| 释义 |
subjectn. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French subjet, sujet; Latin subiectus; Latin subiectum. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman suget, soget, souget, sougit, Anglo-Norman and Middle French subject, subget, subgiet, subgit, subjet, sujet, Middle French subgect, suject (French sujet ) suffragan, ecclesiastical inferior (12th cent. in Old French), topic of a book, discourse, conversation, etc. (13th cent.), person ruled by a monarch or sovereign state (late 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), person addicted to a vice or sin (late 13th cent. in Anglo-Norman), (in grammar) part of a sentence of which the rest of the sentence is predicated (1372), that in which a quality or attribute inheres, being or entity considered as having qualities or attributes or exercising actions (14th cent.), motive, cause (14th cent.), person who experiences something or is the locus of something (a1500), (in medical context) living or dead being taken as the object of an experience or a study, body used for anatomical examination or demonstration (1562), a person in respect of his conduct or character (1637; 1690 in un bon sujet , 1740 in un mauvais sujet ), and its etymons (ii) classical Latin subiectus (masculine) person ruled by a monarch or sovereign state, subordinate, dependant, in post-classical Latin also person under the spiritual guidance of a priest or pastor (6th cent.), vassal (10th cent.), and (iii) post-classical Latin subiectum (neuter) topic, theme, (in philosophy) central substance or core of a thing as opposed to its attributes (4th cent.), (in grammar) part of a sentence of which the rest of the sentence is predicated (5th cent.), uses as noun of past participle of classical Latin subicere (see subject adj.). Compare Spanish sujeto , †subjeto , †subjecto (13th cent.), Portuguese sujeito (13th cent.), Italian soggetto (a1374). Compare subject adj.The senses at Branch II. ultimately reflect (via post-classical Latin subiectum) Aristotle's use of ancient Greek τὸ ὑποκείμενον in the threefold sense of (1) material out of which things are made, (2) subject of attributes, (3) subject of predicates. I. Someone or something under a person's rule or control. 1. society > authority > subjection > [noun] > one subject to authority α. c1330 (Auch.) (1933) l. 444 Kes me, lemman, and loue me, And i þi soget wil ibe. a1450 (1885) 18 All other creatours also there-tyll Your suggettes shall they bee. c1450 in F. J. Furnivall (1867) 63 Make him þi suget, to þee to swere Þat he schal not discure þi name. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) ii. §10. 11 Þai ere þe sugetis til þe deuel. a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk (Gough) (1905) 25 And soo schowe hym seruant [MS serues] and soget to hym, and knewlech þys schyld [= child] for hys God. 1544 in A. I. Cameron (1927) 104 Yowr grace maist h[u]myll sugget and servitour. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) iii. l. 1277 (MED) The will which of my bodi moeveth..I have restreigned..As him which stant under the lore Of reson, whos soubgit he is, So that he mai noght don amis. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 828 O loue to whom I haue and shal Ben humble subgit. c1475 tr. C. de Pisan (Cambr.) (1977) 97 (MED) Visages and figures of this worlde her benethe be subgectis to the visages and to the figuracions of the hevyn aboue. c1535 M. Nisbet (1901) I. Prol. 3 Thai were all in bondage [and suge]tt[is] of syn. 1585 R. Greene sig. b3 Where will is a subiect to folly, wishes are counted but too fonde. a1721 M. Prior Vicar of Bray & Sir T. More in (1907) II. 248 My knowledge in Divine and Human Law gave me to understand I was born a Subject to both. ?a1775 W. Bartram Trav. Georgia & Florida in (1943) 33 136/1 Ixia, Bartsia and an endless variety of other, gay subjects of the Vegitable Kingdom. 1818 J. Haslewood in (new ed.) Introd. 67 It is of the essence of fashion to descend in the subjects of its dominion. 1880 F. Pollock tr. in viii. 272 Training up men that at last they may live as true subjects under the dominion of reason. 1994 P. Patton tr. G. Deleuze Introd. 2 Law determines only the resemblance of the subjects ruled by it. 2. society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > vassal α. c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham (1902) 108 Ho hys [þat] neuer ne kedde woȝ In boste to hys sugges? c1390 in F. J. Furnivall (1901) ii. 546 Haue mesure to þi soget [Fr. vileyns]. c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) l. 2682 As soiet serued haue I þat sire many sere wyntir. a1500 (?c1450) i. 6 Youre suster is elder than ye, and so she wolde alwey holde yow as her sogect. society > faith > church government > member of the clergy > clerical superior > [noun] > adherent of c1350 (Harl. 874) (1961) 13 (MED) Oure lorde shal ask at þe prelates þe soules of þe sogettes. 1426 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1426 §31. m. 7 Þe said lordes spirituell hath promitted..to calle þere subgettes to residence. c1451 J. Capgrave (1910) 72 (MED) He chase on of his subiectis, whom he knewe be þe Holy Goost þat he schuld succede in his office aftir his deth. a1513 H. Bradshaw (1521) i. xxxii. sig. l.iiii Her systers and subiettes a religious couent. 1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Pref. Al baith prelates & subieckis. 1610 J. Donne iii. 81 If a subiect of the Pope offend the Emperour, the treason is done to the Pope. 1692 J. Dunton 105 There is nothing more absurd than all that is said of the Power of the Church and it's Priviledges, seeing it is but the Body of the Pope's Subjects and Roman Clergy, and that Subjects who are far from making Decisions, must submit and obey their Lot. 1729 N. Tindal tr. P. Rapin de Thoyras VII. xv. 285 The Emperour was bound to oblige the Inhabitants of the Milanese to take their Salt of the Pope's Subjects. 1896 O. J. Reichel II. iii. 113 Originally monks were the voluntary subjects of the abbot in whose monastery they were staying. 1904 F. Rolfe 27 I will begin with my career at Maryvale, where I was during a scholastic year of eight months as an ecclesiastical subject of the Bishop of Claughton. 1991 A. Sillem in C. Brooke et al. ii. 42 If it [sc. an order or decision] be judged contrary to the Rule or to the spiritual good of the subject, exterior obedience must be withheld in the name of a deeper, more spiritual obedience. society > faith > church government > laity > congregation > [noun] > member of > parishioner ?1387 T. Wimbledon (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 76 Þe secunde questioun þat euery curat and prelat..shal answere to is þis: How has þou reulid, þat is to seye þe soulis of þi sugetis and þe goodis of pore men? Ȝeue now þyn acounte. ?c1430 (c1400) J. Wyclif (1880) 73 Sugetis taken ensaumple at here curatis. c1450 (York Min. 16.M.4) (1879) 68 God gyf þame grace so well for to teche þare sugettis ilke curet in his degre. a1500 W. Hilton Mixed Life (Royal) in G. G. Perry (1921) 24 Vnto thes men itt longith..to vsene werkis of mercy..in helpe and sustinaunce of hem silfe and of hir sugettis. 3. A person owing allegiance to and under the protection of a monarch or government; a person (other than the monarch) living under a monarchy. a. With specifying expression. α. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1965) Esther xvi. 3 Manye..enforsen to oppressen þe soogetis to þe kyng. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 5578 Þa þat sugettes war til man, Sal accuse þair soveraynes þan. c1449 R. Pecock (1860) 315 Thei were sugettis to the Emperour of Rome. 1574 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun (1833) I. 111 Ane trew sugget to the Kingis Majestie. the world > people > nations > national of a country > [noun] α. 1436 in Hist. MSS Comm.: Rep. MSS Var. Coll. (1907) IV. 199 in (Cd. 3218) LXIV. 1 To Us and alle oure sugectis of the same [reaume]. α. c1400 Comm. on Canticles (Bodl. 288) in T. Arnold (1871) III. 28 Þe kyngis ȝerde and þe bischopis staf bitokenen her regalte and her dignyte, by þe whiche þei schulen..rulen hemsilf and her sogetis. 1404 in J. Slater (Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of Edinb.) (1952) No. 57 The kyng of Scotland..his landes lordshippes lieges and sougit[ȝ] on that on part. 1423–4 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1423 §17. m. 2 Materes shull be treted afore the counsaill, the whiche toucheth the kings..freehold, o that o partie et [read and] othir of his sougets o that othir. 1484 W. Cely Let. 10 Feb. in (1975) 196 To wryte vnto the Kyngys goode Grace that he wyll be ffaverabull vnto hys sewgyettys. 1515 in (1874) I. p. xxvii The best belowyt prince and moost dred with lowff of his Lorddis and sugettis. a1540 (c1460) G. Hay tr. l. 4302 Till Alexander my sugett and seruand. c1600 W. Fowler tr. N. Machiavelli Prince in (1936) II. 144 He..held in suspense and astonishment continuallye the myndes of his sugects and pepill of the euent of his affairs. 1548 f. xxxvi The kynge had thus polletiquely weded out the euell & corrupt hartes of his English subiectes, and had pacefied & brought all his realme to a monacorde.] 1577 R. Holinshed II. 464/1 The French king set the English subiects at libertie, and so likewise did the king of Englands officers release the French subiects. 1586 in (1914) VIII. 629 That the placardis published be the generall estaitis..inhibiting the transporte of all victuallis eist of the Seine, may be revokit on the part of Scottish subjectis. 1611 J. Speed ix. xii. 567/1 To the high discontentation..of the English Subiects. 1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden 37 To finde..some kinde of temperature, whereby the Republick might receive the Rights belonging thereunto from the Austrian subjects sailing those Seas. 1769 Boston Gaz. 13 Nov. in (1770) 8 In the Opinion of this House, it ever was, and now is, the undoubted Right of British American Subjects, to petition their Sovereign for the Redress of Grievances. 1783 Ld. Hailes vi. 192 Caracalla bestowed the rights of citizenship on all Roman subjects who were of ingenuous birth. 1821 J. Bentham 253 Though a very obscure and insignificant person, I have the honour to be a British subject. 1886 J. A. Froude 98 Their Monro doctrine, prohibiting European nations from settling on their side of the Atlantic, except as American subjects. 1920 1 Dec. 16 Legislation enacted in the United States empowered the President..to release the property of United-States born women married to German subjects. 2007 10 May 38/3 The usual smugness around the ‘johnny foreigner’ approach of our media in any investigation involving British subjects abroad. society > authority > subjection > [noun] > one subject to authority > of a monarch or ruler α. ?c1500 (Digby) l. 500 I wol a-wye sovereyns; and soiettes I dys-deyne. c1600 (?c1395) (Trin. Cambr. R.3.15) (1873) l. 650 Neþer souereyn ne soget þei [sc. the friars] ne suffreþ neuer. society > authority > subjection > [noun] > one subject to authority > of a monarch or ruler > collectively ?1601 H. Townshend in T. E. Hartley (1995) III. 375 There is noe acte of her[s] that hath bene or is more derogatorye to her owne majestie and more odious to the subiecte or more dangerous to the commonwealth then the grauntinge of these monopolyess. 1604 W. Shakespeare i. ii. 33 In that the leuies..are all made Out of his subiect . View more context for this quotation 1609 W. Shakespeare v. 89 How from the fenny subiect of the Sea, These Fishers tell the infirmities of men. View more context for this quotation 1612 J. Davies 190 Then was there no mean to maintain the Army, but by Sessing the soldiers vppon the Subiect, as the Irish were wont to impose their Bonaught. