stitchn.1
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ I. A thrust, stab.† 1. A prick, puncture, or stab, inflicted by a pointed implement. Only Old English.† 3. transferred. A contortion of the face, a grimace.† 4. figurative. A grudge, dislike, spite, ground of complaint. Chiefly in to have or take a stitch against (rarely at) (a person). Obsolete.
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c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xxxvi. 261 Se ðe us gehæleð from ðæm stice urra synna [L. a peccatorum nos punctionibus salvans].
c1000 Ags. Laws Æthelb. lxvii Gif man þeoh ðurhstingþ, stice g ehwilce. vi. scillingas.
2. † b. figurative.
a. A sharp sudden local pain, like that produced by the thrust of a pointed weapon; esp. (now only) an acute spasmodic pain in the intercostal muscles, called more fully a stitch in the side. Also in generalized or collective sense.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > types of pain > [noun] > sudden pain
stitchc1000
showera1300
shutea1300
gridea1400
gripa1400
shota1400
stounda1400
lancing1470
pang1482
twitch?1510
shooting1528
storm1540
stitching1561
stub1587
twinge1608
gird1614
twang1721
tang1724
shoot1756
darting1758
writhe1789
catch1830
lightning pain1860
twitcher1877
rash1900
c1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 174 Wið miltewærce & stice.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 207 An eðelich stiche oðer eche Makeð to understonden hu lute prude is wurð.
c1230 Hali Meid. 35 Stiches i þi lonke.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 475/1 Styche, peyne on þe syde, telum.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xxviii. 110 The gowte or the poplesie, the stytches or the paralesye.
a1500 Brut 604 Aftyr þat, ther fylle a gret dissese in Engelond callyd þe styche, þat moche peeple deyde sodeynly þerof.
1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) 83 b Stytches and grefes in the sides.
1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig Most Excellent Homish Apothecarye f. 20 If a man hath a stiche about the hart.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. ii. 65 If you desire the spleene, and will laughe your selues into stitches, follow me. View more context for this quotation
1683 Ashmole Diary (1774) 366 A stitch took me at the setting on of my left hip.
1714 Philos. Trans. 1713 (Royal Soc.) 28 122 Pains and Stitches behind the Ears.
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random I. xxvii. 249 The third [patient] complained of a pleuretic stitch.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped xxiv. 240 I had a painful stitch in my side, which never left me.
1898 P. Manson Trop. Dis. xxiii. 354 Fuller inspiration is attended with stitch.
1898 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. V. 198 The agonising stitch of pleurisy.
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the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > [noun] > a pang
stitch?c1225
prong1440
twitch?1510
pang1534
pincha1566
aculeusa1612
twinge1622
twang1721
tang1724
twinging1816
brain-ache1836
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 86 Inwið þe seli saule..he hefde sare stiche of sari soreȝe & sorechful.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 182 Thinking now that hee should be cured of those priuie Stitches which hee had long had about his Heart.
1660 R. Burney Κέρδιστον Δῶρον 128 The King hates bribes... These are stitches to the Princes sides, they impede his life, the alacrity and smoothnesse of it.
c. A stiff and affected carriage of the body has sometimes been jocularly compared to the effect of a stitch in the side.
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the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > [noun] > stiffness
stitch1601
rectangularity1809
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love iii. iv. sig. F2v One that..Salutes a friend, as if he had a stitch . View more context for this quotation
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. ix. 81 Mrs. Wilfer, majestically faint, and with a condescending stitch in her side: which was her company manner.
d. plural. Fits of laughter; esp. in phr. ( to have, etc., (someone) in stitches. Occasionally singular = laugh n. 3a (See also sense 2a.)
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the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > [noun] > outburst of
vein1736
rip1855
tiff1858
stitches1935
1935 Motion Picture Nov. 41/1 A laugh festival that will have you in stitches from its opening scene to its ridiculous but uproarious climax.
1952 E. O'Neill Moon for Misbegotten i. 65 Listen to Jim still in stitches. It's good to hear him laugh as if he meant it.
1968 A. Diment Great Spy Race ii. 18 The party's in a house right opposite. It'll be a stitch, Phil. You must come.
1969 O. Blakeston For crying out Shroud vi. 56 I've got some new gear that will give you stitches.
1981 D. M. Thomas White Hotel iv. i. 139 She had them in stitches with her absurd—but true—anecdotes.
1983 Listener 20 Jan. 38/4 The sardonic puppets, C4s, had my anglophone family in stitches.
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the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > [noun] > grimace or distortion
mowc1330
mopa1475
mocks and mows1508
murgeons?a1513
face1533
smile1550
smilet1591
mump1592
ruffle1602
frown1608
stitcha1625
grimace1651
grimask1671
simagre1680
moppet1693
distortion1718
throw1790
rictus1827
mug1844
monkey-face1939
a1625 J. Fletcher Monsieur Thomas (1639) ii. ii. sig. D3 Leave your stiches.
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Captaine ii. ii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Gg3v/2 If you talke Or pull your face into a stich againe.
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the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > [verb (transitive)]
mislikea1225
to like illa1350
to have no fancy with1465
mislovec1485
abominec1500
not to look ata1529
to have no will of, (also in)1548
misaffect1586
to have or take a stitch againsta1591
dislike1593
to take (a) toy to (also at)1598
disfavour1599
disgust1601
disaffect1609
mistaste1613
disrelisha1616
dispalate1630
abominate1652
disfancy1657
to have it in for1825
to have a down on1835
to sour on1862
to go off ——1877
derry1896
the mind > emotion > anger > indignation or resentment > [noun] > a grudge
quarrel1340
grudge1531
heart-burningsa1533
eelist1552
pritch1563
stitcha1591
ingrudge1606
disobligationa1754
down1835
to have a downer on1866
hard-on1949
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1594) 224 Therefore his Maiestie hath a stitch against her, as Salomon had to Shimei.
1625 R. Montagu Appello Cæsarem 121 Their whole stitch is against the Church Representative in a Generall Councell.
a1639 W. Whately Prototypes (1640) ii. xxx. 100 We sometimes take such a stitch and spleene against those whom nature hath tyed to us.
1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie Introd. sig. C4 The Princes of Italy, and the Florentines, have a stich at Venice.
1678 V. Alsop Melius Inquirendum i. i. 80 Against these persons, the Enquirer has a desperate stitch.
II. A movement in sewing or the like.figurative.1837 F. D. Maurice Let. Feb. in F. Maurice F. D. Maurice (1884) I. xiv. 224 I consider..whether we ought to take up our stitches (not intentionally dropped) at the age of twenty-four [i.e. go to a university].1862 Sat. Rev. 8 Feb. 148 When a dropped stitch is taken up in the personal biography of one who..has influenced the religious life of millions, it is [etc.].1881 Times 16 July 11/2 The Committee..will be enabled to take up the stitches dropped in the process [of examining the bill].figurative.1565 T. Stapleton Fortresse of Faith f. 37v I will with an other stitche worke this matter againe.
