stylle thus hys bretherne, to whome he sayd, [etc.].
1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) Rom. Prol. 190 This fredome..ministreth that which the lawe requyreth, and where with the lawe is fulfilled, that is to vnderstond, luste and loue, where with the lawe is stylled and accuseth vs no moare.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 130 It was but a noise to still the Clergy.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > state of being consoled or relieved > be relieved of [verb (transitive)] > console or relieve
froverc900
hearteOE
lighteOE
onlightc1175
salvec1175
leathc1200
solace1297
stillc1315
to put in comfortc1320
easec1385
comfort1389
fordilla1400
recomforta1400
ronea1400
solancea1400
cheer?a1425
acheerc1450
consolate1477
repease1483
dilla1500
recreate?a1500
sporta1500
dulcerate?1586
comfit1598
comfortize1600
reassure1604
sweeten1647
console1693
re-establish1722
release1906
c1315 Shoreham Poems vi. 65 Ine þe hys god by-come a chyld;..þou hast y-tamed [hyt], and i-styld Wyþ melke of þy breste.
a1400 Isumbras 199 Nowther of tham myghte other stille, Thaire sorowe it was fulle ranke!
c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) iv. i. 58 He wald styllen the child with some maner of comfortable myrthe of recreacion.
c1440 Bone Flor. 831 Allas, sche seyde, that y was borne!.. Ther myght no man hur stylle.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/1 Go styll the chylde, nourice, you wyll be shente els.
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 11 Euen the little babes..are scarse so well stilled in suckyng theyr mothers pap, as in hearynge theyr mother syng.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. iii. 63 If you heare a child crie in the night you must call to the nurse and bid her stil it. View more context for this quotation
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 263 He..would still his Nephews when they cryed with plums.
7. † b. To cause (a person) to be silent; to impose silence on (an assembly); to put to silence (an objector). Obsolete.
a. To silence, cause (a sound) to cease. Also figurative to cause the cessation of (murmurs, complaints, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > make inaudible [verb (transitive)] > silence > stop a sound
still1390
extinguish1540
clamoura1616
unshouta1616
silence1617
slumber1622
clam1674
mash1930
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 138 The softe word the loude stilleth.
c1450 How Good Wijf (Lamb. 853) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 37 A sclaundre reisid ille Is yuel for to stille.
1630 J. Taylor Honour Conceal'd in Wks. iii. 112/2 And therefore 'twas ordain'd that thou shouldst come To hang the Colours vp, and still the Drum.
1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 304 Earthly pleasures may, for the present, still the noyse of an accusing conscience.
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim (1687) 365 In this manner he quieted and still'd all its grumblings.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 425 Morning..Who with her radiant finger still'd the roar Of thunder, chas'd the clouds, and laid the winds. View more context for this quotation
1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 143 I'll still your din, i.e. make you hold your tongue.
1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) xciii. iii The Floods, O Lord, lift up their Voice,..But God above can still their Noise.
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. xii. 322 There was a deep and solemn pause. The Monks stilled their chaunt.
1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 72 Those dainties made to still an infant's cries.
1835 E. Bulwer-Lytton Rienzi I. ii. iii. 226 The murmurs of the people were stilled.
a1854 Ld. Cockburn Memorials (1856) iv. 248 The murmur..used to be stilled when this image stuck its awful head through the lofty orifice.
1887 J. Payn Holiday Tasks 206 We stilled our scruples by reflecting that it was very mean of the victim [etc.].
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > loss or lack of voice > deprive of voice [verb (transitive)] > put to silence
to put silence toc1384
to stop (one's own or another's) mouthc1384
to put (a person or thing) to silencea1464
mumc1475
stillc1540
to button up (a person's) lip (also mouth)1601
obacerate1656
bouche1721
to shut up1814
to pipe down1926
to button (a person's) lip (also mouth)1968
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 3519 The kyng þen comaund to..fetur hir fast in a fre prisoune,..to still hir of noise.
1608 A. Willet Hexapla in Exodum 753 Aaron sinned..in not staying the people and stilling them.
1611 Bible (King James) Num. xiii. 30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses. View more context for this quotation
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 211 But it may be, according to my Assertion, his Name will sooner still opposers than his Reasons.
1665 R. Brathwait Comment Two Tales Chaucer 199 Which Answer still'd this Censor, and justified the Author.
a. To check the turbulence of (a person); to compel to cease. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > make quiet or tranquil [verb (transitive)]
still1300
peasec1350
accoya1375
coyc1374
lullc1386
quiet1423
acquieta1535
calm1559
becalm1613
compose1615
slumber1622
unruffle1629
quieten1759
bestill1760
quietize1791
peace1864
1300–1400 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) App. xx. 507 He gan to stryue To ȝenst his owene fadere, god stilde him in þis So þat raþer þane he ded he was ywis.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xlii. l. 345 Eche Oþer wold han slayn In that plas ȝif they ne hadde I-stilled be.
1602 tr. B. Guarini Pastor Fido iv. vi. sig. M1v O glorious child of great Alcides race, That monsters stilst, and wild Beastes doth deface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > physical insensibility > dullness of sense perception > dull (the senses) [verb (transitive)] > stun
asweveOE
stonyc1330
astone1340
astony1340
stouna1400
stounda1400
stuna1400
stoynec1450
dozen1487
astonish1530
benumb1530
daunt1581
dammisha1598
still1778
silence1785
to knock, lay (out), etc., cold1829
to lay out1891
out1896
wooden1904
to knock rotten1919
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > loss or lack of voice > deprive of voice [verb (transitive)] > put to silence > by force
gag1509
muffle1570
confute1614
throttle1641
scobe1652
still1778
1778 T. Anburey Trav. Interior Parts Amer. (1789) II. 167 We will suppose, he only orders them to knock a man down, or to prick him, or still him.
9. In occasional uses: To stop the movement or activity of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of
withdrawa1300
check1393
stayc1440
stopc1440
acheckc1450
dead1602
deaden1661
in1825
still1850
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam vi. 6 O father,..That pledgest now thy gallant son; A shot, ere half thy draught be done Hath still'd the life that beat from thee. View more context for this quotation
1861 Temple Bar 3 433 To disuse cotton wholly, to still the British cotton-factories.
1866 Mrs. H. Wood St. Martin's Eve I. i. 18 She stilled her feet and stared at the speaker.
1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xiv. 180 [She] struggled to steady her voice and still the twitching tell-tale muscles about her mouth.
II. intransitive.
10. † b. To remain still or quiet; to keep silence.
a. To become still or calm.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > be quiet or tranquil [verb (intransitive)] > become quiet or tranquil
stilla900
saughtelc1400
peasec1450
quieta1572
settlea1578
smooth1837
quieten1890
a900 Martyrol. 11 Nov. Ða stylde se storm sona, and seo sæ wearð eft smylte.
1695 R. Sibbald Autobiogr. (1834) 128 When I cryed and weept upon any occasion I stilled upon the giving me the Psalms of Buchanan.