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. i. 399 The greater file of the subiect held the Duke to be wise. View more context for this quotation 1636 H. Burton 36 The feare of the King contaynes all duties due from Subject, to their King. 4. Law. the mind > possession > possessions > [noun] > a possession or piece of property society > law > legal obligation > contract > [noun] > matter agreed upon > property as object of c1626 H. Bisset (1922) II. 175 The successioun of airis feimell..to the inheritance of subiectis. 1642 in A. Peterkin (1820) iv. 31 The names beis changed because of the change of the subjects the one being victuall dewty, the oth[i]r called fat good. 1754 J. Erskine I. ii. i. 105 The things or subjects to which persons have right, are the second object of law. The right of enjoying and disposing of a subject at one's pleasure is called property. 1754 J. Erskine II. iii. viii. 376 Full inventory of all his predecessor's heritable subjects. a1768 J. Erskine (1773) I. ii. ix. §62. 333 The former part of the statute [of 1491] had enacted, that both wardatars and liferenters should give security to uphold, in good condition, the subject of the ward or liferent. 1819 J. Marshall in 20 Mar. 75/1 The distinction between property and other subjects to which the power of taxation is applicable. 1838 W. Bell 581 Where the subject of the lease is rendered unfit for the purposes for which it was let, overblown with sand, inundated [etc.]. 1864 21 May Subjects in Nelson and Kent Streets to be exposed to sale by public roup. 1903 22 Dec. 5 Those holding ‘subjects’ of that kind. 1931 XII. 446 Removing is the process by which a tenant of heritable subjects whose right of occupation has come to an end is judicially warned to remove from the subjects. 1995 (Nexis) 25 July (Features section) Upon the pursuers' appointment as joint receivers a floating charge granted..in favour of the Bank of Scotland had attached to heritable subjects at 10 Whinhill Road. society > law > legal right > [noun] > that over which a right is exercised a1768 J. Erskine (1773) I. ii. x. §32. 351 As orchards produce no fruits that are the subjects either of parsonage or vicarage tithes. 1839 17 270/1 The object of the act..is to give the Court the power..to provide a mode in which the legal interest in a subject of trust might be conveyed. 1875 K. E. Digby i. App. 226 By the subject of a right is meant the thing..over which the right is exercised. My house, horse, or watch is the subject of my right of property. 1875 E. Poste tr. ii. §282 A trustee is only suable for the simple amount of the subject of trust. 1992 P. W. Birnie & A. E. Boyle xiii. ii. 493 The seals had an animus revertendi, returning cyclically to US territory, and were thus to be equated to domesticated animals which could be the subject of property rights. II. That of which something is an attribute, is made, or is predicated. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > metaphysics > ontology > [noun] > being or entity > that exists by itself 1387–8 Petition London Mercers in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt (1931) 36 (MED) Sithen thise wronges bifore saide han ben vsed as accidental or comune braunches outward, it sheweth wel the rote of hem is a ragged subiect or stok inward. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. iii. xxi. 120 Ȝif þe wit of gropinge is al ilost þe subiect of al þe beest [L. subjectum totius animalis] is idistroyed. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxvi. 1355 As whanne tweyne accidentis beþ in oon substaunce and subiecte, as colour and sauour. ?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif (1880) 19 Ȝif þei seyn, written and techen openly þat þe sacrament of þe auter þat men seen bitwen þe prestis hondis is accidentis wiþ-outen suget. c1475 MS Trin. Dublin 245 in J. H. Todd (1842) p. vii That the sacrid oost is..accident withouten ony subiect. 1551 T. Wilson sig. Cij Wee se heate in other thynges to be separated from the Subiecte. 1590 W. Burton sig. Iv But (say they) there is righteousnes inherent in vs, as the accident in the subiect. 1609 I. Gen. i. 16 Comm. Ancient Doctors judged it possible, that accidents may remaine without their subject. 1614 J. Selden 126 It hath been questioned, which is the more both elegant and honorable..whether to say Serenissime Princeps à te peto, or A Serenitate Vestrâ peto. And some haue thought the first forme the best, because in that the Accidents and Subiects are together exprest. 1616 J. Bullokar (at cited word) The body is the subiect in which is health, or sickenesse, and the minde the subiect that receiueth into it vertues or vices. 1643 J. Wallis ii. 16 To be the Subject of Inhesion, is more then a Theca, or a bare Receptacle. 1644 H. Parker 17 That puissance which..passes into the supreme Commander, does not so passe from the people, but that it retains its ancient site, and subject of inherence. 1678 T. Gale iv. iii. 5 Albeit sin be..a mere privation, yet it requires some positive, real natural Being for its subject. 1728 E. Chambers (at cited word) Two Contraries can never subsist in the same Subject. 1762 Ld. Kames III. App. 406 The same thing, in different respects, has different names... With respect to qualities of all sorts, [it is termed] a subject. 1774 T. Reid Brief Acct. Aristotle's Logic i. §3, in Ld. Kames II. iii. 171 A distinction between a subject of predication..and a subject of inhesion. a1856 W. Hamilton (1859) I. viii. 137 That which manifests its qualities,—in other words, that in which the appearing causes inhere, that to which they belong, is called their subject, or substance, or substratum. a1856 W. Hamilton (1859) I. ix. 158 The general meaning of the word subject in its philosophical application,—viz. the unknown basis of phænomenal or manifested existence. 1858 W. Whewell I. 35 The mind is the subject in which ideas inhere. 1920 H. C. Sheldon i. 27 In the sphere of reality modes hold relation to a subject rather than to the attributes of a subject. 1970 T. L. Suttor tr. St. Thomas Aquinas XI. 111 No power of the soul can be the subject of inhesion of another, for accidents do not have accidents. 1994 T. Scaltsas iv. 61 Properties cannot exist separately from their subject. 2011 F. Duchesneau in J. E. H. Smith & O. Nachtomy ii. 22 An entelechy is..required to provide a subject of inherence and principle of integrative unity. 6. Logic. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > term of a proposition > [noun] > subject c1475 (Trin. Cambr.) (1927) l. 1857 (MED) Taught she theym..Whyche ys subiect, couple, and predicate, And how he ys reason indicatyf. 1535 W. Marshall tr. Marsilius of Padua ii. f. 137 Excepte the subiecte of this proposycyon..be determyned, this proposycyon myght be proued false by very many true reasons. 1574 J. Horsfall tr. N. Hemmingsen f. 54v Many particular sentences do arise, according to the contrary diuision, of the subiecte and predicate. The subiect may be deuided into these formes that of superiours, some are priuate, which are either natural, as parentes. 1599 T. Blundeville iii. ix. 69 When the negatiue is both added to the verbe of the Subiect, and also to the mood; as, a man not to be iust, it is not possible, contingent, &c. which is all one and equiualent to this affirmatiue proposition. 1620 T. Granger 178 The proposition hath two parts, the Subiect, and Predicate. 1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck i. xxvii. 109 Simple enunciation consisteth of a subject and a predicate. 1704 J. Harris I Reduplicative Propositions, are such wherein the Subject is repeated: Thus, Men, as Men, are Rational. 1796 F. A. Nitsch 128 Collections of properties, which in a judgment are made the predicates of a subject. 1843 J. S. Mill I. i. i. §2 The subject is the name denoting the person or thing which something is affirmed or denied of. 1870 W. S. Jevons vii. 62 It is..usual to call the first term of a proposition the subject, since it denotes the underlying matter. 1903 B. Russell vii. liii. 468 It is..the peculiar relation to space and time which distinguishes matter from other qualities, and not any logical difference such as that of subject and predicate, or substance and attribute. 2010 O. Höffe iv. 53 As ampliative judgements, they [sc. synthetic judgements] go beyond the knowledge already contained in the subject of the proposition. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical classification > [noun] > apprehending a relation between two concepts > object of an act of judging 1551 T. Wilson sig. Mijv As touchyng wordes knitte, ye maie vnderstand, that they are ioyned outwardly to the Subiect, and geue a name vnto him, according as they are. 1586 S. Bredwell ii. i. 98 As though a decree were not rather directly of such thinges as shoulde bee brought to passe, the things incident thereto, hauing a more remote consideration. Els can there be an adiunct, without his subiect? 1607 T. Tuke tr. W. Perkins v. 47 In this place the bread is a signe of my bodie: by a Metonymie of the subiect for the adiunct. 1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck i. xix. 72 A Subject is that to which something is adjoyn'd besides its Essence. And an Adjunct that which is adjoyn'd to something besides its Essence. 1838 F. Haywood tr. I. Kant Introd. iv. 10 Extending judgments..add a predicate to the conception of the subject. 1843 J. S. Mill I. i. ii. §5 By a subject is here meant any thing which possesses attributes. 1864 F. C. Bowen i. 5 The Concept..brings together many objects into one Thought or many attributes into one subject. 1883 F. H. Bradley 14 We shall see that the subject is in the end no idea but always reality. 1915 J. A. W. Haas i. i. 30 Kant..held that no really new and certain knowledge could be attained through an analytic judgment, in which the predicate simply gave one of the attributes of the subject. 2012 T. Gracyk vii. 131 To be acceptable, judgments of natural objects and environments must be grounded in what natural science tells us about the subject of the judgment. the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > [noun] > structural material the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > metaphysics > [noun] > matter or substance the world > existence and causation > existence > substantiality or concreteness > [noun] > substantiality or subsistence > substance or being 1590 C. Marlowe sig. Lv Amy... Your soul giues essence to our wretched subiects Whose matter is incorporoat [sic] in your flesh... Tam. But sons, this subiect not of force enough, To hold the fiery spirit it containes. 1651 J. French v. 109 Thus do these attractive vertues mutually act upon each others subject. 1669 J. Worlidge i. 9 That Universal Subject, or Spiritus Mundi, out of which they are formed. 1704 ‘Cleidophorus Mystagogus’ (ed. 2) 3 Our subject matter is no specificated determined thing, but an Universal Subject, even a Chaos. 1775 J. Harris iv. 64 Every thing generated or made..is generated or made out of something else; and this something else is called it's Subject or Matter. 1829 XXII. 731/1 That primary subject or matter, which having a capacity to receive forms, yet exists in privation of them all. 2006 R. McInerny iii. vii. 183 When a substance comes to be, another substance ceases to be, its subject or matter becoming a component of the new substance. the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [noun] > subject 1615 J. Boys 135 In the proposition [for blessed are the poore in spirit] obserue the Subiect, poore in spirit. a1638 J. Mede (1648) 314 So much for the subject, The Righteous: The next is the Prædicate, shall be in everlasting remembrance. 