5. proverb.1710 D. Hilman Tusser Redivivus June 8 Sometimes a small Job to your Plow, or Cart, a Stitch or two in your Harness, or a Nail or two in a Horses Shoe is required in an Instant, when your whole Team lose their time too, whilst you send abroad. A Stitch in time saves nine.1793 Friendly Addr. Poor 14 A stitch in time may save nine.1855 H. G. Bohn Handbk. Prov. 301 A stitch in time saves nine.figurative.a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. xxi. sig. Vu2 If in the mean time one of them, did not pull out their il-wrought stiches of vnkindnes.1593 T. Nashe Strange Newes (end) Finally, Printers haue many false stiches, which are thus to bee drawen vp.
a. Each of the movements of a threaded needle in and out of a fabric which is being sewn. Also, the like movement with the awl in shoemaking.Also proverbially in a stitch in time saves nine: dealing promptly with a problem avoids the need for more laborious solutions later. The number nine was apparently introduced arbitrarily for the sake of assonance with time.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making footwear > [noun] > processes involved in > sewing > movement of awl in
stitchc1290
c1290 St. Mark 12 in S. Eng. Leg. 362 Þe soutare atþe furste stiche fuel vuele is hond he piȝte.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) xlii. 4 She..Wisshed eche stitche, as she did sit and soo, Had prykt myn hert.
1575 W. Stevenson Gammer Gurtons Nedle Prol. sig. Aii As Gammer Gurton, with manye a wyde styche Sat pesynge & patching of Hodgher mans briche.
1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie i. iii. sig. B4 Euery stitch in her sampler is a pricking stitch at my heart.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 92 In the merchant-service it is common to stick the seams with two rows of stitches, when the sail is half worn.
1840 W. M. Thackeray Shabby Genteel Story v She had not gone through many pages, or Becky advanced many stitches in the darning of that table-cloth.
1875 L. S. Floyer Plain Needlework 14 This causes the needle to go in slanting, and so making one half of the stitch wider than the other half.
1878 Encycl. Brit. VIII. 162/1 Probabilities forbid us from believing that Matilda and her waiting maids ever did a stitch on this canvas.
b. The portion or loop of thread or yarn left in the fabric as a result of this movement, and forming (usually in a series) the material by which the parts of the sewn fabric are held together.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > stitch
stitch1394
suture1600
1394 P. Pl. Crede 553 Þei ben y-sewed wiþ whiȝt silk & semes full queynte, Y-stongen wiþ stiches þat stareþ as siluer.
1399 On K. Richard's Ministers in Pol. Poems (Rolls) I. 363 Hit is so roton on ych a side, Ther nul no stych with odur abyde, to set theron a clout.
a1529 J. Skelton Phyllyp Sparowe (?1545) sig. Aviv I toke my sampler..To sowe with stytchis of sylke My sparow whyte as mylke.
1669 J. Dryden Wild Gallant i. i. 1 The stitches of thy Doublet are so far asunder, that it seems to hang together by the Teeth.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 98 A stitch or two had broke out in the gathers of my stock.
1821 T. F. Dibdin Bibliogr. Tour I. 379 (Bayeux Tapestry) The stitches, if they may be so called, are threads laid side by side—and bound down at intervals by cross stitches, or fastenings—upon rather a fine linen cloth.
1844 Newton's London Jrnl. Conjoined Ser. 25 247 When the stitch which fastens on the outer sole is passed through the strip of leather, it draws the strip over the stitches that unite the upper leather to the inner sole, thus concealing them.
1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 831/1 They [the soles] are stitched to the welt, about twelve stitches of strong waxed thread being made to the inch.
c. In machine sewing, a single motion of a needle and shuttle carrying the thread through the fabric; or the loop or interlocked thread thus produced.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > stitch > sewing machine stitch
stitch1844
lock stitch1849
chain-stitch1867
chain knota1877
machine-stitching1899
machine stitch1915
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > sewing in other ways > stitch used in
stitch1883
1844 Newton's London Jrnl. Conjoined Ser. 25 305 When the work has passed through the machine, it will be found that a running stitch has been produced.
1883 S. Chappel Sewing Machine 23 The machine will now gather the work, and the longer stitch you have on the fuller the gathering will be.
d. stitch by stitch: used to describe strong and careful sewing in which one stitch is performed at a time (as distinct from ‘running’); also figurative.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [adverb]
cantle-wise1548
stitch by stitch1566
1566 T. Stapleton Returne Vntruthes Jewelles Replie Pref. ****2 b But for one man to answer the whole, and that stitche by stitche (as the Replier requireth) bothe the time woulde be so longe, that many a soule in the meane might perish,..and also the booke woulde be so greate that [etc.].
1566 T. Stapleton Returne Vntruthes Jewelles Replie iv. 195 b M. Iewelles whole Replie in these matters hath bene at longe and stitche by stitche confuted.
1880 Mrs. L. S. Floyer Plain Hints Exam. Needlework 107 The slow stitch-by-stitch movement [run]..in good plain work.
e. In emphatic phrases with a negative or the like: A single movement with the needle; figurative a ‘stroke’ of work of any kind.
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society > occupation and work > work > amounts of work > [noun] > minimum amount
stroke1568
stitch1581
hand's turn1765
handturn1859
tap1887
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > stitch > in emphatic or negative phrases
stitch1581
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. 116 b The other would not worke a stitch, but goeth loytering up and downe all daie long.
a1627 T. Middleton More Dissemblers besides Women i. iv, in 2 New Playes (1657) 17 I must either have the Song..or I'll not do a stitch of service for you, from one weeks end to the other.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. iii. 453 If men knew what was just enough to carry them to heaven, they would not do a stitch more than absolutely necessary.
a1774 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued (1777) III. iv. 73 The shoemaker earns enough in four days to maintain him the whole week, so he never will do a stitch of work before Wednesday morning.
6. Surgery. The movement of the needle through the edges of a wound when it is being sewn up; each loop of thread or other material fastened in the skin or flesh as a result of the operation.royal stitch: see royal stitch n. at royal adj. and n. Compounds 1. †dry stitch (= modern Latin sutura sicca): an appliance of sticking plaster serving the purpose of a suture.