1798 W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. 6 366 Slow beams the blooming dawn as stills the strife. Hence, down the winding stairs.
a1851 D. M. Moir Ruined Nunnery ii At length the winds began to still.
a1853 F. W. Robertson Lect. (1858) ii. 67 The surges stilled below him, and the last cloud drifted from the sky above.
1888 Harper's Mag. Apr. 737 The sea only swayed a little, and stilled again.
1898 H. Calderwood D. Hume viii. 153 The worst storm stills at length.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > be inactive [verb (intransitive)] > remain inactive
stillc1330
liec1374
stayc1540
to keep one's bill under wing1548
connive1667
to lie by1709
repose1817
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > be silent/refrain from speaking [verb (intransitive)]
to hold one's tonguec897
to keep one's tonguec897
to be (hold oneself) stilla1000
to say littleOE
to hold one's mouthc1175
to shut (also close) one's mouthc1175
to keep (one's) silence?c1225
to hold (also have, keep) one's peacea1275
stillc1330
peacec1395
mum1440
to say neither buff nor baff1481
to keep (also play) mum1532
to charm the tonguec1540
to have (also set, keep) a hatch before the door1546
hush1548
to play (at) mumbudgeta1564
not to say buff to a wolf's shadow1590
to keep a still tongue in one's head1729
to sing small1738
to sew up1785
let that fly stick in (or to) the wall1814
to say (also know) neither buff nor stye1824
to choke back1844
mumchance1854
to keep one's trap shut1899
to choke up1907
to belt up1949
to keep (or stay) shtum1958
shtum1958
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 11749 When þei were stilled a party, ffirst spak sire Ohel.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxvii. 1 Deus meus, ne sileas a me..my god still not fra me.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxxi. 3 For i stilled eldid my banes.
1461 R. Calle in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 261 Hervppon the people peacyd and stilled vnto the tyme the shire was doone.
1483 Cath. Angl. 364/1 To Stil [l] e, tacere.
c. To sound softly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > sound faintly or quietly [verb (intransitive)]
still1901
1901 N. Munro Doom Castle x A bagpipe stilled in the hall, a lute breathed a melody from a neighbouring room.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stillv.2
/stɪl/, U.S. /stɪl/ a. intransitive. To trickle down or fall in minute drops: = distil v. 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid which has been emitted > emit liquid [verb (intransitive)] > drops
stilla1300
weep1387
tricklec1540
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of flowing > flow [verb (intransitive)] > in small quantity
sickerc897
stilla1300
bleedc1305
distilc1400
trail1470
trinkle1513
trickle1526
gozle1650
run1786
a1300 K. Horn (Cambr.) 676 For Rymenhild weop ille, & horn let þe tires stille.
c1407 J. Lydgate Reson & Sensuallyte 6307 Eke her stremys cristallyn That fro her chekys stylle doun Kam al of deuocioun.
c1450 Burgh Contn. Lydgate Secrees 1861 Watir is profitable..neer to Citees stillyng as perlys Rounde.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Preaching of Swallow l. 1684 in Poems (1981) 66 With heit and moysture stilland from the sky.
1526 R. Whitford tr. Martiloge 114 b Whan the abbot was buryed, oyle stylled out of his graue.
1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) ii. xxvii. 43 b So that he drinke not a greate glutte, but in a littell quantitee, let it stil downe softly into his stomacke, as he sitteth.
1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins Whole Bk. Psalms cii. 9 And mingled haue [I] my drink with teares that fro mine eyes haue stild.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Deut. xxxii. 2 My speache shal stil as doeth the dewe.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. ii. sig. Dd2v If that any drop of slombring rest Did chaunce to still into her weary spright.
1596 T. Lodge Wits Miserie P j b Lying continually on my backe, water stilleth vpon mine eies, yet I for sloth sake forsake not my bed.
c1690 Archibald in W. Macfarlane Geogr. Coll. Scotl. (1908) III. 189 The Water stills down into the Pit, wherewith they then fill their Pans.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > weeping > weep [verb (intransitive)] > burst or dissolve into tears
to burst a-weepc1275
distilc1374
still1412
to burst (out, forth) on weeping1564
dissolve1608
to melt to (also in, into) tears1609
to burst into tears1717
burst a-crying1825
blurt1830
to burst out crying1863
to break into weeping1866
to turn the tap(s) on1883
1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy iv. 3614 And in-to terys he gan stille and reyne, As he wolde for verray sorwe deye.
a. transitive. To exude, discharge, or give forth in minute drops. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid which has been emitted > action or process of exuding > exude [verb (transitive)] > in drops
sweat1398
stilla1530
exstill1819
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > emit > emit by exudation
sweat?c1225
oozea1398
distilc1400
constilc1430
degout?1504
stilla1530
spew1570
filter1582
deplore1601
evaporate1611
weep1634
collachrymate1657
elacrymate1657
exudate1671
exude17..
exstill1819
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. Clxxxiii Whiche neuer ceased to styll the swete balme of mercy & pite.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 285 The braunches of the bawlme tree when they are cutte, they stylle moste vertuous and swete lyquore.
1611 T. Heywood Golden Age iii. sig. E4 With rage and fury fright pale pitty hence, And drowne him in the sweate your bodies still.
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 37 Wet with teares still'd from the eyes, Of the flinty Destinyes.
a1660 in J. T. Gilbert Contemp. Hist. Ireland (1880) II. 60 More reason should perswade me to doe it, then Dido the queene dowager of Cartagh to stile continually waterie pearles from her charminge lookes for the absence of Eneas.
1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires iii. 37 His once unkem'd, and horrid Locks, behold Stilling sweet Oyl.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of dripping or falling in drops > drip or drop [verb (transitive)]
dripec893
dripc1000
still1576
1576 G. Baker tr. C. Gesner Newe Jewell of Health iii. f. 131v If you styll one droppe into the water.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. ii. 492 For you my smoothest quill His sweetest honey on this Booke should still.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xix. 36 She, with her faire hand, still'd into, the nostrils of his friend, Red Nectar, and Ambrosia.
1624 F. Quarles Iob Militant xvii. N 2 He pricks the Clouds, stils downe the raine by drops.
1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth IV. 74 A Morn of May, which drops of Dew down stilleth.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > instilling ideas > instil ideas [verb (transitive)]
planteOE
impressc1374
insinuate1529
instil1533
implanta1541
infuse1548
still1551
breathe1561
reinstila1711
imbibe1746
1551 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Matt. in Paraphr. New Test. iii. 1 That the thyng whiche euer should be beleued, might by lytle and lytle be stilled [1548 instylled] and put into the hartes of men.
3. † b. transferred. To extract the essence of (meat). Also intransitive of the meat. Obsolete.
a. To subject to the process of distillation: = distil v. 4. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > subject to chemical reactions or processes [verb (transitive)] > subject to named chemical reaction or process > subject to distillation
distil1398
stilla1400
rectify?a1425
circulate1471
redistil1600
elixirate1605
to still forth1605
to still awaya1631
cohobate1651
to draw over1654
elixira1658
a1400 Stockh. Med. MS. ii. 455 in Anglia XVIII. 318 Do stille þese erbes be hemselwe.
c1450 Middle Eng. Med. Bk. (Heinrich) 102 After stille hem in a stillatorye.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 41 Herbs to still in sommer.
a1644 F. Quarles Judgem. & Mercy (1646) 1 My recreations shall be to still pleasure into a Quintessence.