1733 J. Clarke 68 The Nominative Case to a Verb..is called by Grammarians the Subject of the Verb. 1751 J. Harris ii. i. 230 In English these are distinguished by their Position, the Subject standing first, the Predicate last. 1823 6 Jan. 2/2 Here are subjects without verbs; nominative and accusative case, put in apposition with each other. 1874 A. Bain (1877) p. xxiii Infinitive (logical subject) anticipated by ‘it’, ‘this’, &c. (formal subject) comes after the predicate. 1874 A. Bain (1877) 299 Cases where the grammatical subject is a neuter pronoun—‘it’, ‘this’—standing as a provisional anticipation of the real subject or fact predicated about. 1888 H. A. Strong tr. H. Paul 112 We have to distinguish between the psychological and the grammatical subject or predicate. 1932 A. H. Gardiner iv. §58. 216 The analysability of utterances into subject + predicate cannot be made the touchstone of the sentence. 2008 M. C. Baker v. 169 Barushaski has an ergative case system, in which the subject of a transitive verb has a different case marking than the subject of an intransitive verb. the mind > mental capacity > consciousness > subjectivity, relation to self > [noun] > system of subjective being > subjective being, self 1682 G. Rust xviii Thus have we spoken concerning the truth of things, or Truth in the Object: It follows that we speak concerning Truth in the power, or faculty, which we call Truth in the Subject. 1697 J. Norris i. 19 I consider..that the most general distribution of Reason is into that of the Object and that of the Subject; or, to word it more Intelligibly, though perhaps not altogether so Scholastically, into that of the Thing, and that of the Understanding. 1713 G. Berkeley i. 10 Phil. Is your material substance a senseless being, or a being endowed with sense and perception? Hyl. It is senseless, without doubt. Phil. It cannot therefore be the subject of pain? 1779 J. Fisher vi. 66 Dr. Berkley argues, that there is at least the possibility of the thinking subject having false and delusive ideas of solidity. 1796 F. A. Nitsch 72 In every knowledge, perception, &c., there is something which refers to an object, and something which refers to the knowing or perceiving subject. 1817 S. T. Coleridge I. xii. 270 A spirit is..an absolute subject for which all, itself included, may become an object. 1829 50 196 (note) The thinking subject, the Ego. 1838 F. Haywood tr. I. Kant i. 293 The thinking subject is the object of Psychology. 1851 H. L. Mansel i. 7 Every state of consciousness necessarily implies two elements at least; a conscious subject, and an object of which he is conscious. 1886 XX. 39/1 The conception of a mind or conscious subject is to be found implicitly or explicitly in all psychological writers whatever. 1920 H. C. Sheldon v. 137 The very fact that the disturbance of the sense of personal identity is in all scientific verdicts pronounced pathological is on the side of the reality of the persisting self-identical subject. 1972 R. C. Solomon i. iii. 86 Descartes claims that the subject is a thinking substance..; Kant argues that one must presuppose a thinking subject (although not a thinking substance). 2009 C. C. Robinson ii. 58 Wittgenstein opposes..the metaphysical exclusiveness and abstract rationalism of the Cartesian subject who has privileged access to its own mind and cannot know the minds of others. III. Something that is the focus of activity or object of attention. 10. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > materials of topic > [noun] > of particular subject a1400 tr. Lanfranc (Ashm.) (1894) 1 (MED) Capitulum j..is of definiciones & of parties þat ben sugettis to surgerie. c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in f. 11 (MED) Þer may no craftis man worche regulerly in suget or matir þat he knowt not, And mannys bodi is suget & mater in alle lechecraft. 1563 W. Fulke i. f. 1 Whether we maye borowe ye name of meteoron to comprehende the whole subiect of oure woorke. 1656 tr. T. Hobbes i. i. 7 The Subject of Philosophy, or the matter it treats of, is every Body of which we can conceive any generation. 1663 G. Harvey II. ii. x. 45 Universals, as they are Subjects of Sciences, are Entia Rationis, which do remain after the existence of real universals. 1728 E. Chambers (at cited word) The Subject of Logic, is Thinking or Reasoning. 1728 E. Chambers Subject, is also used for the Matter of an Art or Science..: Thus the human Body is the Subject of Medicine. 1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato I. 4 All sciences have a subject; number is the subject of arithmetic. 1888 H. A. Strong tr. H. Paul 1 (margin) Subject of the Science of Language. 1913 A. M. Lewis v. 45 Physics deals with molar and molecular processes. Chemistry deals with atomic processes. In the natural order of things all these come before life which is the subject of biology. 2003 L. M. Hummel ii. 23 The subject of theology is never simply God but always God's relationship with humanity. society > occupation and work > [noun] > that with which occupation is concerned the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > affair, business, concern > [noun] the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > materials of topic > [noun] > of particular subject ?1541 R. Copland ii. sig. Biij Euery workeman is bounde to knowe the subiect of his worke in whiche he worketh. 1662 G. Lawson 355 Their [sc. ministers'] work is to watch over their Souls; and here we must take notice,..That the subject of their work, are mens Souls. 1766 W. Gordon 102 Waste-book, containing an Inventory of my Subject. 1828 H. Steuart (ed. 2) 267 The above Machine..is capable of removing subjects of from eighteen to about eight-and-twenty feet high. 1837 P. Keith 22 The bark... In young subjects it is of a flexible and leathery texture. 1887 6 July 2/2 You must consider the capital we have to sink in our ‘subjects’ [sc. of a menagerie] when you calculate our expenses. 1905 17 June 386/1 Anemophilous species are fertilised by the agency of the winds in conveying the pollen from plant to plant. In young subjects with full powers of spreading this crossing is less essential than in old and weak ones. 1997 D. Nabokov tr. V. Nabokov 288 He could be called a ‘busy man’, for the subject of his occupation was his own soul—and in such cases, there can be no question of leisure. 11. a. Something which is or may be acted or operated upon; a person or thing towards which action or influence is directed, or that is the recipient of some treatment. the mind > will > intention > [noun] > subject of action or influence a1500 tr. A. Chartier (Rawl.) (1974) 120 (MED) His witte a[n]d all His being perfiteth and holdiþ togedyr the thinges corporellis, subiettes to mevyngis and to chaungyngis. 1565 J. Jewel x. 438 By these expositions it appeareth, that either the Fiere, or the Clowde, was a Subiecte to receiue the light. 1599 W. Shakespeare iii. v. 210 Alack, alack, that heauen should practise stratagems Vpon so soft a subiect as my selfe. View more context for this quotation 1609 W. Shakespeare ii. ii. 159 There's..none so noble, Whose life were ill bestowd, or death vnfam'd, Where Helen is the subiect . View more context for this quotation 1611 C. Tourneur (new ed.) v. sig. K3v Nor could the first Man being but the passiue Subiect not the actiue Mouer, be the maker of himselfe. 1753 J. Collier (1811) i. i. 37 All the pleasure of tormenting is lost, as soon as your subject is become insensible to your strokes. 1764 T. Reid i. §1 In the noblest arts, the mind is also the subject upon which we operate. 1782 J. Priestley (ed. 2) I. p. xxxiii Power cannot mean any thing without a subject. 1852 H. B. Stowe II. xx. 35 She approached her new subject very much as a person might be supposed to approach a black spider. 1914 1591 The farmer is a business man and is not a subject of special paternal care, and, therefore, not a subject to receive public loans at better than business rates of interest. c1592 i. sig. B1v Ah Em the subiect of my restlesse thoughts, The Anuyle whereupon my heart doth beate. ?1594 M. Drayton sig. D3 Farewell my Loue, companion of my youth, My soules delight, the subiect of my mirth. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. iii. 8 End neere approches The subiect of our Watch. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. vi. 49 To be Shames scorne, and subiect of Mischance. View more context for this quotation 1634 T. Herbert 117 [The Turks] haue made this Citie, a subiect of their bloudy cruelty. 1696 W. Whiston Disc. conc. Mosaick Hist. Creation 87 in Not the vast Universe, but the Earth alone, with its dependencies, are the proper subject of the Six Days Creation. 1711 R. Steele No. 53. ⁋2 The Triumph of Daphne over her Sister Letitia has been the Subject of Conversation at Several Tea-Tables. 1796 E. Hamilton (1811) I. 204 The many subjects of wonder with which a stranger is surrounded. 1823 W. Scott II. ix. 204 The huge wains, which transported to and fro the subjects of export and import. 1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous vi, in 4th Ser. III. 335 The most bold and fierce subject of chase in the island of Britain. 1847 A. Helps I. i. v. 73 Proficiency in any one subject of human endeavour. 1883 J. Gilmour xvii. 207 Such..difficulties..are welcomed rather as subjects of debate than felt to be barriers to the acceptance of Christianity. 1898 A. G. Mortimer I. 140 The subject of Baptism is any human being, whether an adult or an infant. 1921 23 July 173/2 The true nature of these tumours has been the subject of much controversy. 2004 Oct. 16/1 The identity of the perpetrator..was the subject of much speculation. the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > [noun] > liability to harm, loss, etc. > vulnerable part, thing, or person a1593 C. Marlowe (c1600) sig. A7v Yet will the wisest..rather seeke to scourge their enemies, Then be themselues base subiects to the whip. 1600 W. Shakespeare i. iii. 61 Who..leaues his part-created cost, [sc. a half-built house] A naked subiect to the weeping clowdes. View more context for this quotation a1647 T. Hooker (1656) iii. 156 In the Kingdom of Light and Darkness together; in Hell and Heaven at the same time; a Subject to our Savior, and a Subject to his corruption. the world > life > the body > dead body > [noun] > dissected 1702 R. Mead iii. 109 I..found once some quantity of It in the Perinæum of a Subject I took from the Gallows for a Dissection. 1775 9 330 The gentleman of the house [sc. a surgeon] declared he had a very good subject above in the garret. 1829 W. Scott 16 Jan. (1946) 4 The total and severe exclusion of foreign supplies..raises the price of the Subjects. 1870 H. Lonsdale 54 The supply of ‘subjects’ was so inadequate, that the surgeons' apprentices..determined upon the..step of procuring them from the graveyards. 1910 I. 938/1 The bill to legalize and regulate the supply of subjects for dissection did not pass without considerable opposition. 2000 M. Weatherall ii. 43 The government set up an enquiry into the supply of anatomical subjects. the world > health and disease > healing > patient > [noun] the world > the supernatural > the paranormal > [noun] > study of > subject of 1743 tr. L. Heister I. i. 242 The Cure of inveterate Ulcers is much easier in young and robust Subjects [L. in juvenibus & robustis]. 1754 Jan. 47 The unanimous concurrence in opinion of those physicians, surgeons, and others, who attended the earliest subjects of inoculation. 1801 E. Darwin (ed. 3) III. 370 Since the above was first published the cow-pox..has been successfully inoculated on the human subject. 1840 G. T. Morgan 141 Such a person would be a bad subject for a compound fracture. 1883 1 251 A specific influence or effluence, passing from the operator to the ‘subject’. 1905 H. D. Rolleston 260 Patients with cirrhosis are..far from good subjects. 1943 26 80 Only those subjects were chosen who were accustomed to smoke and inhaled while smoking. 