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the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > treatments uniting or replacing parts > [noun] > uniting fractures, wounds, etc. > uniting wound > by stitching > stitch
stitch1525
the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > equipment for treating wound or ulcer > [noun] > sticking-plaster
patch?c1425
sticking plaster1584
dry stitch1674
strap1749
sticking silk1766
court-plaster1773
adhesive bandage1797
strapping1818
adhesive1835
Band-Aid1924
Elastoplast1928
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. xiii. C iij Ye shall set the fyrst stiche in ye myddis of the woundys lyppys, the other a fynger brode betwene euery .ii. stiches.
1674 tr. G. Fabrice Cista Militaris 32 In wounds of the face I never use Needle, but that which is called the dry stitch.
1749 T. Gataker tr. H. F. Le Dran Operations in Surg. 35 If the wound has one or more hanging lips of an irregular figure, the first stitch must be made at the angle of each lip.
1894 Lancet 3 Nov. 1028/2 The serous surfaces were apposed by several Lembert's stitches.
1908 Animal Managem. (War Office) 327 Stitches should be..not drawn so taut as to cause any tension on the skin.
7. A single complete movement of the needle or other implement used in knitting, netting, crochet, embroidery, lace-making, etc.; the portion of the work produced by such a movement. to let down, drop, take up a stitch.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > stitch
stitch1599
steek1737
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > embroidery or ornamental sewing > stitch
stitch1599
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > stitch
stitch1599
loop1880
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > knitting > stitch
stitch1599
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > stitch
stitch1599
1599 J. Minsheu Pleasant Dialogues Spanish & Eng. 2 in R. Percyvall & J. Minsheu Spanish Gram. Looke well if the stockings haue any stitches broken in them.
1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes 2nd Pt. Don Quixote xliv. 288 As he pulled off his stockings, there broke from him..some foure and twenty stitches and a halfe, that made his stocking looke like a Lettice-window.
1773 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. (ed. 4) Stitch,..a link of yarn in knitting.
1818 M. M. Sherwood Fairchild Family I. i. xxiv. 259 She had been knitting,..but she dropped several stitches.
1844 C. Mee Comp. Work-table 25 Knit 15 stitches plain.
1844 Mrs. H. Owen Ladies' Bk. Needlework (ed. 2) 2 Netting... The stitch is formed by taking the mesh in your left hand, [etc.].
1881 Encycl. Brit. XII. 299/1 The stocking~frame,..which mechanically produces the looped stitch.
8. Bookbinding. A fastening of leaves, esp. those of pamphlets, with thread or wire drawn through a hole previously pierced. Cf. stitch v.1 5.
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society > communication > book > manufacture or production of books > book-binding > [noun] > sewing, fastening of leaves
overcasting1835
sewing1835
stitch1835
saddle stitching1890
French sewing1923
1835 ‘J. A. Arnett’ Bibliopegia i. 21 The third sheet having only one stitch.
9. A particular mode of using the needle or other implement, in sewing, knitting, embroidery, etc.; the kind or style of work thus produced.See also back-stitch n., chain-stitch n., cross-stitch n., feather-stitch n., hem-stitch n. at hem-stitch v. Derivatives, whip-stitch n.; brede-stitch n. at brede n.3 Compounds, buttonhole stitch n. at buttonhole n. Compounds 2, coral-stitch n. at coral n.1 Compounds 2, damask-stitch n. at damask n. and adj. Compounds 2, dot stitch n., Flemish stitch n. at Flemish adj. Compounds, German stitch n. at German n. and adj. Compounds 1b, Gobelin stitch n. at Gobelin n. 3, herringbone stitch n. at herringbone n. 2a, honeycomb stitch n. at honeycomb n. Compounds 2, Irish stitch n. at Irish adj. and n. Compounds 3, lock stitch n., queen stitch n. at queen n. Compounds 2, rope stitch n. at rope n.1 Compounds 3, Russian stitch n. at Russian n. and adj. Compounds 2b, satin stitch n. at satin n. and adj. Compounds 3a, spider-stitch n. at spider n. Compounds 2a, stem stitch n. at stem n.1 Compounds 2, etc. For true-stitch (lit. and fig.) see true adj., n., adv., and int. Compounds 1b.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > style of work produced
stitch1565
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > knitted fabric > knit or texture of
stitch1565
knit1603
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > knitting > stitch > specific
stitch1565
dot stitch1989
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > needlework > stitch > specific
stitch1565
1624 Fairfax Inv. in Archaeologia 48 144 A long cushion of Irish stitch.
1640 J. Taylor Prayse of Needle A 2 Fine Ferne-stitch, Finny-stitch, New-stitch, and Chain-stitch, Braue Bred-stitch, Fisher-stitch, Irish-stitch, and Queen-stitch, The Spanish-stitch, Rosemary-stitch, and Mowse-stitch.
1677 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Oxford-shire 259 He also represents in a most exquisite manner, both the Irish and Bredth stitch in Carpets and Screens.
1758 S. Johnson Idler 8 July 105 When she is engaged in teaching them a new stitch.
1856 Mrs. Pullan Lady's Dict. Needlework
1890 S. J. Duncan Social Departure 121 Upstairs there were no trivialities in Kensington stitch, or any other stitch.
10. A loop of thread or yarn as an ultimate constituent of a sewn or woven fabric; hence, any the least piece of fabric or clothing. every stitch, all the clothes one is wearing; every available piece (of sail); occasionally every part (of a structure); every ‘inch’ (of a person).
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > that which is worn
wearing?c1225
every stitch?a1500
(only) the clothes one stands up in1937
the world > relative properties > wholeness > the whole or all > [noun] > the whole quantity, number, or amount > the whole lot
every whita1450
every stitch?a1500
the devil and all1543
prow and poop1561
Christ-cross-row1579
every snip1598
thread and thrum1600
boodle1625
hair and hoof1705
rag-tag (also rag, tag) and bob-tail1725
tutti quanti1772
lot1791
lock, stock, and barrel1824
stock and fluke1825
the whole boiling1837
box and dice1839
the whole caboodlea1848
sub-cheese1859
the whole kit and boiling (boodle, caboodle, cargo)1859
the whole jingbang1866
the whole hypothec1871
the whole ball of wax1882
the whole (entire) shoot1884
(at) every whip-stitch1888
work1899
issue1919
guntz1958
full monty1979
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > least part of
threadc1200
steek1771
stitch1818
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > stitch > as constituent of fabric
stitch1818
?a1500 Chester Pl. iii. 75 I will goe to gather sliche, the ship for to cleane and piche; anoynted yt must be every stich, board, tree, and pyn.
1818 Ld. Byron Beppo iv. 3 You'd better walk about begirt with briars, Instead of coat and smallclothes, than put on A single stitch reflecting upon friars.