1647 R. Josselin Diary (1908) 42 Wee had plenty of roses; stilled some May 22.
1694 J. Crowne Married Beau iv. 52 I'll see..Whether it be a Flower or a Weed, Which you are Stilling in this Limbeck here.
c1770 H. Glasse Compl. Confectioner 274 Then still them in a limbeck with a slow fire, and take care your still does not burn.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > [verb (intransitive)] > distil essence
still1584
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > perform general preparation processes [verb (transitive)] > extract essence
distilc1400
still1584
1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health clvii. 133 When it hath stilled so many houres, then take out the earthen pot..streine out the broth [etc.].
1591 A. W. Bk. Cookrye (rev. ed.) 11 b To still a cock for a weake body that is consumed. Take a red Cock that is not too olde, and beate him to death, and..fley him and quarter him in small peeces [etc.].
4. † b. to still away: to remove or drive off by distillation. Obsolete.† c. to still forth: To yield when distilled. Obsolete.† d. intransitive. to still out: To issue from something that is being distilled. Obsolete.† e. absol. To practise distillation. Obsolete.
a. To extract or produce by distillation. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > distilling > [verb (transitive)]
stilla1400
distilc1400
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > subject to chemical reactions or processes [verb (transitive)] > subject to named chemical reaction or process > subject to distillation > to extract or produce by
stilla1400
a1400 Stockh. Med. MS. ii. 448 in Anglia XVIII. 318 To styllyn [þer]of water for eyne is good.
1483 Cath. Angl. 364/2 To Stille waters, stillare, distillare.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/1 Stylle some Damaske water, for it is good.
1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) ii. viii. 24 In al cholerike feuers, the decoction of this herbe, or the water therof stilled, is right expedient.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. E4 The heauenly Quintessence they still From their immortall flowers of Poesy.
c1604 Charlemagne (1938) ii. 23 All ye poyssons & sharpe corrasyues stylld in ye lymbecke of damde polycie.
1660 T. Watson in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1874) IV. 459 When we give him the soul in a duty,..by a holy chemistry we still out the spirits.
1681 R. Knox Hist. Relation Ceylon 146 Others stilled Rack to sell.
1707 G. Farquhar Beaux Stratagem ii. 11 Brewing of Diet-drinks, and stilling Rose-mary-Water.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > subject to chemical reactions or processes [verb (transitive)] > subject to named chemical reaction or process > subject to distillation
distil1398
stilla1400
rectify?a1425
circulate1471
redistil1600
elixirate1605
to still forth1605
to still awaya1631
cohobate1651
to draw over1654
elixira1658
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1956) VIII. 290 It is a miserable Alchimy and extracting of spirits, that stills away the spirit, the soule it selfe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > subject to chemical reactions or processes [verb (transitive)] > subject to named chemical reaction or process > subject to distillation
distil1398
stilla1400
rectify?a1425
circulate1471
redistil1600
elixirate1605
to still forth1605
to still awaya1631
cohobate1651
to draw over1654
elixira1658
1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. v. 21 Those saltes, being put into a retort..with a receiver, stilleth forth a volatile salt.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > undergo chemical reactions or processes [verb (intransitive)] > undergo chemical reactions or processes (named) > undergo distillation > to issue from something that is being distilled
to still out1799
1799 tr. Laboratory (ed. 6) I. xiv. 436 Every drop of water, which may happen to be mixed with the wine, will still out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > undergo chemical reactions or processes [verb] > undergo chemical reactions or processes (named) > subject to distillation > to practice distillation
still?1668
?1668 Lady Lyttelton in E. M. Thompson Corr. Family of Hatton (1878) I. (Camden) 54 I want..a house keeper that can preserve and still well.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
stilladv.
/stɪl/, U.S. /stɪl/ a. Without noise or commotion; quietly, silently; in a low voice, softly. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adverb] > silently
stillyc1000
stilla1225
softlyc1330
whistlya1400
silentlya1425
coylyc1475
quietly1488
still1535
huishtly1548
whishtly1548
mutely1587
silentially1627
statuelike1640
tacitly1643
noiselessly1794
soundlessly1837
soundless1844
mouse-like1874
quietlike1909
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adverb] > without much noise
stilla1225
lowc1275
softc1275
stilledlyc1275
softlyc1330
fairly?a1425
basely1562
piano piano1601
smally1611
pacatelya1652
impercussively1694
pianissimoc1710
deftly1787
suppressedly1825
a1225 Juliana (Royal MS.) 36 Heo..stille bute stefne þus to criste cleopede.
a1250 Prov. Ælfred 325 Wimmon weped..lude and stille, for to vordrye hire wille.
a1275 Prov. Ælfred B. 653 Þe bicche bitit ille þau[h][printed þan] he berke stille.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 369 Riht al swo stille. stelen swa we wolden.
a1300 Havelok 2997 Seye a pater-noster stille, For him þat haueth þe rym[e] maked.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 15852 Brian stirt forþ in hure weye, & stille seide þat he wolde seye.
a1398 J. Trevisa in tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. 40 If I pleyde in felde oþir in medes, Ouþir stille ouþir with noyce I prey[d]e help in alle wise [emended in ed. to my dedis].
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 263 b/1 He sayd thus to hym self alle stylle.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. liv. sig. D jv By whyche meane, the streame beneth wyl ronne more gently and styll.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxvijv That they myght go styll and closely to their enemies campe.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb]
stillyc1000
dernlyc1175
dernea1200
privement?c1225
hidlingsa1250
in hidela1300
in scubardisa1300
stilla1300
hidel-likea1325
privyc1330
ywryȝeliche1340
in secre wysec1374
hidinglya1382
hidlya1382
in privy1384
closea1387
secrelyc1386
stalworthlya1400
covertlyc1400
secrec1405
in hidlings1422
secretly1447
secretementc1470
in secret1474
hugger-muggera1529
in hugger-mugger1529
secret1539
underboard1548
closely1552
darkly1559
in secret wise1563
hiddenly1580
tectly1587
underwater1600
concealedly1622
underground1632
occultly1641
in petto1647
under the rosea1704
subterraneously1791
suppressedly1825
underfoot1860
a1300 K. Horn (Cambr.) 287 Þu schalt wiþ me to bure gon, To speke wiþ Rymenhild stille.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2718 Moyses drug him to ðe strond, And stille he dalf him [in] ðe sond.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) 2015 One and stille ðogt hire gamen Wið ioseph speken and plaigen samen.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvii. 71 [He] held the spek preue and still.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > circumstance or circumstances > circumstance [phrase] > in all or any case or circumstances
in nesh and hardc1175
still and louda1250
loud and still1300
for nesh or hard?a1400
hot and coldc1400
in all essays1669
round or rattlea1670
a1250 [see sense 1a].
c1320 Cast. Love 944 Þat al he..mis-doþ his neiȝebours boþe stille and loud.
c1400 Rom. Rose 7532 Fair-Welcoming..That ofte hath pleyed with you..The fairest games..Withoute filthe, stille or loude.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1554) iii. v. 73 Among the people, both still and loude, He called was Tarquinius the proude.