1974 V. B. Mountcastle et al. (ed. 13) II. 1524/2 The data for this comparison were drawn largely from studies..on emphysematous subjects. 2008 W. S. Kroger (ed. 2) iii. 31/1 A good subject is hypnotizable by either a male or a female operator. the world > people > person > [noun] > as having character or qualities 1797 in T. J. Howell (1819) XXVI. 220 Upon the whole he describes him as an innocent subject, and as a man in some respects of great merit. 1847 C. Dickens (1848) xxxix. 386 Unable..to satisfy his mind whether Mr. Toots was the mild subject he appeared to be. 1856 C. Dickens (1857) i. xi. 91 ‘He was a bad subject.’ ‘He was a wicked wretch.’ society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > sin > [noun] > person society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > rapture > [noun] > person 1801 (new ed.) xi. 124 The disturbed sinner may be able..to stifle conviction within himself; but those sensations of sin, which are not effectual to make the subject cry out to God or man, or to both, scarce deserve the name of convictions. 1820 R. Southey I. 417 Subjects began to cry out, and sink down in the meeting. 1913 W. J. Burns xvi. 100 It looked as if the subjects under surveillance were preparing to depart. 1957 23 Jan. 9/2 They [sc. police officers] apprehended the subject at Burlington avenue and Cliff drive. 1992 June 34/1 Put yourself..where you can effectively stop an offender without being exposed to crossfire if the subject runs out shooting. 2011 C. Cumming v. 32 He followed the subject the length of Pilgrim's Lane and observed him hailing a cab outside a branch of Waterstone's bookshop. 12. a. That which forms or is chosen as the matter of thought, consideration, or inquiry; a topic, theme. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun] 1563 W. Fulke i. f. 1 To auoyde all occasions of cauellynge at wordes, we shall bothe defyne and also describe the subiect of oure matter on thys manner: yt is a body compounde with out lyfe naturalle. 1586 G. Pettie & B. Yong tr. S. Guazzo (rev. ed.) iv. f. 208 Now that Lorde Hercules hathe geuen occasion to talke of this subiecte. 1592 tr. J. Lipsius sig. B1v Might I haue leaue to direct you also..in the subiect of your talke, in mine opinion nothing were more meet for one of your honourable estate, then to question and discourse of..fashions. 1644 K. Digby i. ii. 15 The scarcity of our language is such, in subiets remooued from ordinary conuersation..as affordeth vs not apt wordes of our owne to expresse significantly such notions as I must busie my selfe about in this discourse. 1667 R. Allestree xiv. 346 Here he would have us..fix our thoughts and studies: Nor need we fear that they are too dry a subject for our contemplation. a1684 J. Evelyn anno 1683 (1955) IV. 316 We shew'd him divers Experiments on the Magnet on which subject the Society were upon. 1726 Bp. J. Butler iv. 75 Justice must be done to every Part of a Subject when we are considering it. 1780 No. 89 As for politics, it was a subject far beyond the reach of any female capacity. 1794 A. Radcliffe III. iii. 58 ‘Alas! I know it too well,’ replied Emily: ‘spare me on this terrible subject.’ 1828 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange (1870) II. xi. 247 History never will sell so well as more familiar and smaller subjects. 1837 B. Disraeli I. 229 Her father had become a forbidden subject. 1872 J. Morley i. 9 He always paid religion respect enough to treat it as the most important of all subjects. 1902 V. Jacob viii The Pig-driver seated himself beside him and plunged immediately into his subject. 1967 Nov. 107 He warmed to his subject during our interview. 1995 Sept. 119/1 His subject is ‘Philosophical Implications of the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life’. 1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello f. 275 Seigneur Roderico..hauing conferred affore with his gentlewoman to synge some solemne note vppon the subiecte of the two amarus, wherein she performed so indifferently the praise & passion of theym bothe. 1602 A. Copley iii. 73 His owne and his societies folly and bad spirite most immense vpon the subiect of detraction and defamation, which is the grossest and drossiest argument that my pen can handle. 1695 J. Sage Pref. sig. C3 I am not to insist on every thing that is Mysterious in that Learned Disquisition on the subject of Liturgies. 1724 J. Swift 19 In examining what I have already written..upon the Subject of Mr. Wood. 1733 21 The late exceptions of a certain Lincolnshire minister on the subject of infallibility. 1765 4 294 The subject of grasses is very nice. 1816 W. Scott Old Mortality ix, in 1st Ser. IV. 214 After quoting Delrio, and Burthoog, and De L'Ancre, on the subject of apparitions. 1839 F. A. Kemble (1863) 35 The indifference of our former manager upon the subject of the accommodation for the sick. 1870 ‘M. Twain’ in 4 June 2/3 From early youth I have taken an especial interest in the subject of poultry-raising. 1917 E. R. Dawson Introd. 4 That the subject of sex is of the greatest interest and importance is surely indisputable. 2008 27 June 29/1 We repeatedly came back to the subject of Che's appearance. the world > relative properties > relationship > in relation to [phrase] > in respect of or with regard to > with regard to one 1733 May 254/1 His Lordship..desires that for the future you would speak out upon his Subject, and say to the World whatever your own Imagination may furnish you with. 1742 Duchess of Marlborough 181 To finish what I have to say upon his subject. 1747 Ld. Chesterfield 6 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) III. 877 Two letters, which I have lately seen from Lausanne, upon your subject. 1775 W. Mason Mem. in T. Gray 3 To make it necessary I should enlarge upon his subject. 1801 Ld. St. Vincent Let. 20 Apr. in E. P. Brenton (1838) II. 63 I had a long conversation with him upon your subject yesterday, in which he expressed the same feelings that are planted in the breast of Your truly affectionate, St. Vincent. society > education > learning > study > subject or object of study > [noun] 1805 J. Mill tr. C. Villers ii. ii. 309 After the four years which these [sc. studies] continued, they underwent a new examination on the same subjects. 1826 9 Dec. 311/1 The University of Pavia might be esteemed the most flourishing in Italy... The subjects to be studied in each semestre are fixed. 1843 XXVI. 29/1 An examination for honours in each subject is held subsequently. 1887 540 If an officer only pass in the subjects necessary for a subaltern. 1913 8 Every man who teaches a subject well and with real enthusiasm. 1937 A. S. Neill ii. 38 We cannot refuse to teach children their Matric. subjects. 2002 11 Feb. i. 10/3 More will be encouraged to take GCSEs early, and some will skip the examination in their strongest subjects, going straight to AS level. 13. society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > fiction > [noun] > plot > subject or theme 1575 G. Turberville 5 Therefore those onely kyndes shall be the Subiect of my booke, and not those base, bastardly refuse hawkes, which are somewhat in name, and nothing in deede. c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme civ. 1 in (1998) II. 158 Make ô my soule the subject of thy songe th'eternall lord. 1596 W. Warner (rev. ed.) x. lxi. 268 Though stately be the Subiect, and too slender be our Arte. 1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac II. 72 I did not thinke to have gone so farre; it is the subject that hath carried me away. 1667 J. Milton ix. 25 Since first this Subject for Heroic Song Pleas'd me long choosing. View more context for this quotation 1673 J. Milton Sonnets xi, in (new ed.) 56 A Book..was writ of late call'd Tetrachordon;..The Subject new. 1780 No. 85 A poem may be possessed of very considerable merit,..though, from its subject, its length, or the manner in which it is written, it may not be suited to the Mirror. 1835 T. Mitchell in tr. Aristophanes 365 (note) All of them subjects dramatized by Euripides. 1844 W. Whewell Let. to J. G. Marshall 29 Jan. in (1882) 307 The subject of my lectures is the difficulties of constructing a system of morals. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato (ed. 2) V. 5 We plunge abruptly into the subject of the dialogue. 1903 A. B. Davidson ix. 136 The developments of heathenism form the subject of Daniel. 2006 13 Aug. (Home ed.) (Book World section) 5/1 In this door-stopper of a novel, her subject is Helen of Troy. society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > biography > [noun] > subject of biography ?1735 Introd. 2 The noble Lady, who is the Subject of the following Memoirs. 1741 C. Middleton I. Pref. p. xv They [sc. writers of particular lives] are apt to be partial and prejudiced in favor of their subject. 1791 J. Boswell I. Advt. p. ix The delay of its publication must be imputed..to the extraordinary zeal which has been shewn..to supply me with additional information concerning its illustrious Subject. 1842 J. Holdich xx. 435 We have traced the progress of our subject's life from his childhood. 1885 18 Feb. 5/2 We think we like the book best because of the view it gives of the subject's character. 1904 Jan. 393 He..brings to the estimation of his subject's character and work the temper of a judge rather than of an advocate. 1985 28 Sept. 74/5 All the songs here are sung by the late Patsy Cline, the subject of this biopic. 2009 30 Apr. 35/2 The author maintains that his subject was profoundly affected by Freemasonry. 14. Something affording matter for action of a specified kind; (also as mass noun) grounds, motive, or cause. the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [noun] > reason or ground 1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger II. iii. ix. sig. Oo.iiii/1 Christe apprehended by faith, who is in verie deede the foundation & subiect of our faith. 1586 6 The very ground and onely subject, whereupon such daungerous practises and complots had been founded. 1651 tr. F. de Quintana 115 Fenise asked him what subject he had to attempt against his life. 1652 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède i. 15 I have my selfe as much or more subject to hate life than you. 1655 tr. C. Sorel x. 10 I have subject enough to be angry with you. 1752 D. Hume (1817) I. 265 Where they [sc. indulgences]..entrench upon no virtue, but leave ample subject whence to provide for friends, family, [etc.]. 1756 M. Calderwood (1884) ii. 50 Had anybody been inclined to laugh, they might have had a good subject. 1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous iii, in 4th Ser. IV. 77 Which had never given the English government the least subject of complaint. 1843 XXVII. 512/1 In such circumstances subjects of accusation are not long wanting. 1866 Nov. 85/2 To turn suddenly from the lively scenes of revelry and joy to those of death and woe is subject enough of melancholy. 1904 Mar. 146/2 The illiteracy of its [sc. a new weekly journal's] style and the stupidity of its contributors were subjects of laughter in all intellectual circles in Russia. 1980 N. J. Smelser & R. Content iii. 51 The lack of secretarial assistance and increased paperwork were subjects of complaint. a1593 C. Marlowe (1616) sig. Gv Let them come in, They are good subiect for a merriment. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. i. 2 What, haue scap'd Loue-letters in the holly-day-time of my beauty, and am I now a subiect for them? View more context for this quotation 1644 F. Quarles (new ed.) iv. xciii [Scripture] is a subject for thy faith, not fancy. 1708 13–18 Aug. A Sturgion is a Term they give one at Dublin, whom they think a fit Subject for Banter. 