1837 B. Disraeli Venetia III. 259 A boat,..with every stitch of canvass set.
1854 H. Miller My Schools & Schoolmasters (1858) 16 The master..gave instant orders to lighten every stitch of sail.
1883 R. Cleland Inchbracken xi. 88 Ducking me in burns till I haven't a dry stitch on my back!
1885 Marquis of Dufferin in A. Lyall Life Marquis of Dufferin (1905) II. 74 A mass of human beings with scarcely a stitch on their bodies.
11. a good stitch: a considerable distance (in walking). dialect.
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the world > space > distance > [noun] > considerable distance (in walking)
a good stitch1684
a good, tidy, etc. step1768
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. ii. 148 You have gone a good stitch, you may well be a weary; sit down. View more context for this quotation
1901 F. E. Taylor Folk-speech S. Lancs. (E.D.D.) He's come a lung stitch.
12. jocular. A tailor. Also man of stitches.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > [noun] > tailor
seamsterc995
tailor1297
parnterc1400
parmenterc1450
pricklouse?a1513
Tom Tailor1575
stitcher1589
scissor man1593
cutter1599
snip1600
snipper1611
shred1616
needleman1621
fashioner1631
snip-snappera1632
sartor1656
nipshred1661
stult1675
cabbage1694
linen-armourer1699
stitch1699
snip-cabbage1708
tire-man1709
knight of the needlea1777
stay-tape1785
schneider1796
needle-jerker1801
skip-louse1807
darzi1809
cross-legs1823
tog-maker1901
knight of the shears-
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Stitch, a Tayler.
1809 T. Donaldson Poems 32 Had ye but tauk'd about the yarn, The needle, or the clout, Then Stitch an' I had try'd to learn To gien ye word about.
a1849 J. Keegan Legends & Poems (1907) 466 There being no other rival ‘stitch’ in the neighbourhood, Dandy thought he might..‘set up’ in his defunct master's place.
1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust I. v. 110 He called his man of stitches; The tailor came straightway.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a.
stitch-hole n.
ΚΠ
1898 J. T. Fowler in Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham I. 114 A small membrane with stitch-holes at foot.
b.
stitch-like adj.
ΚΠ
1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. IV. 162 Stitch-like pains in the right side of the chest.
C2. † stitch-broth n. Obsolete some kind of mulled beverage (? for curing stitches).† stitch-dropped adj. Obsolete said of knitted work in which one or more stitches have been dropped.† stitch-fallen adj. Obsolete (in quot. fig.)
stitch-bird n. Pogonornis cincta of New Zealand, the clicking note of which has a fancied resemblance to the word ‘stitch’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > order Passeriformes (singing) > arboreal families > [noun] > family Meliphagidae (honey-eater) > other or miscellaneous types of
bell-bird1802
miner1832
myna1832
blue eye1841
spine-bill1848
stitch-bird1873
soldier-bird1881
1873 W. L. Buller Birds New Zeal. 98 Pogonornis cincta. (Stitch-bird.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > other alcoholic drinks > [noun] > others
stitch-broth1635
Cherellya1640
rug1653
steel-nose1654
pope's-milka1661
Northdown1670
purl royal1675
sweetsa1679
forty-ninea1713
huggle-my-buff1756
slug1756
gunpowder1765
guarapo1772
peachy1781
all nations1785
anti-fogmatic1789
soma1827
ava1831
native1832
tap1832
stone fence1844
slap-bang1845
Angostura1856
jake1910
tepache1926
pruno1936
muratina1968
makkoli1970
alcopop1996
1635 T. Heywood Philocothonista 48 We have moreover..Stitch-broth brew'd with rose-water and Sugar, Burn'd Sacke, Burn'd Wine, Muld-Wine.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [adjective] > knitted > imperfect or flawed
stitch-fallen1693
stitch-dropped1834
laddered1924
1834 Tait's Edinb. Mag. New Ser. 1 631/1 The stitch-dropped stocking.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [adjective] > knitted > imperfect or flawed
stitch-fallen1693
stitch-dropped1834
laddered1924
1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires x. 203 A stitch-fal'n Cheek, that hangs below the Jaw.
stitch-man n. a workman employed in stitching (now esp. shoes).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > [noun] > sewing > one who
seamsterc995
sewster1391
sewer1399
seamstress1615
fine-drawer1702
stitch-man1710
sewist1867
feller1883
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > making footwear > [noun] > processes involved in > sewing > one who
boot-closer1824
stitch-man1844
stabber1854
1710 in Jrnl. Brit. Archæol. Assoc. (1868) 24 331 Stitch~men. [The name given to the association of tailors, mercers, drapers, cappers, hatters, glovers, and skinners of Ludlow.]
1844 Mechanics' Mag. 40 42 (Shoemaking) The English workman, who, as a stitchman, is far superior to the French.
1894 Daily News 22 Sept. 6/7 The defendant was..a stitch~man, of Northampton.
stitch weld n. and v. [as a back-formation] (transitive).
ΚΠ
1951 Trans. Inst. Welding June 90/1 A seam weld is considered better than a stitch weld, because of its more regular formation.
stitch-welded adj.
ΚΠ
1958 Times Rev. Industry July 26/2 The components [of the gas turbine] are stitch-welded around the circumference.
1972 Automobile Engineer Jan. 12/1 The fuel tanks are stitch-welded to the sides of the chassis.
1978 D. R. Andrews Soldering, Brazing, Welding & Adhesives iii. 65 For stitch welding the electrodes are automatically opened and closed between the making of consecutive welds and the work is moved while the electrodes are parted.
stitch welder n. a machine that performs stitch welding.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > metalworking equipment > [noun] > welding equipment
welder1896
spot welder1908
seam welder1921
welding torch1921
stitch welder1934
projection welder1946
1934 Welding Industry Dec. 348/1 A development which is the logical consequence of the attempt to speed up the spot welding process is the so-called continuous spot or stitch welder.
1946 Philips Resistance Welding Handbk. i. 18 Stitch welders, which have been described as the sewing machines of the resistance welding industry, are either pneumatically or mechanically driven to produce a very large number of spots in rapid succession.
stitch welding n. a form of spot welding in which a series of overlapping spot welds is produced by a machine which makes each weld and advances the work automatically.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > [noun] > welding > types of
butt welding1878
lead burning1886
arc welding1890
thermite process1905
thermite welding1906
resistance welding1908
spot welding1908
seam welding1917
fusion welding1918
projection welding1918
stud welding1918
metal arc welding1926
pressure welding1926
metallic arc welding1927
flash-butt welding1933
flash welding1933
stitch welding1934
rightward welding1936
block welding1943
submerged-arc welding1945
friction welding1946
T.I.G.1960
microwelding1962
1934 Welding Industry Aug. 223/1 A continuous spot welding machine is shown... This is often called stitch welding.
1961 J. A. Oakes Welding Engineer's Handbk. xxiii. 243 (caption) Set-up for stitch welding a steel door.
stitch-wheel n. a toothed wheel used for marking equidistant holes for stitching leather; = pricker n. 4c (g).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for working with skins or leather > [noun] > other leather-working equipment
scoring iron1688
paste-horn1834
dresser1853
pricker1858
stitch-wheel1875
try-stick1888
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Stitch~wheel.
stitch-while n. every stitch-while, every moment, at brief intervals (now dialect).