2. At rest, motionless; without change of place or attitude. With certain verbs. (In Middle English often in alliterative phrase still as stone, stone still; in modern English occasionally stock still.)For the justification for treating the word in this use as adverb rather than as adjectival complement, see note to still adj. 1.† c. With other verbs, as abide, dwell. Obsolete.In the 15–16th centuries quots. there is a transition to senses 3, 4.
a. to stand still. (Sometimes merely a more explicit synonym of the verb stand v. 3a, 26, 29b, 29d, 30a.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adverb] > without moving
to stand stillc1000
stone-still?c1225
statuelike1640
unmovingly1733
stirlessly1825
statically1841
motionlessly1847
c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 262 Seo sunne stod stille.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2137 All swa summ þe steoressmann. Aȝȝ lokeþþ till an steorrne. Þatt stannt aȝȝ still upp o þe lifft. & swiþe brihhte shineþþ.
c1300 Leg. Gregory (Schulz) 401 Gregorij stod stille so ston.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8188 Þe strem all still began to stand.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xii. 50 It rynnes noȝt, ne nowþer ebbez ne flowez, bot standez ay still.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xliiv A tree hath a propertie to growe to a certayne hyght, and whan he cometh to that hyght he standeth styll.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xx. f. xxviijv Then Iesus stode styll, and called them.
1533 T. More Answere Poysened Bk. i. xv. f. lxix How the runnyng ryuer of Jordane stode styll.
1548 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 134 Ye other ij Aldermen..which then shall remayne and stond still in the seyd office.
1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 10v The Bowe that bended standeth still, his strength will loose and lack.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets civ. sig. G2v So your sweete hew, which me thinkes still doth stand Hath motion, and mine eye may be deceaued. View more context for this quotation
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 740 The Ship stood still, and neither stirred forward or backwards.
1655 C. Sympson in J. Playford Introd. Skill Musick ii. 14 When your Base standeth still (that is to say, hath two or more Notes together in one and the same place).
1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) iii. 30 If God's providence above, and his plough below stand still, we must all shortly beg or starve.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 129. ¶1 A Clock that stands still is sure to point right once in twelve Hours.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 407. ¶1 Our Preachers stand stock-still in the Pulpit.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. x. 97 One of the horses took it into his head to stand still.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham II. xxvii. 313 I paused, and my heart stood still.
1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 i. 193 This shoot becomes a worthless tree..which after a few years' growth stands still.
1860 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (rev. ed.) iii. 58 Many people seem to think that the world stands still while they are away, or at dinner, or ill.
1877 A. B. Edwards Thousand Miles up Nile xii. 317 Time seems to have stood as still as in that immortal palace where everything went to sleep for a hundred years.
b. to sit, lie still. (See the senses of the verbs.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain unmoved
restOE
to sit, lie stillc1000
c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 438 Hire swuster Maria sæt stille æt Drihtnes fotum.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5839 Forr leness whellp þær þær itt iss. Whellpedd. tær liþ itt stille.
c1250 Owl & Night. 282 Me is leof to habbe reste And sitte stille in myne neste.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1528 Þus seide þe mæiden..& seoððen set swþe stille.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 243 To deþe he sset his owe fader þat he lai þer stille.
c1386 G. Chaucer Summoner's Tale 492 The lady of the hous al stille sat, Til she had herd what the frere sayde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 20509 Sittes stell now mar and lesse, And hers now þes mirines.
c1460 J. Metham Wks. (1916) 60/1617 But Cleopes for fere lay ston stylle.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 247 In that same hous thai socht him beselye Bot he sat still and span full conandly.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 719/1 I syt styll, I remove nat, je ne me bouge. Let every man syt styll on payne of his lyfe.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. v. sig. Hii Folke saie, better syt still, than rise and fall.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clxxj Kyng Henry..perceyuing that the duke of Yorke lay still, and made no open apparance, of assemble or commocion, returned.
1611 Bible (King James) Zech. i. 11 And behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iii. 164 And think'st thou to regain Thy right by sitting still or thus retiring? View more context for this quotation
1688 J. Bunyan Heavenly Foot-man (1886) 182 He that backslideth, and he that sitteth still in sin.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 50. ¶7 This lazy People sat still above three Hours.
1859 J. W. Carlyle Lett. III. 7 I rose at six, tired of lying still.
1901 R. Buller in Scotsman 11 Oct. 5/8 I said..‘He is a gallant fellow; he will sit still to the end.’
ΚΠ
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 308 Dwelle ȝyt with me a woke stylle.
13.. Seuyn Sages (W.) 1533 The child bileft still in prisoun.
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 2746 In purgatori saules dueles stille Until þai be clensed of alle ille.
1393 Regist. Aberbrothoc (Bannatyne Club) II. 43 Of the xxxv marcis v marcis sal dwel style in the abbotis hand..quhillys the quer be thekyt and alurryt al abowyt with stane.
c1393 G. Chaucer Scogan 39 That rustyth in myn schede stylle in pes.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) xii. xxxvi. 435 The vulture huntyth fro mydday to nyght and restyth styl fro the sonne rysinge to that tyme.
c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 1960 I pray yow for to dwel her still.
a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 25 Be it [a bandage] festned fast to þe girdel vpon þe womb, and lat it abide so stille to þe tyme come þat it be eft-sones remoued.
c1450 How Good Wijf (Lamb. 853) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 43 Wheþer þat þei dwelle stille or þei wende awey.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) John xi. f. cxxxvij Then aboode he two dayes still in the same place where he was.
c1557 Enterlude of Youth (new ed.) sig. Biv Let him come if he will He were better to bide styll.
1560 Nice Wanton (facs.) C ij Where it groweth strong there wil it abide stil.
3. † b. still still adv. on every occasion; ever more and more. Obsolete.† c. still opece (opese, opeese; corruptly off pees, a peace), continuously. (See piece n. 10b.) Obsolete.There are 24 examples in Syr Generydes; otherwise the phrase occurs in our quots. only twice.† d. still as: whenever. Obsolete.