1736 W. King (new ed.) xix. 98 The deluded Lover departing, left them sufficient Subject for their Laughter. 1780 No. 83 The great subject for wit and ludicrous representation arises from men's having a thorough knowledge of what is the fashionable standard of manners. 1816 J. Wilson iii. iv I am no subject for your mirth. 1865 C. A. Alexander tr. J. Fourier in App., 132 Though fidelity to such duties be but the acquittal of an obligation, and no proper subject for formal eulogy, yet [etc.]. 1893 C. Oman xx We might perhaps have learnt that Charles also gave subjects for offence. 1930 W. Empson i. 27 Before the Romantic Revival the possibilities of not growing up had never been exploited so far as to become a subject for popular anxiety. 2004 17 Dec. 20/1 Table-tapping seances came to be seen as a Victorian hangover and a suitable subject for derision. 15. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > [noun] > subject 1614 in (1869) 42 360 Another..picture of the same subject. 1695 J. Dryden tr. C. A. Du Fresnoy 11 The next thing is to make choice of a Subject beautifull and noble. ?1790 J. Imison Curious & Misc. Articles (new ed.) 55 in (ed. 2) The subject to be painted should be situated in such a manner that the light may fall with every advantage on the face. 1836 J. Smith VII. 254 Jan Victor also painted a few cabinet pictures of subjects taken from sacred history. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve 13 I was looking round the little knot of soldiers for a subject. 1872 J. Ruskin §163 You must always draw for the sake of your subject—never for the sake of your picture. 1893 J. A. Hodges 112 If the subject is so shaky as to render it impossible to take the portrait without its [sc. a headrest's] aid. a1911 D. G. Phillips (1917) II. ix. 231 The question of getting money to live on is usually dismissed in a princely way by writers about human life... To leave it out of account..is to misrepresent and distort as utterly as would a portrait painter who neglected to give his subject eyes. 1960 25 Apr. 37/2 A gaunt bronze figure of Princess Margaret. Lady Epstein claimed that subject herself ‘loved it’. 2005 P. Dunn tr. F. Barbe-Gall 51 Mythological subjects gave artists the chance to paint nudes, which had been denied them with most religious subjects. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > [noun] > an artistic representation > others 1781 J. Moore II. 425 The walls of what is called the Imperial Chamber, are painted in fresco, by various painters; the subjects are allegorical, and in honour of Lorenzo of Medicis. 1828 R. Duppa 14 Ten compartments filled with subjects from the Old Testament. 1867 27 A pair of vases painted all round with subjects after Watteau. 1920 A. F. Kendrick I. Introd. 2 Numerous linen cloths with painted subjects of earlier times had been found, but none showing a woven pattern of any significance. 1996 17 24/1 The artist seems to have thought of each as an independent work that might..be hung in juxtaposition with preceding mythological subjects. society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > section of piece of music > [noun] > theme society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > type of piece > piece in specific form > [noun] > fugue > subject 1740 J. Grassineau tr. S. De Brossard 231 In every regular and melodious song, there is one note which regulates the rest; wherein the song begins, and at last ends; and which is, as it were, the principal matter, or musical subject, to be regarded in the whole course of the song. 1752 C. Avison i. ii. 28 In the greater Kinds of musical Composition, there is a principal or leading Subject or Succession of Notes, which ought to prevail, and be heard throughout the whole Composition. 1753 Suppl. at Sogetto Contrapunto sopra il sogetto, a counterpoint above the subject, is that of which the subject is the bass. 1771 C. Burney 49 The first subject is judiciously returned to while it still vibrates on the ear. 1786 T. Busby Subject, the theme or text of any movement. 1820 2 17 The subject of the Fugata..is a very good one. It were to be wished that it had been worked into a regular Fugue. 1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett 411/1 In sonata form there should be two chief subjects, called first and second. 1883 G. Grove III. 752/1 The Father of the Symphony [sc. Haydn] enriched his new Art-form with a Second Subject, so constructed as to enhance the beauty of the Primary Theme by the introduction of some form of expression distinctly opposed to it. 1898 G. B. Shaw 3 In classical music there are, as the analytical programs tell us, first subjects and second subjects, free fantasias, recapitulations, and codas. 1916 A. E. Hull xi. 176 The principal subject of the Allegro (second movement) appearing together with the Pomposo one in the Coda. 1955 J. F. Russell in H. Van Thal 148 It is difficult to remember a Mozart first subject, for example, in which the common chord is not melodically employed. 2005 6 May 6/1 The C major fugue..creates a sense of tonal movement by restating its subject in all of the church modes. †IV. Other uses. the world > space > relative position > low position > [noun] > condition of being placed under > that which lies under > base on which a thing rests a1500 (c1477) T. Norton (BL Add.) (1975) 1933 Bi kynd of Magnesia such colours passe owte, whose nature is of such conuertibilite To euery proporcion and to euery degre, As cristalle to his subiecte is fownde; For of euerych thing þat is vpon grownde whiche that ye wil cristall set vndre, Such colour hath Cristal. 1592 R. Dallington tr. F. Colonna f. 12 The Pægma base or subiect for this metaline machine to stand vpon, was of one solyde peece of marble. Phrases1640 W. Habington i. i. sig. B My Lord, lets change the subject: Love is worne So thred-bare out of fashion, and my faith So little leanes to vowes. 1744 M. Collyer x. 110 Well, Madam, said I, rather than offend your delicacy, we will let Miss Lucy alone, and change the subject. 1885 A. J. Lewis in Jan. 10/1 I did not take the trouble to contradict him, but..forthwith changed the subject to more congenial matters. 1975 (Nexis) 29 Sept. 20 We didn't want to make her defensive so we kept changing the subject if things were getting tense. 2006 A. Robbins viii. 198 Ryland's girlfriend laughed at him for asking such a serious question and immediately changed the subject. Compounds C1. a. General attributive, instrumental, and objective. (a) In senses 6a, 8. the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [noun] > clause > other specific types of clause 1840 F. Gardner 98/1 With a subject clause; facere aliquid, Plaut. 1957 R. W. Zandvoort (new ed.) iii. vi. 165 What..may introduce a subject clause, an object clause,..a predicative clause, or a clause preceded by a preposition. 2010 E. van Gelderen vii. 137 The reason for the extraposition of the subject clause is that speakers do not like to have embedded sentences in the beginning or middle of the main clause. 1891 A. H. Edgren ii. xii. 126 The predicate noun may refer either a. to the subject (subject complement), or b. to the object (object complement). 1939 H. E. Palmer (ed. 2) ii. 80 A certain number of adverbs may be used as subject-complements, i.e. as complements to..verbs of incomplete predication. 1992 Apr. 55 The rhematic highlighted item, grammatically the subject complement, conveys the new information. 1835 Mar. 111 Not only the subject-noun, but its qualities, its position, its pronouns, nominative and objective, and the action, of which it is the active, passive, or reflective object, are all indicated in a single expression. 1862 E. Adams (1870) 158 When the subject noun is accompanied by qualifying or explanatory words, it is said to be enlarged. 1993 14 174 Sentence..4) can be improved by premodifying the subject noun quantitatively. 1628 T. Spencer 21 The first substance, or subiect part of every sentence. 1628 T. Spencer 255 The antecedent, or subiect part of the conclusion. 1842 E. Hildreth 172 There are..several other important particulars in the economy of language, pertaining to the construction and definition of the subject part of a sentence. 2004 A. E. Falk iv. 533 A holophrastic sentence..is not differentiated into a subject part and a predicate part, but also is not elliptical either syntactically or semantically. Examples are Quine's ‘Gavagai!’ and Wittgenstein's ‘Slab!’ (b) In sense 12. the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun] > used to change subject 1747 S. Richardson II. xxvii. 160 But I asked him, If he had any news by his last letters from London: A question he always understands to be a subject-changer; for otherwise I never put it. 1978 I. Murdoch 164 ‘Been to Ireland lately?’ This always set Perry off and was a guaranteed subject-changer. 1999 L. Alberts ix. 122 Wasn't she just as much a subject changer, jumping from the abortion to Ruth's refusal to discuss her origins? the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [adjective] > having a theme 1951 W. S. Elsbree & H. J. McNally ii. v. 70 Some educators..concluded, à la Rousseau, that the child's natural interests and needs alone should determine the curriculum... The few schools which attempted such an extreme program soon abandoned it, usually reverting to a more subject-oriented program. 1964 40 77 Middle voice embraces at least five subtypes: (1) subject-oriented action, [etc.]. 1975 (Dept. Educ. & Sci.) xii. 189 The primary school teacher is likely to conceive of his task in terms of integrated rather than subject-oriented work. 2007 June 23/3 Postings (blog entries) are indexed by means of subject-oriented tags, making them easily discoverable. (c) In sense 13 (chiefly with reference to cataloguing books according to their subjects). 1869 C. A. Cutter in F. L. Miksa (1977) ii. xxiv. 168 The subject-cards would..be copied from these author-cards. 1982 D. L. Foster (ed. 2) iii. 72 The best way to divide the catalog..is to divide the subject cards from the others within each drawer. 1854 App. H, 336 The alphabetical catalogue, already filling two large folios, and containing nearly 1,600 titles, will soon be developed as a subject catalogue. 1873 M. Dewey in G. Dawe (1932) 323 By this plan any books may be found without a catalogue since the library is in itself a full classed subject catalogue. 1889 H. B. Wheatley 232 If he wants to find a manuscript upon a particular subject, he can look at the subject catalogue. 1931 L. D. Arnett & E. T. Arnett ii. 108 The alphabetical subject catalogue should have a classed index, as the classed catalogue or the shelf list must have an alphabetical index. society > communication > book > book list > [noun] > action of listing or cataloguing books 1879 4 243/2 I refer not merely to the indexing of the contents of volumes, as periodicals for example, but also to the subject-cataloguing of books. 1900 E. W. Hulme in 5 Nov. 571 (heading) Principles of dictionary subject-cataloguing in scientific and technical libraries. 2008 P. H. MacKellar ii. viii. 120 Subject cataloging involves assigning subject headings to an item record. 1852 11 90 This catalogue is formed on a simple alphabetical system, giving under the author's name, an entire transcript of the title-page of each work, or tract, the subject entries being made as brief as possible, and the cross references being so multiplied, that scarcely any subject can escape unnoticed. 1869 C. A. Cutter in 108 115 In the New Catalogue, on the contrary, the subject entry is the fullest. 1899 J. H. Quinn 71 The forms of subject entries in dictionary catalogues. 