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
1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes 2nd Pt. Don Quixote xi. 63 Rozinante..perceiuing the libertie he had, stayed euery stitch-while [acada paso] to feede vpon the greene grasse.
1896 G. F. Northall Warwickshire Word-bk. (at cited word) It teks me every stitchwhile to keep them children's clothes tidy.
stitch-work n. embroidery, tapestry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > embroidery or ornamental sewing
broidery1382
browdingc1386
broideringa1450
broudur1470
bruserya1522
prickinga1527
orphany?1553
embroidery?1577
brede1644
braiding1831
stitch-work1848
Madras work1865
Madeira lace1882
Madeira work1882
paraffle1911
1848 E. Bulwer-Lytton Harold II. ix. i. 286 The notable ‘stitchwork’ of Matilda the Duchess.
1863 N. Hawthorne Our Old Home II. 247 They [sc. tapestry figures]..vanish drearily into the old stitch-work of their substance when you try to make them out.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† stitchn.2
Obsolete.
A fragment, piece. In ONorthumbrian applied to ‘the widow's mite’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [noun] > a separate part > a piece or bit
stitchc825
piecec1230
nookc1300
crotc1330
gobbetc1330
batc1340
lipe1377
gobbona1387
bladc1527
goblet1530
slice1548
limb1577
speild1653
swatch1697
frustum1721
nib1877
c825 Vesp. Psalter cxlvii. 17 Frusta panis, stycce hlafes.
c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) iii. vi. 166 Se cyning..bebead, þæt mon þone disc tobræce to styccum [v.rr. sticcum, sticum].
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. John xix. 23 [Hia] worhton feuoer dælo, eghuoelcum anum cempan dæl vel stycg [Rushw. stycce].
a1200 Moral Ode 189 in Old Eng. Hom. I. 171 We geueð uneðe for his luue a stuche of ure brede.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1992 Smit se smertliche herto, þat alle þeos fowr hweoles tohwiðeren to stucchen.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 8336 Samuel..al to-swadde þene king in Ierusalemus chepping. & þa stucchen [c1300 Otho sticches] tarueden wide ȝeond þa straten.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 111 Þet is to zigge þet me ssel recordi zueteliche and smalliche be little stechches alle þe guodnesses of oure lhorde.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
stitchn.3
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ Now dialect.† 1. ? The act of cutting or dividing the earth with the share in ploughing; the (greater or lesser) depth to which the share is driven in making a furrow. to take stitch, to drive the share into the soil.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > [noun]
eartheOE
earingOE
ploughing1374
fallowing1426
labouragec1475
ardagh1483
eara1500
fallowa1500
arder1581
waining1585
stitch1600
caruage1610
furrow1610
till1647
aration1663
bouting1733
breast-ploughing1754
prairie-breaking1845
sodbusting1965
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > plough (of person) [verb (intransitive)]
eareOE
ploughc1450
to be at the ploughc1535
to take stitch1600
to plough out1643
to plough upa1895
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > [noun] > depth of ploughing
stitch1600
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xlii. ii. 1117 The clots of earth, that were turned with the plow as it took stitch and made furrow.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. xvii. iv. 503 In Syria, the husbandmen goe lightly over with their plough, and take no deep stitch in making their furrowes.
1620 G. Markham Farwell to Husbandry ii. 14 Taking a good stitch (as they call it in Husbandry).
1620 G. Markham Farwell to Husbandry ix. 65 You shall plow vp the ground againe with somewhat a better and deeper stytch then you did before.
1649 W. Blith Eng. Improver xiv. 79 Plough it..of such a stitch or depth as the Land will bear.
2.
a. A ridge or balk of land; esp. a strip of ploughed land between two water-furrows; also, a narrow ridge in which potatoes, etc. are grown.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > land suitable for cultivation > [noun] > broken land > arable or ploughed land > divisions of ploughed land
ridgeOE
butt1304
landc1400
rig1428
sheth1431
shed1473
stitch1493
loon1611
furlong1660
size-land1744
slit1775
kench1799
stimpart1896
α.
β. 1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia ii. i. 48 Small Ridges or Stitches are accomodated to cold and stiffe ground... These Stitches are common in Norfolke and Suffolke.?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xviii. 495 Men at plow..that draue earth here and there, And turnd vp stitches orderly.1664 H. Spelman Glossarium Selio,..A stiche of lande.1763 Museum Rusticum (1764) 1 21 A method of mowing wheat that grows on high ridges, as [well as] that which grows on stitches and flat lands.1764 Museum Rusticum 2 4 For coleseed, I lay it in broad lands, the stitches being pretty high in the middle.1813 A. Young Gen. View Agric. Essex I. vii. 199 On the strong land in the maritime district, eights, as they call them, stitches of eight furrows, are general.1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 298 Stitches, balks, or portions of grass land in arable fields.1893 in H. T. Cozens-Hardy Broad Norfolk (Eastern Daily Press) 3 Rig, stitch are both used to describe the space between two double furrows.1493 Will of Thomas Hilbrond (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/9) f. 196 ij. stechys of my whete.
1576 Hibaldstow Fine Roll in E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (1889) at Steche Robert Ponton for his son carrying ij hors tyed together up the steche ijd.
1764 Museum Rusticum (1765) 3 321 Fourth ploughing, a clean earth; draw it on to the steach.
1780 Lett. & Pap. Bath Soc. I. 15 A whole field was sown, and set, in alternate stetches.
1794 A. Young Gen. View Agric. Suffolk 24 In some districts, six, eight, and ten feet steatches, a little arched, are used.
1852 J. Caird Eng. Agric. 153 (Suffolk) It is ploughed into ‘stetches’ about 8 feet 2 inches in width.
1910 Essex Rev. Apr. 59 The field was ploughed..in stetches 16½ feet wide.
b. attributive.
ΚΠ
1733 W. Ellis Chiltern & Vale Farming 324 Broad Land and stitch Ploughings.
1750 W. Ellis Mod. Husbandman VI. i. 45 (E.D.S.) Wheat lying in the stitch-shape lies too high and dry.
1750 W. Ellis Mod. Husbandman VI. i. 48 It lay in the stitch-posture.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stitchn.4
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ Now dialect.