a. With reference to action or condition: Without change, interruption, or cessation; continually, constantly; on every occasion, invariably; always. Obsolete exc. poetic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case
alwayeOE
aldayOE
everOE
by night and (by) daylOE
ayc1175
algatea1200
alwaysc1225
everylikec1225
stillc1297
evermorea1300
algatesa1325
alikec1330
early and latec1330
at all assaysc1360
universallya1398
likec1400
continuallyc1460
tidely1482
ay-whenc1485
from time to (formerly unto) timea1500
at all seasons1526
at once1563
at every turn1565
throughout1567
still still1592
still1594
still and anona1616
still an enda1616
every stitch-while1620
everlastingly1628
constantly1651
everywhen1655
eternally1670
allus1739
any day (of the week)1759
everly1808
allers1833
every time1854
toujours1902
all (the way) down the line1975
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > [adverb]
ever ylikeOE
stillc1297
unchangeablya1340
in likea1425
unchangingly1435
immutably1601
irrevocably1608
negatively1622
inalterably1631
irreversibly1635
unalterably1643
invariably1646
intransibly1654
influxibly1677
uniformly1682
eternally1694
unvariably1766
unvaryingly1814
changelessly1825
homœostatically1959
terminally1974
c1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5645 He broȝte hom alle to is wille, And hor olde seruage made hom holde al stille.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 337 In tokne..That sche schal duelle a maiden stille.
c1450 Godstow Reg. 649 Except candyl vppon candylmes day, the whyche the seyd mynchyns shul haue stylle.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xv. 58 Fame..hath..tonges..that speken stylle without ceasse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. lx. B Thy gates shal stonde open still both day and night.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Eccl. i. 4 One generacion passeth awaye, another commeth, but the earth abydeth still [1611 for ever].
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 12v Delius..was called a cunnyng swymmer that could kepe hym selfe styll above water without perill of drounyng.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre ii. lxviii. sig. L vijv It is not conuenient ne yet necessary to vse one espye styll.
1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. A.vii That plough, God would haue styll goyng.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Kiiiv/2 Stil, iugiter.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) iii. 154 They learne to liue as if they were still at the point to dye.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxxvi. sig. H3 She may detaine, but not still keepe her tresure! View more context for this quotation
1615 J. Day Festivals 207 Howbeit the Maister cannot still be at home, the Mistresse may.
1617 R. Brathwait Smoaking Age in tr. ‘B. Multibibus’ Solemne Ioviall Disputation 194 (margin) Thus haue I prov'd Tobacco good or ill; Good, if rare taken; Bad, if taken still.
a1643 W. Cartwright Ordinary (1651) i. ii. 6 Woman was Not made to be alone still.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. v. 19 48 Miles above the Earth..There is never no Rain, Dew, Hail, Snow, or Wind, but still a clear serenity.
c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 114 Thus it is that God still governs and orders every thing in the world.
1704 J. Trapp Abra-Mule ii. i. 494 His past Reign, which still has been attended With one continu'd Series of Misfortunes.
1717 A. Pope Disc. Pastoral Poetry in Wks. 8 Spenser's..Stanza is not still the same, nor always well chosen.
1737 P. Doddridge in Hist. Compan. Hymns Anc. & Mod. (1962) 304 Oh God of Bethel, by whose Hand Thine Israel still is fed.
1766 T. Reid Let. in Wks. (1863) I. 44/1 But you must direct them [workmen] in everything, and be still over the work.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 31 The rook, if undisturbed, never desires to leave his native grove; the black-bird still frequents its accustomed hedge.
1787 R. Burns Poems (new ed.) 239 The man..Who..with humility and awe Still walks before his God.
1817 S. T. Coleridge Biogr. Lit. (1882) xvii. 171 The un~meaning repetitions..which an unfurnished..understanding interposes at short intervals in order to keep hold of his subject, which is still slipping from him.
1820 W. Scott tr. Noble Moringer in Edinb. Ann. Reg. 1816 9 ii. p. ccccxcviii God rest the Baron in his grave, he still was kind to me.
1864 J. Anster tr. J. W. von Goethe Faustus: 2nd Pt. i. 23 You never can get fools to understand How luck and merit still go hand in hand.
1865 A. C. Swinburne Atalanta in Calydon 30 Howbeit these..Devise new things and good, not one thing still.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case
alwayeOE
aldayOE
everOE
by night and (by) daylOE
ayc1175
algatea1200
alwaysc1225
everylikec1225
stillc1297
evermorea1300
algatesa1325
alikec1330
early and latec1330
at all assaysc1360
universallya1398
likec1400
continuallyc1460
tidely1482
ay-whenc1485
from time to (formerly unto) timea1500
at all seasons1526
at once1563
at every turn1565
throughout1567
still still1592
still1594
still and anona1616
still an enda1616
every stitch-while1620
everlastingly1628
constantly1651
everywhen1655
eternally1670
allus1739
any day (of the week)1759
everly1808
allers1833
every time1854
toujours1902
all (the way) down the line1975
1592 T. Nashe Strange Newes Observ. for Rdrs. M 2 b I am..constrained still still, before I am warme in any one vaine, to start away sodainely.
1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares 39 b With example thou first exalteth them, and still still liftes them vp, till thou hast lifted vp theyr heads on thy gates.
1594 T. Nashe Terrors of Night in Wks. (1904) I. 354 This slimie melancholy humor still still thickning as it stands still.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > [adverb] > in a continuous manner or without stopping
fastlyOE
anonOE
everOE
everylikec1225
continuallyc1305
atreet1340
unceasinglyc1340
perpetuallyc1385
incessably1398
desselya1400
ithandlya1400
dreichlyc1400
restlessc1400
contunely1447
all alongc1450
dessantlyc1460
incessantly1481
still opece1488
uncessantlya1500
continuinglya1513
in ane1513
away1526
incessant1558
restlessly1567
square1570
stintless1598
ceaselessly?1606
residently1609
unrestingly1621
indesinently1651
jugially1654
unintermissively1656
constantly1682
hand to fist1706
forever1753
unintermittingly1784
round the clock1816
continuously1826
unpausingly1831
sustainedly1842
pauselessly1845
remorselessly1845
around the clock1872
play-by-play1889
ball-by-ball1906
non-stop1920
solidly1937
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) viii. l. 933 Ȝeit still off pees the ost lugyt all nycht.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) 1385 He wold not leve, butt stille alway opoce [read opece] Dede all that he cowde to hurt Generydes.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. xii. 294 How she from thre yeres of age..remained ther [sc. in the temple] seruing God stil a peace.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > particular time > [adverb] > at any time or whenever
everOE
onceOE
whensoc1175
whenc1200
whensoeverc1320
wheneverc1380
whensomevera1425
soever1517
still asa1656
anytime1822
anywhen1834
a1656 J. Hales Serm. at Eton (1673) iv. 60 A loose, but a rich fellow..was wont to walk the streets with a purse of money, and still as he met any man he would give him a box on the ear, and then a twelve-pence.