1997 Sept. 84/1 The..catalogs include the Main Catalog in which there are author entries for all published genealogies and subject entries for town and county histories. society > communication > writing > written text > layout > [noun] > subordinate heading or title society > communication > printing > printed matter > arrangement or appearance of printed matter > [noun] > heading > types of heading 1853 H. G. Adams Pref. xiii The number of subject headings under which the matter is arranged exceeds 1000. 1874 p. vi Subject-headings, when there are two or more titles, are denoted by a separate line in the same [fount]. 1973 M. Amis 60 I indent subject-headings, co-ordinate footnotes, mark cross-references in red and blue biros. 2000 J. Aitchison et al. (ed. 4) b. 5 The usefulness of controlled language (that is classification systems, subject headings and thesauri) has to be reassessed. 1861 p. xii Subject-Index.—In the Index following the catalogue, the subjects of the books are arranged alphabetically. 1879 3 Subject Indexes of Science, Literature, and Art. 2001 Winter 183 Besides Johnson's introductions and notes, I also miss his lively descriptions of the poems' recipients, as well as the helpful—and fun—‘Subject Index’ prepared by Theodora Ward. 1874 312 A short time back the appearance of such a topic upon its programme would infallibly have suggested the idea that some practical joker had got hold of a final revise of the subject list, and perpetrated a jest. 1875 C. A. Cutter in 14 Oct. 252/1 ‘Analysis’—that is, reference under subjects to topics discussed in certain books incidentally but not at sufficient length to justify the insertion of the book in the subject-list. 1902 (title) Subject List of Works on General Science [etc.]. 1999 S. Mitchell in D. Stern 164 Browsing tables of contents as well as subject lists closely related to a single known item is also possible. 1871 30 Notes have been appended to all the subject-references of importance, which sometimes give concisely the history of the literature of the subjects, and often afford indications of the bearing and purposes of particular books. 1876 C. A. Cutter in (Dept. Interior, Bureau Educ.) xxvii. 542 A dictionary catalogue (author- and anonymous-title entries with imprints,..subject-references to the classed part). 1889 H. B. Wheatley 180 It is something appalling to conjecture what would be the size of the British Museum Catalogue if subject references were included in the general alphabet. 2002 R. L. Maxwell ii. 13 2XX and 3XX fields are used for complex subject references that..give catalogers information about how to use or subdivide the subject heading or direct them to another heading if appropriate. b. In senses 6, 8, 9, with the sense ‘relating to both the subject and another element of the sentence or proposition’. 1890 15 391 I must dissent from the common view that two percepts cannot stand in subject-predicate relations. 1900 B. Russell ii. 12 The question whether all propositions are reducible to the subject-predicate form is one of fundamental importance to all philosophy. 1980 A. Kenny ii. 51 Sentences which are of subject-predicate form. 2009 I. Meir in M. R. Hovav et al. ii. vi. 110 Aristotelian logic and its subject-predicate schema is exclusively one-place predicate logic. the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [adjective] > constituting the subject > and other constituent 1933 8 (front matter) We look forward to..‘Subject-Verb Agreement’ by Robert S. Pooley. 1935 G. K. Zipf v. 234 One cannot determine a priori what actual proportion of spoken English consists of simple subject-verb sentences. 1979 51 134 Of the nine problems covered, subject-verb agreement receives a thorough treatment. 1994 15 257 The..text contains a number of surface errors such as article usage and subject-verb agreement. C2. 1901 July 384/1 It was decided to have one person in charge of the classification and another of the subject heading... Any changes..were referred to the classifier and subject header in charge. 1944 14 103/2 The subject-header has the advantage of the classifier..in that he does not have to choose between alternative subjects but may enter under both. 1980 13 Oct. 20/1 Each [control character] can designate one subject header. For example, categories might be sports, entertainment, education, cultural activities, [etc.]. 2009 M. Senate 334 Out of the blue, several years ago, I received an email with the subject header: I think you might be my half sister. society > communication > printing > printed matter > arrangement or appearance of printed matter > [noun] > heading > types of heading 1836 F. Freeman App. 360 Errata... 79th page, subject line at the top, for ‘diligent’, read ‘vigilant’. 1878 18 Jan. 224/1 The typographical arrangement of these manuals is admirable, the use of prominent type for the subject lines in each page serving at once to attract the eye. 1920 A. M. Candee 167 Our preference is to have a subject line situated a double space below the date line. 1982 10 Oct. (Mag. Suppl.) 6/1 The computer asks for a subject line. Next it asks for the text. When she finishes the message, Susan types a SEND command. 2008 (Nexis) 13 July Please put crunch in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > [noun] > who governs badly > unjust or oppressive ?1608 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron iii. iii. 384 A prince must carefully preserue himselfe..from resembling, by ouer great and excessiue impositions, these tyrants, subject-mongers, canibals [etc.]. 1844 B. Disraeli I. iii. iii. 288 A cutting reply to Mr. Rigby's article..with some searching mockery, that became the subject and the subject-monger. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > painting according to subject > [noun] > genre painting > a genre painting 1836 tr. J. D. Passavant I. 151 A small and beautiful composition, but rather too much in the style of a subject picture. 1862 G. W. Thornbury I. 257 His first subject picture was ‘Fishermen at Sea’, 1796. 1996 M. Levey (1998) vii. 190 Cardinal Ottaviani..owned one of van Eyck's rare profane—indeed erotic—subject pictures. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > term of a proposition > [noun] > subject 1679 R. Baxter i. i. 7 He cannot believe that any more shall rise; and yet may believe that All shall rise; not all in true reality, as signifying the whole that hath existed indeed; but all as the subject-term in the proposition. 1778 W. Burgh iii. 219 Eternity or eternal existence is the predicate in the passage before us, and is hereby ascribed to the throne of God, which is evidently a subject term. 1880 W. H. S. Monck v. 39 A particular proposition is not limited to some only of the objects denoted by the subject-term. 1980 A. Kenny ii. 34 The word ‘substance’ can be used to refer to the thing that sentences such as the above are about: the object for which the subject-term of the sentences stands. 2009 M. Eklund in J. Shand v. 77 Consider..the thought that Bill is tall. When I express this thought in language I use a sentence, ‘Bill is tall’, with a subject term, ‘Bill’, and a predicate term ‘is tall’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). subjectadj.adv. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French subjet, sujet; Latin subiectus, subicere. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman suget, sugget, sugett, soget, susjet, Anglo-Norman and Middle French subjet, subget, Middle French sougiet, subgect, subgiect, subiect, subgiet, subgit, subject (French sujet ) subordinate to, having an inferior or subordinate status, under the rule of (12th cent. in Old French), fastened, attached (12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), submissive (13th cent.), exposed (to), subjected (to), destined (to) (14th cent.), obliged, liable (to do something) (1485), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin subiectus situated under or at a lower level, situated close at hand, that may be brought under the operation of a faculty or sense, open or exposed (to some, usually harmful, influence), liable, having an inferior or subordinate status, submissive, placed under (a category or head), use as adjective of past participle of subicere to throw up, to place underneath or below, to place at the foot (of), to place under, to lay before, to make subject, to put under the control (of), to make liable, expose, to put under (a category, head), to append, subjoin, to furnish, supply, to suggest, to substitute < sub- sub- prefix + iacere to throw, cast (see jactation n.). Compare Spanish sujeto , †subjeto , †subjecto (13th cent.), Portuguese sujeito , Italian soggetto (1308 as subietto ). Compare subject n., and later subject v.Examples like the following are frequent in Middle English, where the word should probably be construed as inflected adjective, though formally indistinguishable from plural noun:a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 463 Min eiȝen sorly aren sogettes to serue min hert, & buxum ben to his bidding. ▸ c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xv. 27 Whanne he seith, alle thingis ben sugetis to him.c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §634 Seint Paul seith O ye wommen, be ye subgetes to youre housbondes.c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 99 Thai realmes be nocht subiectes to the empire. A. adj. I. That is under the rule or control of someone or something. 1. a. In a state of subjection or dependence; under the control, rule, or influence of something; subordinate. society > authority > subjection > [adjective] > made subject to authority α. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 473 (MED) My siȝt is soget to my hert. c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke ii. 51 He cam doun with hem..and was suget [L. subditus] to hem. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 1055 (MED) Þe mare world..suld be til man suggette, For to serve man. ?a1425 in A. Hudson (1990) I. 294 Þei wolden þat al þis world were suget [vn]to þer secte. c1450 in F. J. Furnivall (1867) 71 (MED) Deeþ is sugett to god to bende. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xxxvi. 6 Be suget till lord, and pray hym. ?a1500 Court of Love (Trin. Cambr. R.3.19) l. 1131 in K. Forni (2005) Us leffer were with Venus biden stille,..and soget bene Unto thise women. a1560 W. Kennedy Passioun of Christ in J. A. W. Bennett (1955) 34 Till his crowne all kingis moist sudiet be. 1639 T. May ii. sig. Bxiiv My wish'd return May call thee mistris of the subject world. 1664 T. Killigrew Parsons Wedding i. iii in 81 Her subject husband would needs shew me his house one morning; I never visited such an Hospital, it stunk like Bedlam. 1749 M. Browne 42 And dares weak man? dependent, subject man, Affront the law of God? 1765 J. Merrick cx. 287 His Name the subject World shall awe, His sword to distant Lands give law. 1827 Ld. Tennyson in Ld. Tennyson et al. 32 A subject world I lost for thee, For thou wert all my world to me. 1837 T. Carlyle I. iv. iv. 188 Upholstery, aided by the subject fine-arts, has done its best. 1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato II. 48 The virtue of temperance is the friendship of the ruling and the subject-principle. 1911 W. W. Kenilworth 177 Is woman..the dominating or the subject principle? c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Rom. x. 3 Thei vnknowynge Goddis riȝtwysnesse..ben not suget [L. subjecti] to the riȝtwysnesse of God. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Ellesmere) (1877) §1045 Alwey a man shal putten his wyl to be subget to the wille of god. c1475 tr. C. de Pisan (Cambr.) (1977) 167 (MED) The londes that be gouerned by men thoroughe oute all the worlde ben subiect to dyuerse stablysshyngis aftir the olde customes of contrees. a1500 (?a1425) tr. (Lamb.) 55 Þat he [sc. a king] ys subgyt to þe hegh myght of god. 1536 T. Starkey f. 24v They wolde in all thinges serue their owne fantasye, they wolde in harte be subiecte to no ceremonie, lawe, nor mannes tradition. 