A shock of corn consisting of a number of sheaves set up together in the field.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > harvesting > [noun] > stooking > stook or cock
shockc1325
cocka1398
stook14..
poukera1450
haycockc1470
cop1512
stitch1603
pook1607
grass cock1614
hattock1673
stuckle1682
cocklet1788
coil?a1800
lap-cock1802
shuck1811
button1850
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 462 When the corne was newly reaped and cut downe, seeing the shocks and sheaves, cocks and stiches rannged even and orderly,..he rejoiced.
1838 W. Holloway Gen. Dict. Provincialisms Stitch, ten sheaves of corn set up together in the field; a shock of corn.
1891 T. Hardy Tess of the D'Urbervilles I. xiv. 174 Every one placing her sheaf on end against those of the rest, till a shock, or ‘stitch’ as it was here called, of ten or a dozen was formed.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† stitchn.5
Obsolete.
= stitchback n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > ale > [noun] > strong ale
merry-go-downa1500
king's ale1574
nippitatum1576
angels' food1577
huff-cap1577
mad dog1577
lift-leg1587
barley-broth1593
huma1625
stitchback1671
bummocka1688
hum-cap1699
Burton1738
stitch1742
old boy1743
barley-bree1786
huff1790
Morocco1792
old1884
1742 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 4) I. 23 For brewing strong brown Ale called Stitch.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
stitchv.1
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ I. To prick, stab.† 1. † b. To make (a wound) by stabbing. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To stab, pierce; transferred to afflict with a ‘stitch’ or sharp sudden pain. Also figurative. Cf. through-stitch v. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > types of pain > affect with type of pain [verb (transitive)] > affect with sudden pain
stitchc1230
stoundc1500
twinge1647
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > making holes or becoming holed > make (an opening or hole) [verb (transitive)] > make an opening or hole in or into > bore, pierce, or perforate > with something sharp-pointed
shearOE
sting993
stickOE
spita1225
wound?c1225
stitchc1230
pitcha1275
threstc1275
forprick1297
steekc1300
piercec1325
rivec1330
dag?a1400
jag?a1400
lancec1400
pickc1400
tamec1400
forpierce1413
punch1440
launch1460
thringc1485
empiercec1487
to-pierce1488
joba1500
ding1529
stob?1530
probe1542
enthrill1563
inthirlc1580
cloy1590
burt1597
pink1597
lancinate1603
perterebrate1623
puncture1675
spike1687
skiver1832
bepierce1840
gimlet1841
prong1848
javelin1859
c1230 Hali Meid. 9 Nat tah na mon bute ham self hwat ham sticheð ofte.
c1250 Hymn to Virgin i. 53 in Trin. Coll. Hom. App. 257 Þe ne stiȝte, ne þe ne priȝte, in side, in lende, ne elles where.
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. xl. I ij b The mouth is somtyme hewen that the cheeke hangeth of,..and somtyme it is stytched with a dagger, or with a spere.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. i. 347 And in the end, stitcht full of stings he dies.
a1653 Z. Boyd Zion's Flowers (1855) 91 I must by and by, Stitcht full of stings with paine lye downe and dye.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > injure [verb (transitive)] > wound > wound with sharp weapon
woundc760
stickOE
snese?c1225
stokea1300
steekc1300
bearc1330
stangc1340
chop1362
broach1377
foinc1380
strikec1390
borea1400
dag?a1400
gorea1400
gridea1400
staira1400
through-girdc1405
thrustc1410
runc1425
to run throughc1425
traversec1425
spitc1430
through-seeka1500
stitch1527
falchiona1529
stab1530
to stab (a person) in1530
stob?1530
rutc1540
rove?c1550
push1551
foxa1566
stoga1572
poniard1593
dirk1599
bestab1600
poach1602
stiletto1613
stocka1640
inrun1653
stoccado1677
dagger1694
whip1699
bayonetc1700
tomahawk1711
stug1722
chiv1725
kittle1786
sabre1790
halberd1825
jab1825
skewer1837
sword1863
poke1866
spear1869
whinger1892
pig-stick1902
shiv1926
the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > injure [verb (transitive)] > wound > wound with sharp weapon > make a wound by stabbing
stitch1527
1527 L. Andrewe tr. H. Brunschwig Vertuose Boke Distyllacyon sig. Fjv The same water heleth very well all fresshe woundes where they be hewen or stytched.
2. ? To make (the ‘eye’ or hole in a mill-stone) by piercing with a pick.
ΚΠ
c1900 Trade Circular, Millstone Tools Mill Picks for stitching eyes, peak stones, &c.
II. To fasten or adorn with stitches.
3. figurative.1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iii. sig. E4v Honest musk-cod, twill not be so stitched together.1629 H. Wotton in L. P. Smith Life & Lett. Sir H. Wotton (1907) II. 318 Some think the Parliament doth yet hang upon a thread, and may be stitched again together.c1862 E. Dickinson in Poems (1955) I. 300 I saw no Way—The Heavens were stitched—I felt the Columns close.1936 L. MacNeice tr. Aeschylus Agamemnon 68 I stitched this murder together; it was my title.1961 Daily Tel. 16 Nov. 21/3 The precast concrete sections are ‘stitched’ together with 33 miles of 11/ 8 in diameter high tensile steel strand.1973 M. Amis Rachel Papers 220 My father..crossed his little legs and stitched his fingers.
a. transitive. To fasten together or join (pieces of textile material, leather, etc.) by stitches; to make or mend (a garment, etc.) by thus joining its parts. Also with together; see also to stitch up vb. at sense 9.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together
sewc725
stitch?c1225
preena1275
steek1502
to stitch up1590
baste1600
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 312 Hare cop beo hechȝe isticched [a1250 Nero i stihd].
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. xiii. C iij b Whan ye cloutis be well drye, than sowe them or styche them togeder.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/2 I stytche, as a taylour doth a garment.
1587 L. Mascall Bk. Cattell: Horses (1596) 119 The Carter ought to haue skill how to mend his harnaise, to stitch and sow it when any part or parcell thereof decayeth.
1709 W. King Art of Love (new ed.) vi. 784 Full many a feather With twine of thread he stitch'd together.
1709 S. Centlivre Busie Body Prol. 20 Court Ladies will..stitch a Gown, to pass the time away.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. xii. 359 The forger of that shield..with thickest hides throughout Had lined it, stitch'd with circling wires of gold.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto II lxi. 149 Two blankets stitch'd together, answering ill Instead of sail.