e. †still and anon, †still an end (obsolete): constantly from time to time. So Scottish. still and on: ‘nevertheless, notwithstanding, yet’ ( Eng. Dial. Dict.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case
alwayeOE
aldayOE
everOE
by night and (by) daylOE
ayc1175
algatea1200
alwaysc1225
everylikec1225
stillc1297
evermorea1300
algatesa1325
alikec1330
early and latec1330
at all assaysc1360
universallya1398
likec1400
continuallyc1460
tidely1482
ay-whenc1485
from time to (formerly unto) timea1500
at all seasons1526
at once1563
at every turn1565
throughout1567
still still1592
still1594
still and anona1616
still an enda1616
every stitch-while1620
everlastingly1628
constantly1651
everywhen1655
eternally1670
allus1739
any day (of the week)1759
everly1808
allers1833
every time1854
toujours1902
all (the way) down the line1975
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adverb] > however, nevertheless, notwithstanding
though-whetherc897
nathelesseOE
though971
whetherOE
yetOE
neverlOE
what for-thyc1175
nethelessa1200
never the latterc1225
algatec1230
in spite of (despite, maugre, etc.) one's teethc1230
nought for thatc1275
(all) for noughtc1325
(in) spite of one's nosec1325
alway1340
thoughless1340
ne'er the later (also latter)a1382
ne'er the lessa1382
neverlatera1382
neverthelessa1382
ne for-thia1400
neverlessa1400
not-againstandinga1400
nauthelessc1400
nouthelessc1400
algatesc1405
noughtwithstanding1422
netherless?a1425
notwithstanding1425
nethertheless1440
not gainstandingc1440
not the lessa1450
alwaysa1470
howbeit1470
never þe quedera1475
nought the lessc1480
what reck?a1513
nonetheless1533
howsomever1562
after all1590
in spite of spite1592
meantime1594
notwithstand1596
withal1596
in the meanwhile1597
meanwhile1597
howsoever1601
in (one's) spite?1615
however1623
in the meantime1631
non obstante1641
at the same time1679
with a non-obstante to1679
stilla1699
the same1782
all the same1803
quand même1825
still and all1829
anyhow1867
anyway1876
still and ona1894
all the samey1897
just the same1901
but1939
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. iv. 60 A Slaue, that still an end, turnes me to shame. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. i. 47 I..like the watchfull minutes, to the houre, Still and anon cheer'd vp the heauy time. View more context for this quotation
a1894 Stevenson in Pall Mall Gaz. (1895) 21 Jan. 2/3 O still ayont the muckle sea, Still are ye dear, and dear to me, Auld Reekie, still and on!
1910 N. Munro in Blackwood's Mag. Feb. 221/1 ‘Still-and-on,’ said pawky Jamie Birrell cheerily, ‘one may have a turn of the raptures too, falling back on the affections when they're done.’
f. With words denoting increase or progress: Ever more and more.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [adverb]
increasinglyc1380
waxingly1483
increasably1579
still1596
augmentedly1754
growingly1758
increasedly1823
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. vi. sig. F3 Sir Arthegall renewed His strength still more, but she still more decrewed. View more context for this quotation
1606 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iii. 9 All their Cattle proves, Still, still increasing, like to Stares and Doves.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 37 I intended my studyes seriously, the more I learnt out of my bookes adding still a desire to knowe more.
a1682 Sir T. Browne Christian Morals (1716) iii. 82 He who thus still advanceth in Iniquity deepneth his deformed hue.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 58 All below, whether by Nature's Curse, Or Fates Decree, degen'rate still to worse. View more context for this quotation
1712 A. Pope tr. Statius First Bk. Thebais in Misc. Poems 36 Thus still his Courage, with his Toils, encreas'd.
1779 S. Johnson Dryden in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets III. 283 Whatever subjects employed his pen, he was still improving our measures..and our language.
1807 J. Barlow Columbiad i. 31 Its form unfolding as it still draws nigh.
1820 P. B. Shelley To Skylark in Prometheus Unbound 201 Thou..singing still dost soar, and soaring ever singest.
4. Indicating the continuance of a previous action or condition.† d. Continuously in the same direction as before; further. Obsolete.
a.
(a) Now (or at the time in question) as formerly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the present (time) > [adverb] > as formerly, still, or to this day
yeteOE
tho yeteOE
as yet1484
still1535
1535 G. Joye Apol. Tindale 38 But and if Tindale wil nedis saye styll that I mocke out the Resurreccion.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 255v If he came to any commen plaies or open sightes, it is ye guise even yet still that reverence bee dooen to hym.
1587 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1908) 5 140 They take priests and other Catholics still very often; and now they begin to persecute also the schismatics.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets civ. sig. G2v For as you were when first your eye I eyde, Such seemes your beautie still . View more context for this quotation
1620 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 783/1 Minerallis..quhilkis hithertill hes lyin and still lyis obscure and hid within the bowellis and centre of the earth.
1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 79/2 Wee are still of the same mind quhich we did express in our former letter.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 164. ¶11 Their Tombs are still to be seen.
1760 S. Johnson Idler 15 Mar. 81 There still remain many Words among us undefined.
1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music v. 52 But the reason is still to seek.
1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xi. 40 Seeing me still very much flurried, he led me to a seat.
1797 Encycl. Brit. VIII. 462/2 The naval or rostral crown is still used with coats-of-arms.
1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. I. iii. iv. 207 Another writer on the same subject is Menelaus,..whose three books on Spherics still remain.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 592 Bridgewater was one of the few towns which still had some Whig magistrates.
1857 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. I. xi. 626 One of those harmless prejudices that still linger round the person of the sovereign.
1893 Law Times 94 559/2 In the deed the consideration was left blank, and for all I know it is blank still.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 558 The still vaguely defined and very multiform affection seborrhœa.
1906 E. V. Lucas Wanderer in London i. 14 When I first came to London, Piccadilly still had its goat.
(b) quasi-adj. That still is such. rare. Cf. now adj., then adv. 9b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the present (time) > [adjective] > that still is such
still1879
1879 A. Trollope Thackeray 22 The then and still owners of that happy periodical.
b. contextually. Now (or at the time in question) in contrast to the future; at present, as yet.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the present (time) > [adverb] > as opposed to the future
still1632
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vii. 301 Hauing euer one Fruite ready to be plucked..and another comming forwards.., that as some Reape, some are growing greene, others budding forth, and some still in the floorish.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper i. 5 The Jews construe it [Isa. xi. 6–8], of Christ still to come, and of his temporall Monarchy.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. ii. 11 I wrote a similar epitaph for my wife, though still living.
1824 S. Ferrier Inheritance II. xii. 126 A few large old trees, and many young ones still in their cages.
1830 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. (new ed.) xxiv. 621 By sealing up the contracted aperture of the tube whilst it is still hot.
1849 G. C. Lewis Let. 4 Sept. (1870) 213 This is still in fieri.
1864 G. Meredith Emilia in Eng. III. xix. 256 He had waxed precociously philosophic, when still a junior.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §1. 62 The greater part of English soil was still utterly uncultivated.
c. After as before some point of time; in future as up to the present; further. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > after, afterwards, or later
sitheneOE
aftereOE
sithOE
eftOE
latterOE
aftOE
sithencea1170
sithrec1175
thereup?c1225
baftc1275
furtherc1290
eftsoon1297
therewithala1300
afterwardc1300
afterwardsc1300
soc1300
therewithc1369
eftersoonsa1400
suingly?a1425
at after1425
followingly?c1425
afterhand1438
syne1489
by posteriority1523
in sequel1524
still1526
later1527
subsequently1537
senthis?1553
lately1565
subsequent1568
behindc1600
sequelarly1600
posterior1628
in prosecutiona1641
subsequentiallya1683
artera1746
posteriorly1799
ulteriorly1818
later on1829
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Ciiiv And though you receyue it nat at your owne wyll, knocke styll, call on & perseuer, and you shal nat mysse.