1590 E. Spenser iii. vi. sig. Hh6 All that liues, is subiect to that law. 1603 J. Davies 216 Pride, wilt thou still be subiect to my Muse? Be subiect to her stil, and so to me. 1678 J. Davies tr. M. de Scudéry (new ed.) iii. ii. 291 What am I the better for my Reason, if it must ever be subject to my Love? 1706 R. Estcourt iii. i Rather than be subject to her Resentments, I'll compound the matter, and give 'em her my self. 1736 Bp. J. Butler i. v. 90 These Affections are naturally,..subject to the Government of the moral Principle. 1819 W. Scott II. x. 171 Thou art the captive of my bow and spear—subject to my will by the laws of all nations. 1876 W. Black xv He would no longer be subject to the caprice of any woman. 1892 C. G. Chaddock tr. R. von Krafft-Ebing iii. 89 The individual affected..is controlled by the idea of being completely and unconditionally subject to the will of a person of the opposite sex. 1914 C. B. Thompson 469 Subject to the whims of the requisitioner or purchasing agent. 1994 Nov. 39 (caption) Louis XV was still a boy subject to his uncle's regency. society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > [adjective] > bound or under obligation c1480 (a1400) St. Clement l. 657 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) I. 392 He [sc. Pope Clement] tholit nane subiet be mad to beg, that baptysme takine had. 1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini viii. 462 The marchandise of other nations brought in their bottoms, shoulde not be troubled nor subiect to pay tolls. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay iii. vij. 80 b [They] are not subiect as the other are to watch or ward, nor goe vnto the Sarail. 1693 J. Tyrrell (1694) viii. 590 Will it therefore follow..all other places, now subject to pay Excise, were liable to it before the Conquest. 1788 J. Priestley v. lxiii. 504 He knows that if ever he be subject to pay, he will be proportionably able to do it. 1847 Nov. 607 The population is dense, about one-half of my tenants holding so little land as not to be subject to pay any poor-rates. 1862 (House of Commons) 27/2 You think that if there were a law that every merchant should be subject to give the information under a penalty of 5l., that would not be so effective? 1998 C. Rossini (ed. 2) 153/2 Both corporations and individuals are subject to pay income tax in the US. 1597 T. Middleton xii. sig. P3v Shee shames to sit vpon her betters seat, As subiect beasts wanting the Lions force. 1633 T. Adams (ii. 4) 519 The first subject beast he [sc. a lion] met withall was an Asse. 1792 W. Williams 6 Straightway round their Godlike master Man The subject Creatures flocked. 1711 Ld. Shaftesbury III. Misc. v. iv. 284 Had the Author of our Subject-Treatises consider'd thorowly of these literate Affairs. 2. a. That is under the rule or dominion of a sovereign or a conquering or ruling power; owing allegiance or obedience to a sovereign ruler or state, a temporal or spiritual lord, or other superior. society > authority > subjection > [adjective] α. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1965) Esther xiii. 1 Þe moste king artaxerses fro Inde vn to ethiope..to princis & dukis þat to his empire ben soget [L. subjecti] greetynge seiþ. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 123 (MED) To þat see is sugett Barokschire, Wiltschire, and Dorsett. ?c1430 (c1400) Rule St. Francis (Corpus Cambr.) in F. D. Matthew (1880) 44 And freris þat ben soget owen to þenke þat for god þei han forsaken here owen willes. a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 14842 Þe Englys were nought of o wyl O kyng ouer þem to set, Ne for to be til on suget. a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk (Gough) (1905) 22 (MED) All þe world was suget to þe Emperour of Rome. 1534 G. Joye tr. U. Zwingli sig. Dd.vii My expectacion, my bolwerck, my castel, my redemer, my shylde, in whom I trust, which gouerneth my subiect peple. 1566 T. Nuce tr. ii. ii. sig. C.iijv Ill ruled is that raigne where people wood, Their subiect prince doth weld, as they thinke good. 1581 A. Hall tr. Homer i. 11 Many a subiect towne of his. a1586 Sir P. Sidney (1590) ii. xv. sig. Y8v He was not borne to liue a subiect-life, each action of his bearing in it Maiestie. 1594 (Malone Soc.) 890 As if t'were lawfull for a subiect prince To rise in Armes gainst his soueraigne. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. ii. 171 O, let me haue no subiect enemies. View more context for this quotation 1652 P. Heylyn i. sig. D8v To give Audience in the open Senate to none who came thither from the subject Nations, save only in the Latin tongue. 1690 J. Locke iv. iii. 276 The Subject part of Mankind..might..with Egyptian Bondage expect Egyptian Darkness. 1781 E. Gibbon II. 5 (note) The names of his subject-nations. 1792 S. Rogers i. 180 As studious Prospero's mysterious spell Drew every subject-spirit to his cell. 1802 J. Pinkerton I. 309 Russia in Europe... Poland has been devoured; Denmark and Sweden may be considered as subject-allies. a1859 T. B. Macaulay (1861) V. xxv. 296 The Court which had dared to treat England as a subject province. 1871 J. Morley Carlyle in 197 The relations between..governing race and subject race. 1926 W. Lewis xi. xii. 368 The ruling caste in a country has usually been of a different race from the subject population. 1991 Summer 17 There emerged resistance to certain oppressive aspects of imperial rule like theories of subject races. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 391 (MED) Firste he sente messagers and heet enemyes be soget to his lawe. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich xliv. l. 25 And þat to ȝoure lawe no more soiet þat ȝe be, but Only to the lawe Of Cristyente. 1490 W. Caxton tr. viii. sig. C.v Alle subgette and obeyssaunt vnto the lawes of her seygnorye. 1547 W. Baldwin iii. iii. sig. N.iiiiv He that maketh his realme subiecte to the lawe, shal reygne, and he that maketh the lawe subiect to his Realme, maye hap to reygne a whyle. 1580 in G. P. McNeill (1901) XXI. 548 Alexander is nocht subject to the jurisdictioun of the saidis commissaris. 1611 T. Coryate sig. Qq7v He had no lesse then sixteene Bishops vnder him that were subiect to his iurisdiction as his Suffragrans. 1622 G. de Malynes xiii. 441 In France all strangers that are not borne within the Kingdome, and reside or dwell in the same, are subiect to the right of Aubeine. 1690 J. Locke ii. viii To make him subject to the Laws of any Government. 1774 C. Randle in H. Collet (?1775) xxii. 59 The said Edwd. Evanson may be subject to the Jurisdiction of the Court articulate. 1805 (1846) VII. 98 The latter [sc. Indian] reserve to be subject to the same laws and regulations as may be established in the circumjacent country. 1889 1 61 The competency of the proceeding to found jurisdiction in itself..was declared by the House of Lords..to be a competent mode of creating jurisdiction against a foreigner, not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Scotland. 1919 T. F. Millard xi. 261 Suppose..that Americans shall have a right to own lands and reside in all parts of South America, and not be subject to the laws of those countries. 2004 6 June b4/3 His fellow defendants are members of..a group that does not believe it is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. †3. society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > [adjective] c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Coloss. iii. 18 Wymmen, be ȝe suget [L. subditae] to ȝoure housbondis, as it bihoueth in the Lord. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. l. 1507 His wif was such as sche be scholde, His poeple was to him sougit. 1474 W. Caxton tr. (1883) ii. v. 61 The peple..ryse agayn theyr lord and wole not be subget. c1475 (?c1400) (1842) 42 To be mek and suget, and seruiciable, obedient and buxum to ilk man. ?1507 W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in (1998) I. 49 Quhen I him saw subieit [a1586 subiectit] and soit at myn bydding. 1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero 100 The Moscovite hath..more subiects, and more subiect; the Polonian better soldiers and more couragious. 1642 D. Rogers xiii. 277 Although at home, they make no bones, to taunt, and take up their husbands, yet abroad, are quite other women, so sollemne and subject, as if the Annointed of the Lord were before her, as if shee were the subjectest, and he the happiest living. 1703 M. Pix iv. 44 I'll lose my Charter of the City, and be a very Subject Wife to a Face Ordain'd for Horns, and a Wretch that deserves 'em. the world > action or operation > advantage > convenience > [adjective] > easily managed 1619 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. vii. xxiii. 690/1 [Rings] are..so subiect and light, that they may be worne on the least finger of the hand. 1643 W. Ames (new ed.) xviii. 90 It is true these motions are subject to the command of mans will, but yet they are so subject, that they may be exercised without any precedent act of reason. II. Expressing a relationship of liability, exposure, or dependence between a person or thing and a state, condition, or experience. Chiefly in predicative use, with to (also † unto). 4. the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > [adjective] > exposed to danger > vulnerable the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > [adjective] > exposed to danger > vulnerable > unprotected c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Rom. viii. 20 Sothli the creature is suget to vanyte [L. vanitati enim creatura subiecta est], not willinge. ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iii. pr. ii. l. 1839 It nediþ nat to seie, þat blisfulnesse be anguissous ne dreri ne subgit to greuances ne to sorwes [L. doloribus molestiisque subjectam]. a1425 (c1395) (Royal) (1850) Eccles. iii. 20 Alle thingis ben suget to vanyte [L. cuncta subjacent vanitati]. 1530 (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 191 He that was vndedly, was made subget to dethe. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane f. ccccxxj Therfore is he subiecte [L. objectum] vnto great perilles and daungers. 1671 J. Milton ii. 471 Subject himself to Anarchy within. View more context for this quotation 1682 J. Dryden 3 All humane things are subject to decay. 1748 J. Hill I. 346 It is of a very impure, irregular, and somewhat coarse texture, but not subject to spots or clouds. 1760 R. Brown 28 These lands are very subject to worms. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. vii. 233 The disabilities to which the Roman Catholics were subject. 1912 W. B. Selbie xii. 225 Here and there..Nonconformists will still often be subject to certain social disadvantages. 1937 Oct. 510/2 There is no piece of equipment for which there is not a duplicate or substitute, so..the diver will likely never be subject to danger from mechanical failures. 1988 16 May 17/5 Whelan is..convinced he is subject to an insidious type of discrimination. the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > [adjective] > exposed to danger > vulnerable > unsheltered or exposed 1490 W. Caxton tr. i. sig. B.jv To that other she gyueth to be subgette to the face of the ryght blody swerde. 1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus iv. f. 41 They were enforced to throwe away their harnes, and teare away all thynges they had vpon their bodies. Whereby they became subiecte to be hurte by their enemies. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay iv. xxiii. 139 The citye..is very subiect vnto windes & Earthquakes. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta ii. x. 103 This Region is very moist and subiect to raine. 1615 G. Sandys 48 The Sultans themselves have bene sometimes subject to their insolencies. 