1850 Mechanics' Mag. 52 195 The thread is passed through the eye of the needle, and the fabric to be stitched placed between the wheels, to which rotary motion is communicated.
1885 J. B. Leno Art of Boot- & Shoe-making 144 When stitching strong work, run a piece of rag to which soap or beeswax has been applied, round the welt.
b. Shoemaking. (See quot. 1895.)
ΚΠ
1895 P. N. Hasluck Boot Making 57 Shoemakers call all work sewn that is treated with a round awl; while stitching is only technically applied where the square awl is used.
4. Surgery. To unite the edges of (a wound) by drawing stitches through the flesh. See also 9b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > treatments uniting or replacing parts > unite or replace parts [verb (transitive)] > unite fractures, wounds, etc. > heal a wound > stitch
to sew up1490
sew1520
stitch1580
needlea1715
1580 J. Hester tr. L. Fioravanti Short Disc. Chirurg. sig. D.iijv The pleggits of Tow which is layd vpon woundes when they are first stitched.
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 262/1 Fibula,..a kind of instrument wherewith a wound is stitched and drawne together.
1676 R. Wiseman Severall Chirurg. Treat. v. viii. 372 It may be reasonable to lay open the Wound, and stitch the Gut with the Glovers Stitch.
5. Bookbinding. To fasten together (a number of sheets or sections) by passing the thread or wire through all the sheets at once. Occasionally with up, together. Distinguished from sew: see sew v.1 1e.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > book > manufacture or production of books > book-binding > bind [verb (transitive)] > stitch
stitch1566
sew1637
stab1863
oversew1864
overcast1880
saddle-stitch1904
1566 Star Chamber Decree in E. Arber Transcript Reg. Company of Stationers 1554–1640 (1875) I. 322 No person shall..put to sale, bind, stitch, or sowe, anie such Bookes or Copies.
a1670 J. Hacket Scrinia Reserata (1693) i. 159 The Collection of all the precedent Passages were gathered by that Lord himself, and stitched up into one Book.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 529. ¶2 All Pamphlets, or Works that are only stitched.
1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. i. 2 As soon as I became possessed of my first volume, neatly stitched up and boarded.
1912 F. Balfour Life & Lett. J. MacGregor 270 His sermons were stitched..by his own hands.
6. figurative.1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet sig. D4 Stitch charitie to thy faith, or rip faith from thy works.1591 J. Lyly Endimion i. i. sig. B My thoughts Eumenides are stitched to the starres.1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 540 Unto his glorious exploites they stitched also ridiculous miracles.a1637 B. Jonson tr. Horace Art of Poetrie 19 in Wks. (1640) III You have oft-times, that may out-shine the rest, A purple piece, or two stitch'd in.1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor xi, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 310 I'se warrant he'll stitch our auld lands of Ravenswood to her petticoat tail.a1901 F. W. H. Myers Human Personality (1903) I. 11 Stitching the thread~bare metaphysical arguments into a more stable fabric.
a. To fasten or attach (something) by sewing. Const. to; also in, into, on, upon. Also with adverb, as on, in.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together > fasten or attach by
sewc725
sewc1290
stitch1530
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/1 I stytche, I fastyn one thyng to another with stytches of nedyll and threde, je affiche.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 736/2 Stytche on thys claspe better, affichez ceste agraffe mieulx.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 56 Within doors they cover their head with a Cap of red cloth,..to the middle whereof they stitch a round of Pearles.
1834 S. Smith Sel. Lett. Major Jack Downing lxvii. 181 I sot down behind him, and stitched on the button in three minits.
1857 J. Ruskin Polit. Econ. Art i. 32 Those stupid tailors' 'prentices who are always stitching the sleeves in wrong way upwards.
1883 S. Chappel Sewing Machine 20 It makes a very neat trimming which may afterwards be stitched on to any article as desired.
b. To enclose in or into a cover or receptacle secured by stitching. Also with away. Cf. 9c.
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the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > by stitching
to sew up1490
sew1520
stitch1847
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxii. 286 She stitched away the major part of her trinkets, bills, and bank-notes about her person.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ix. 147 I had nigh a thousand pounds' worth stitched into my belt.
7. To ornament with stitches; to embroider.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > embroider or ornament with sewing
beworkc1000
embrowdc1380
browdc1385
surfle1399
embroider14..
entailc1400
mark1415
lace1453
broider1455
broche1480
brawde1483
stitcha1529
whip1548
bebroyde1582
imphrygiate1592
purfle1601
embroche1611
be-embroider1614
acupinge1623
a1529 J. Skelton Tunnyng of Elynour Rummyng in Certayne Bks. (?1545) 69 She..gyrdeth in her gytes Stytched and pranked with pletes.
1535 Wardrobe Acct. Henry VIII in Archaeologia (1789) 9 248 Three cootys of grene clothe styched with grene silke.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Miv/2 To Stitche, acupingere.
1641 Inventory Goods Countess of Arundel 8 Sept. in Burlington Mag. (1912) Jan. 235/2 Seauen Peeces of Indian Twilt hangings stitcht. with Orenge Coloe silke.
1710 R. Sibbald Hist. Fife & Kinross i. viii. 34 Wearing White Shirts, stitcht with Red Silk, upon their Armour.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. v. viii. 337 Tricolor stitched by their own needle.
1905 R. Bagot Passport i. 2 Its button-holes stitched with red.
8. absol. and intransitive. To make stitches; to work with a needle and thread. to stitch away, to go on sewing energetically.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (intransitive)] > sew
sewc1450
to prick on a clout1584
stitch1697
needle1834
steek1865
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (intransitive)] > sew > in specific way
hem1530
thimble1834
buttonhole1851
to stitch away1853
purfle1890
prick-stitch1933
zigzag1950
1697 D. Defoe Ess. Projects 282 To teach them [Women] to Stitch and Sow, or make Bawbles.
1712 P. Motteux 2nd Pt. Don Quixote (1749) IV. xliii. 62 Go on, go on, friend, said Don Quixote, thread, tack, stitch on, heap proverb on proverb, out with 'em, man, spew them out.
1843 T. Hood Song of Shirt i Stitch! stitch! stitch!
1853 J. L. Motley Let. 20 Nov. in Corr. (1889) I. vi. 163 There is nothing for it but to penelopise, pull to pieces and stitch away again.
1853 E. C. Gaskell Ruth I. i. 6 More than a dozen girls still sat in the room..stitching away as if for very life.
1865 F. Marryat Love's Conflict I. viii. 128 She took her work and..stitched in silence.
9. to stitch up v. transitive. (See also 5.)
a. To make or put together by sewing; sometimes with implication of hasty or inferior work. Also figurative.