1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 104v Poore haue I been, and poore I am, and poore still shall I bee.
1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 8v Discerne of the comming on of yeares, and thinke not to doe the same things still.
1611 Bible (King James) Exod. ix. 2 For if thou refuse to let them goe, and wilt hold them still, [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 216 If it flie from thee as swift as a Roe or Hinde, yet follow the chace still.
1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane iv. i. 1539 Oh! Death! thou gentle end of Human Sorrows Still must my weary Eyelids vainly wake In tedious Expectation of thy Peace.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [adverb] > to or by a greater distance > to or at a greater distance
furthermorec1175
overmorec1175
farc1200
fartherc1330
farthermorec1380
yondera1387
furtherc1400
lengerc1425
furtherlya1513
yondermair1513
yonderward1513
furtherfortha1542
still1602
1602 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 456/2 Keipand the said dyke southeist throuch Henderstoun-burne, and thairfra still southeist keipand the said dyke till it cum to the merche.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 182 Our course lay still from Swalley Road all along the Coast of India.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 186 Thence we sailed still South.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 189 To keep still on Southing as well as East.
1738 Defoe's Tour Great Brit. (ed. 2) II. 284 Going still West, we came to Caermarthen.
e. In addition; after the apparent ending of a series; yet.
ΚΠ
1790 W. Cowper Let. 27 Feb. (1982) III. 351 P.S...Still another P.S.
1857 J. Ruskin Polit. Econ. Art i. 37 There is one thought still, the saddest of all, bearing on this withholding of early help.
5. In a further degree.
a. Used to emphasize a comparative; = yet.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > insistence or persistence > [adverb] > strengthening or emphasizing comparative
yetOE
even1533
still1730
again1735
1730 Let. to Sir W. Strickland relating to Coal Trade 33 The Woodmongers Abuse..of a former Charter leaves still less Reason to fear they shou'd succeed.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. cvi. 393 But the generosity of her mind..is what stings me most. And the more still, as it is now out of my power any way..to be even with her.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 50 The lower part of the neck..is covered with still smaller feathers than those on the belly and back.
1788 J. Brown tr. Elements Med. I. 159 The sthenic diathesis, taking place in a high degree over the whole body, but in a still higher in the vessels of the skin.
1830 T. Carlyle Richter Again in Misc. Ess. (1840) II. 321 The two households stood like concave mirrors reflecting one another's keen hunger into a still keener for both.
1832 D. Brewster Lett. Nat. Magic ix. 243 Returning to the spot next day, he heard the sound still louder than before.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 494 But already that feeling had been indicated by still stronger and more terrible signs.
1884 A. R. Pennington Wiclif viii. 247 He expresses himself still more strongly in his unprinted writings.
1912 J. L. Myres Dawn of Hist. viii. 174 The Late-Minoan period is more precisely dated still.
b. Sometimes used where the comparative notion is merely implied. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. C2v The guilt beeing great, the feare doth still exceede. View more context for this quotation
1697 Countess D'Aunoy's Trav. (1706) 140 Their hands have no defect, they are little, white, and well shaped. Their large sleeves..still contribute to make them appear less.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy Ded. sig. Av Whatever great Impressions an Englishman must have of Your Lordship, they who have been Conversant Abroad will find 'em still improv'd.
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 233. ⁋2 When thus much was obtained for him, their Minds still softened towards him.
1762 O. Goldsmith Life R. Nash 47 Their mutton, butter, fish, and fowl, are all allowed to be excellent, and their cookery still exceeds their meat.
6. With adversative notion.
a. [Developed from sense 4] After or at the same time with some event or condition implied to be adverse; even then.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > after, afterwards, or later > still or even then
stilla1699
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adverb] > however, nevertheless, notwithstanding
though-whetherc897
nathelesseOE
though971
whetherOE
yetOE
neverlOE
what for-thyc1175
nethelessa1200
never the latterc1225
algatec1230
in spite of (despite, maugre, etc.) one's teethc1230
nought for thatc1275
(all) for noughtc1325
(in) spite of one's nosec1325
alway1340
thoughless1340
ne'er the later (also latter)a1382
ne'er the lessa1382
neverlatera1382
neverthelessa1382
ne for-thia1400
neverlessa1400
not-againstandinga1400
nauthelessc1400
nouthelessc1400
algatesc1405
noughtwithstanding1422
netherless?a1425
notwithstanding1425
nethertheless1440
not gainstandingc1440
not the lessa1450
alwaysa1470
howbeit1470
never þe quedera1475
nought the lessc1480
what reck?a1513
nonetheless1533
howsomever1562
after all1590
in spite of spite1592
meantime1594
notwithstand1596
withal1596
in the meanwhile1597
meanwhile1597
howsoever1601
in (one's) spite?1615
however1623
in the meantime1631
non obstante1641
at the same time1679
with a non-obstante to1679
stilla1699
the same1782
all the same1803
quand même1825
still and all1829
anyhow1867
anyway1876
still and ona1894
all the samey1897
just the same1901
but1939
a1699 E. Stillingfleet Serm. xxxvi, in Wks. (1710) I. 564 If we ask, Cannot good Men differ about some things, and yet be good still? Yes.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 27. ⁋1 While they pant after Shade and Covert, they still affect to appear in the most glittering Scenes of Life.
1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 212 For e'en though vanquished, he could argue still.
1861 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (new ed.) ii. 22 Nothing can make such a room healthy. Ventilation would improve it, but still it would be unhealthy.
b. quasi-conj. In spite of what has been stated or conceded; nevertheless, notwithstanding, yet. Sometimes preceded by but, or followed by however.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > on condition that [conjunction] > in spite of, notwithstanding
thougha1240
albeita1325
albec1405
not-for-thy1413
for all that1523
still1722
1722 D. Defoe Jrnl. Plague Year 7 'Tis true, St. Giles's buried two and thirty, but still as there was but one of the Plague, People began to be easy.
1779 Mirror No. 66 Still, however, with all these precautions to introduce the thought in a familiar and easy manner, he is aware of her displeasure.
1816 J. Wilson City of Plague ii. ii. 67 I know well That they who love their friends most tenderly Still bear their loss the best.
1820 J. Milner Suppl. Mem. Eng. Catholics 14 It is the law of nature and of the gospel that we should obey the constituted authority of the state... Still this obedience has its limits.
1825 T. B. Macaulay Milton in Edinb. Rev. Aug. 320 Still, however, there was another extreme which, though far less dangerous, was also to be avoided.
1837 P. Keith Bot. Lexicon 368 The quadrupeds, whose look, though prone, is still well suited to their form and condition.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre III. i. 40 The soul..has an interpreter—often an unconscious, but still a truthful interpreter—in the eye.