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the world > action or operation > ability > inability > unskilfulness > be unskilled in [verb (transitive)] > put together clumsily or unskilfully
cloutc1380
patcha1529
clamper1545
botch1561
clumper1586
cobble1589
to stitch up1590
budge1732
fake1879
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together
sewc725
stitch?c1225
preena1275
steek1502
to stitch up1590
baste1600
1590 ‘Pasquil’ First Pt. Pasquils Apol. sig. C3v By the end I haue giuen the Welch-man to his All, he may stitch vp his Euerie when it pleaseth him.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. ii. 127 Did no Committee sit, where he [sc. the Devil] Might cut out Journey-work for thee;..To stitch up sale and sequestration?
1702 R. Steele Funeral v. 62 She has out of Impatience to see her self in her Weeds, order'd her Manto-Woman to stich up any thing immediately.
b. To close (an orifice, a wound), to mend (a rent), by sewing the edges together. Also figurative.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together > close by
to sew up1490
to stitch up1580
1580 J. Hester tr. L. Fioravanti Short Disc. Chirurg. sig. K.iijv Then hee was caryed to a Chyrurgian, and hee stitched him vp.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. v. sig. R4v It is in your hand as well to stitch vp his life againe, as it was before to rent it.
1643 R. Baker Chron. Kings of Eng. i. 68 Seeking to stitch up the breaches which the violence of Warre had made.
1657 T. Aylesbury Treat. Confession of Sinne xi. 307 Be sure of the Confessor, his mouth is stitched up.
a1677 I. Barrow Several Serm. Evil-speaking (1678) vi. 223 No thread can stitch up a good name torn by calumnious defamation.
1679 J. Yonge Currus Triumphalis 79 I dressed him with hot Ol. Terebinth, which restraining the flux, gave me opportunity to stitch up the wound.
1712 P. Motteux Don Quixote (1749) II. iv. iii. 29 I am sure he would rather have stitch'd up his lips, or bit off his tongue, than have spoken a word, that should make him incur your displeasure.
c. To enclose in a cover or receptacle and secure it by sewing. Also figurative.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together > enclose in
besewa1375
sewa1375
quilt1562
to stitch up1590
enseam1605
to sew up1611
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall Ded. sig. A2 Peace stichd vp in a Gaberdine without pleat or wrinckle.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. (1856) xxix. 254 I had this journal of mine stitched up in its tarred canvas-bag.
d. To tighten or confine (a fabric) by sewing the parts closer together.
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > sew together > tighten or confine by
to stitch up1704
1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub xi. 207 He hired a Taylor to stitch up the Collar so close, that it was ready to choak him.
e. ? To strengthen with extra stitches.
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1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 92 The seams of courses and topsails are stuck or stitched up, in the middle of the seams, along the whole length, with double seaming-twine.
f. Of a criminal, etc.: to cause (a person) to be convicted, esp. by informing or manufacturing evidence. Also gen., to swindle, to overcharge exorbitantly.
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the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle
defraud1362
deceivec1380
plucka1500
lurch1530
defeata1538
souse1545
lick1548
wipe1549
fraud1563
use1564
cozen1573
nick1576
verse1591
rooka1595
trim1600
skelder1602
firk1604
dry-shave1620
fiddle1630
nose1637
foista1640
doa1642
sharka1650
chouse1654
burn1655
bilk1672
under-enter1692
sharp1699
stick1699
finger1709
roguea1714
fling1749
swindle1773
jink1777
queer1778
to do over1781
jump1789
mace1790
chisel1808
slang1812
bucket1819
to clean out1819
give it1819
to put in the hole1819
ramp1819
sting1819
victimize1839
financier1840
gum1840
snakea1861
to take down1865
verneuk1871
bunco1875
rush1875
gyp1879
salt1882
daddle1883
work1884
to have (one) on toast1886
slip1890
to do (a person) in the eye1891
sugar1892
flay1893
to give (someone) the rinky-dink1895
con1896
pad1897
screw1900
short-change1903
to do in1906
window dress1913
ream1914
twist1914
clean1915
rim1918
tweedle1925
hype1926
clip1927
take1927
gazump1928
yentz1930
promote1931
to take (someone) to the cleaners1932
to carve up1933
chizz1948
stiff1950
scam1963
to rip off1969
to stitch up1970
skunk1971
to steal (someone) blind1974
diddle-
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)] > frame
fita1625
job1889
frame1912
bum-rap1947
to stitch up1970
1970 G. F. Newman Sir, You Bastard v. 142 Your confederate has just about stitched you up.
1977 New Society 7 July 6/2 Both Sheila and Gary have many stories of being ‘stitched up’ by the police or fleeced. Gary says the Dip Squad—the special police patrol looking for pickpockets—are ‘a bunch of wankers’.
1977 Woman 3 Sept. 30/3 After shelling out £1.50 for a fold-up version [of an umbrella] she found that she'd been stitched up... Two spokes were broken.
1978 F. Branston Sergeant Ritchie's Consc. i. v. 69 Those [rivals] who wouldn't be frightened he stitched up, his favourite method being to sell an opponent some drugs, then inform on him to the police.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stitchv.2
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ dialect.
transitive. To turn up (the ground) in ridges in order to cover or protect the roots of potatoes, etc.; to earth up. (See also quot. 1866.)
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the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > cultivate plants or crops [verb (transitive)] > earth up
bank1577
hill1577
mould1601
earth1658
heela1722
to set up1801
landa1806
stitch1805
soil1844
earthen1904
1805 Trans. Soc. Arts 23 31 In June, they were run through with the potatoe harrow, and made quite flat before they could be stitched up again.
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Stitch,..2. To form land into ridges. (N. England.)
1866 J. E. Brogden Provinc. Words Lincs. 196 Stitch-up, to plough very deeply.
1899 Cumbld. Gloss. Stitch, to form the ridge on which potatoes or turnips are grown.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
stitchv.3
/stɪtʃ/, U.S. /stɪtʃ/ dialect.
transitive. To set up in ‘stitches’ or shocks. Also with up.
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the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > harvesting > harvest (a crop) [verb (transitive)] > make into stooks
cock1392
shockc1440
stookc1575
cop1581
pook1587
recock1610
pout1617
stitch1669
1669 J. Flavell Husbandry Spiritualized i. xv. 129 After these follow the binders, who stitch it up.
1669 J. Flavell Husbandry Spiritualized i. xv. 138 Down go the laden ears, flat to the ground; Which those that follow, having stitcht and bound; It's carted home unto the Barn.
1794 Wedge Agric. Warw. 23 For pease and beans styched, from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per acre.
1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. at Stiche Stiche up them beäns i' rucks.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) To stitchy is to set up the sheaves, when bound, in rows of stitches.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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