1865 A. C. Swinburne Chastelard (1894) i. ii. 23 The legend is writ small: Still one makes out this—Cave—if you look.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay vii. 105 I confess I lost hope as she spoke, still I begged for an interview with the incoming teacher.
c. still and all: nevertheless, even so; after all. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adverb] > however, nevertheless, notwithstanding
though-whetherc897
nathelesseOE
though971
whetherOE
yetOE
neverlOE
what for-thyc1175
nethelessa1200
never the latterc1225
algatec1230
in spite of (despite, maugre, etc.) one's teethc1230
nought for thatc1275
(all) for noughtc1325
(in) spite of one's nosec1325
alway1340
thoughless1340
ne'er the later (also latter)a1382
ne'er the lessa1382
neverlatera1382
neverthelessa1382
ne for-thia1400
neverlessa1400
not-againstandinga1400
nauthelessc1400
nouthelessc1400
algatesc1405
noughtwithstanding1422
netherless?a1425
notwithstanding1425
nethertheless1440
not gainstandingc1440
not the lessa1450
alwaysa1470
howbeit1470
never þe quedera1475
nought the lessc1480
what reck?a1513
nonetheless1533
howsomever1562
after all1590
in spite of spite1592
meantime1594
notwithstand1596
withal1596
in the meanwhile1597
meanwhile1597
howsoever1601
in (one's) spite?1615
however1623
in the meantime1631
non obstante1641
at the same time1679
with a non-obstante to1679
stilla1699
the same1782
all the same1803
quand même1825
still and all1829
anyhow1867
anyway1876
still and ona1894
all the samey1897
just the same1901
but1939
1829 G. Griffin Collegians I. vii. 140 Lord K..gave him a lease o' that farm... Still an' all, Myles do be poor, for he never knew how to keep a hoult o' the money.
1928 F. N. Hart Bellamy Trial iv. 104 Still and all, I believe that he was there precisely when he said he was.
1942 G. Marx Let. 16 Dec. in G. Marx et al. Groucho Lett. (1967) 32 Still and all, as Lardner would say, it's a very cozy little place.
1963 A. Lubbock Austral. Roundabout 77 ‘Still-and-all,’ they said, ‘it's no use worrying over things y' can't help, is it?’
1969 Guardian 18 Aug. 9/5 Still and all, it is surely time to desist in good grace.
1978 R. Moore Big Paddle (1979) i. 4 Still and all, if you see something I haven't, let me know.
Compounds
Combinations and quasi-combinations. When qualifying an attributive adjective, the adverb is usually hyphenated.
a. In sense 1, the hyphenated collocations may be regarded as genuine combinations, but are rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adverb] > silently
stillyc1000
stilla1225
softlyc1330
whistlya1400
silentlya1425
coylyc1475
quietly1488
still1535
huishtly1548
whishtly1548
mutely1587
silentially1627
statuelike1640
tacitly1643
noiselessly1794
soundlessly1837
soundless1844
mouse-like1874
quietlike1909
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. viii. B The people refuseth the stil-renninge water of Silo.
1897 Standard 2 Oct. 2/2 On the banks of the still-flowing Medway.
b. In sense 3, ‘always’, ‘ever’.Many instances of the quasi-combination resulting from the prefixing of the adverb to an adjective or participial adjective occur in Shakespeare, though the hyphen is rarely used in the early editions In the 17th and 18th centuries the use was common, but confined to poetry; in the 19th cent. it scarcely occurs, this sense of the adverb having become rare even in verse. See also still-green adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case
alwayeOE
aldayOE
everOE
by night and (by) daylOE
ayc1175
algatea1200
alwaysc1225
everylikec1225
stillc1297
evermorea1300
algatesa1325
alikec1330
early and latec1330
at all assaysc1360
universallya1398
likec1400
continuallyc1460
tidely1482
ay-whenc1485
from time to (formerly unto) timea1500
at all seasons1526
at once1563
at every turn1565
throughout1567
still still1592
still1594
still and anona1616
still an enda1616
every stitch-while1620
everlastingly1628
constantly1651
everywhen1655
eternally1670
allus1739
any day (of the week)1759
everly1808
allers1833
every time1854
toujours1902
all (the way) down the line1975
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. B3 In silent wonder of still gazing eyes. View more context for this quotation
1597 Bp. J. Hall Virgidemiarum: 1st 3 Bks. ii. ii. 30 To consume in vaine In latter Euen,..Ill-smelling oyles, or some still-watching lights.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love v. i. sig. K2 Mon'thly we spend our still-repaired shine, And not forbid our Virgin-waxen torch, To burne, and blaze. View more context for this quotation
1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 231 That still-closed booke of secrets.
1606 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iii. 19 On a still-rocking Couch lyes bleare-eyde Sleepe.
1609 S. Daniel Civile Wares (rev. ed.) viii. xcii. 226 His religious Confessor (who best Could cast, with what a violent accesse, This feuer of Ambition did molest His still-sick minde).
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xiii. 424 Thou still-wit-varying wretch!
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 230 To fetch dewe From the still-vext Bermoothes.
1619 A. Newman Pleasures Vision C 4 b My seruants haue..Still-liuing honors, and lou'd Fame.
1744 E. Young Complaint: Night the Sixth 1 Tardy Pressure's still-increasing Weight.
1744 J. Thomson Summer in Seasons (new ed.) 122 The generous still-improving Mind.
1761 R. Glover Medea ii. vi. 36 The settled frown, The still-renew'd upbraiding?
1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 550 His still refuted quirks he still repeats.
1783 G. Crabbe Village ii. 35 To bid the still-recurring thoughts depart.
1875 R. Browning Aristophanes' Apol. 77 Each prim stiff phrase Of each old play, my still-new laughing-stock, Had meaning.
c. In sense 4a, ‘now as before’, quasi-combinations of this kind are still formed freely.
ΚΠ
1609 J. Davies Holy Roode sig. I3 Thy still-fresh-bleeding Wounds.
1702 C. Beaumont J. Beaumont's Psyche (new ed.) vi. cccii. 87 As for the bugbear Threat of Death, behold Its confutation in still-florid Me.
1732 Belle Assemblée II. 210 Kerme having seen his still-admir'd Leonora in the possession of what alone could make her happy.
1772 W. Cowper Let. 5 Nov. (1979) I. 258 The only Return I can make you, for your many Acts of still continued Friendship.
1855 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity VI. xiv. x. 631 It is believed by a still-diminishing few that [etc.].
1864 E. B. Pusey Daniel (1876) 323 Most of these Psalms lament over the still-continuing abandonment to the Heathen.
1890 C. Gross Gild Merchant I. 132 The still-existing Company of Merchants of Carlisle.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.11533
adj.n.2c825v.1a900
v.2a1300
adv.c1000- monogamious
- monogamist
- monogamistic
- monogamists
- monogamize
- monogamous
- monogamously
- monogamousness
- monogamousnesses
- monogamy
- monoganglial
- monoganglionic
- monogastric
- monogatari
- monogen
- monogenean
- monogeneans
- monogeneity
- monogeneous
- monogeneric
- monogeneses
- monogenesis
- monogenesist
- monogenesy
- monogenetic