1631 W. Gouge iii. §6. 192 Gods true Church is subject to assaults in this world. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti I. 7 The Isle of Lemnos..being very subject to Lightning. 1768 J. Byron Loss of Wager in 219 It is much too high built for a country so subject to earthquakes. 1833 H. Martineau vi Naval seamen are..made subject to violence. 1854 J. H. Newman i. 76 The sands of the adjacent deserts..are subject to violent agitation from the action of the wind. 1907 Feb. 143 Ferry boats cross 90 miles of the Michigan Lake,—subject to storms quite as violent as those which afflict the Channel. 2003 E. Mumford iv. 58 The family of the ‘black leg’, who remained at work when others were on strike, was subject to abuse and ignominy. the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > susceptible to disease 1548 J. Veron tr. H. Bullinger sig. D.viv Can then a spirite be subiect to bodily infirmities, as to be an hongered, to be weryed, to dye. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach i. f. 28 The stalke [of rye].., his eare hanging downewardes, and therefore more subiect to blasting. 1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus viii. 299 Some of the Egyptians are subiect vnto dangerous rheumes and feuers. 1663 B. Gerbier 23 The bording otherwayes is much subject to rott. 1756 C. Lucas i. 207 The more compound the water..the more subject will the patients be to fevers. 1863 May 375 The leaf and chaff of the cereals are subject to a disease called rust. 1879 J. A. Froude xxviii. 483 He became subject to epileptic fits. 1920 P. J. Fryer xlvi. 708 Many insect pests are subject to bacterial and fungoid diseases which are very contagious and rapidly fatal. 2000 C. D. Whiteman iv. 35 A person in a low-temperature environment, especially if improperly dressed, may be subject to frostbite..or hypothermia. 5. the world > action or operation > operation upon something > [adjective] > involving subjection to action or influence > able or liable to be affected 1549 W. Thomas f. 114 Sens the decaie of the Romain empire, no realme in al the worlde hath ben so much subiect to alteracions and warres. 1559 W. Cuningham 97 That the supercelestiall bodies are subiect to alteration. 1574 St. Avstens Manuell in sig. Niiij Thou art not disseuered by places, nor altered by times, nor subiect vnto to and fro. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. v. 107 A man of my Kidney..that am as subiect to heate as butter. View more context for this quotation 1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes 2nd Intermeane 32 in II Is there nothing to be call'd Infanta, but what is subiect to exception? 1710 J. Addison No. 192. ⁋5 A kind of good Nature, that is not subject to any Change of Health. 1772 J. Priestley I. Ded. p. iv We are subject to successive impressions. 1817 J. Mill II. v. ix. 715 The parties were rendered subject to personal examination upon oath. 1832 D. Brewster v. 120 The nose..is more subject to change of perspective than any of the other features. 1855 D. Forbes 100 Accompanied by an adjective or pronoun subject to inflection. 1879 in IV. 96/1 He discovered that plants were subject to a regular sleep at night like animals. 1911 XXII. 677/1 The stage at which the young emerges from the egg is subject to considerable specific variation. 1962 D. R. Cox vii. 80 Suppose that a machine is subject to stoppages... There is thus an alternating sequence of running-times and repair-times. 2004 H. Kennedy (2005) v. 127 In a political climate generated by fear of terrorism, members of the judiciary may be subject to a host of pressures. society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > discount > [adjective] > subject to discount 1897 7 July 620/1 An effort has been made by the Associated Booksellers..to secure that net books should be sold at net prices, and that ‘subject’ books should not be sold under 25 per cent, discount. 1906 12 Oct. 10 What in the trade are known as subject-books..books that is to say which are subject to discount. 1928 Oxf. Bks. Secondary Schools (Price list) in (at cited word) Books of which the published prices have been made ‘subject’. 1998 K. E. Kelly in C. Innes (2000) i. ii. 39 The Net Book Agreement, first proposed in 1890 by Frederick Macmillan, by which new books would be divided into two categories, net books, to be sold at the published price without discount, and subject books, to be sold subject to discount at each bookseller's discretion. 1554 J. Gwynneth f. 31v I aske not of their corporall meate, nor of ours nother, whiche to them was, and to vs is, subiecte to the eie, and other outwarde sences. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin ii. xvi. f. 112 The worke of God is not yet no worke at all, althoughe it be not subiect to our capacitie. 1591 J. Harington Briefe Apol. Poetrie in tr. L. Ariosto sig. ¶iij The holy scriptures..are..not subiect to euerie weake capacitie. 1611 C. Tourneur (new ed.) iii. sig. F4v I feele a substance, warme..and moist, Subiect to the capacitie of sense. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 303 Be subiect to no sight but thine, and mine. View more context for this quotation 1620 T. Granger 41 The formes of artificiall things are subiect to our sence. 1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin (new ed.) i. xxii. 55 Scrotum or Scortum, hanging out like a purse or bag, and subject to the touch. 1674 J. Dryden & W. Davenant (new ed.) v. 80 They are Spirits, with which the Air abounds..but that they are not subject To poor feeble mortal Eyes. 1732 H. Felton vi. 332 The first Notion we have of Existence, is the meer Being of anything, that is subject to our Senses. 1744 G. Berkeley (ESTC T45794) (Contents) Pure elementary fire how inherent in bodies without being subject to the senses. 1822 Jan. 496 His [sc. Dugald Stewart's] theory of dreaming is founded upon the hypothesis that there are some faculties which are subject to the faculty of volition, and some over which volition has no controul. 1898 Apr. 409 Material substance is that which is subject to the senses and is capable of the three dimensions of length, breadth and thickness. 1912 (Inst. Brothers Christian Schools) i. vii. 72 When the object studied belongs to the material world and may be subject to the senses either directly, or indirectly by means of pictures or similar representations. 1997 J. K. Noyes ii. 70 The deployment of passion is subject to the faculty of reason. the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > tendency > [adjective] > inclined > to do something or towards some physical state 1566 W. Painter tr. O. Landi ii. f. 41 Why is not that ayer good, which is both hote and moyst? Bicause it is very subiect to be corrupted. c1590 A. Montgomerie xxv. 5 Syn I am subject somtyme to be seik. 1600 W. Shakespeare iii. ii. 298 How subiect we old men are to this vice of lying? View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. ii. 14 A widdow, husbandles, subiect to feares. View more context for this quotation a1625 J. Boys (1630) 751 Toll-gatherers, as being subject to many foule extortions and oppressions. 1643 in (1907) IV. 286 Nere any howses or other materialls which are subiect to take fyer. 1667 S. Pepys 20 Feb. (1974) VIII. 74 How mean a thing a king is, how subject to fall. 1683 J. Moxon II. 313 The Inck would be subject to run off. 1721 R. Bradley 95 The smaller Kinds of Animals, and such as are subject to be destroyed, encrease more plentifully. 1759 R. Brown 52 Some young sows..are subject to eat their pigs. 1793 J. Smeaton (ed. 2) §170 Any thing being in the way..would be subject to hitch upon the stone. 1843 T. Andrewes 36 In the redstart, redbreast, and some others, the lower mandible is more subject to grow than the upper one. 1854 J. Scoffern in Chem. 433 Potash glass is less subject to crack. 2009 A. J. Gunn iv. 38 As an urban teen in America, I was subject to become a victim of all of those social ills. the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adjective] 1662 H. B. 214 The Pernor shall hold it subject to the Agreement of A. for some think there shall be an Election after, as if he had granted his part to a Stranger. 1708 11 Which Alterations and Amendments shall be subject to the Approbation of the Chief Justice of Her Majesties Court of Queens-Bench for the time being. 1722 15 Subject to the approbation or disallowance of a General Court or Assembly of such intended Corporation. 1792 J. Wilson & T. M'Kean 138 The framers of this constitution wisely divided the legislative department, between two houses subject to the qualified negative of the president. 1848 J. J. S. Wharton 182/1 Disbarring, expelling a barrister from the bar, a power vested in the benchers of the four inns of court, subject to an appeal to fifteen Judges. 1883 10 Nov. 21/2 All other business should be transacted by single judges subject to appeal. 1890 63 734/1 His power to institute criminal proceedings is subject to the conditions imposed by sect. 2 of that Act. 1940 27 Feb. 14/4 The reopening [sc. of Spanish stock exchanges] is subject to various restrictions aimed at curbing over-speculation. 1993 6 Oct. a6/3 The plan..is subject to public comment and review by the Securities and Exchange Commission. III. Situated below something. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > scholasticism > [noun] > matter, form, or essence the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > ancient Greek philosophy > post-Socratic philosophy > [noun] > Aristotelianism > elements of the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun] a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. x. iv. 558 Fire is nouȝt perceyued wiþouten matiere subiect, þat is matiere þat fire wurchiþ inne. ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (BL Add. 10340) (1868) v. pr. iv. l. 4775 Þe wit comprehendiþ fro wiþ outen furþe þe figure of þe body of þe man þat is establissed in þe matere subiect [L. in subjecta materia]. But þe ymaginacioun [comprehendith only the figure with owte the matere]. 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye I. 29 We will intreat of the passions of the soule, as of our chiefe matter subiect. 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye I. 172 Aristotle saith, that nature in one respect is said to be the first & chiefe matter subiect of euery thing that hath being. 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye I. 441 Looke out some matter subject, apt, and fit to recreate our spirits withall. 1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus ii. 70 Hauing made sufficient digression, let us resume the matter subject where we left. 1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch 768 The matter of all subject things is most disordinate; the Idea of all mouldes and patterns, most beautifull; but God of all causes simply the best. 1607 T. Walkington 46 It is that will..that keepes a comely decorum in observing the time, the place, the matter subject, the object, and every singular circumstance. 1624 T. Gataker 18 In the Popish hoast are qualities found..that haue no subiect body to subsist in, being not the qualities of Christs body, and yet hauing no other body for them to subsist in. 1681 R. Baxter sig. B3v The constitutive, essential parts [of the Universal Church], are only Christ and his subject-body: The noblest, organical parts of that body, are Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. 1744 H. Brooke 156 And let her form be what you will, I am the subject essence still. 10. the world > space > relative position > low position > [adjective] > lower in position ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 143 (MED) The region Hircany hathe on the este parte to hit the see of Caspy..on the weste, Hiberia, beenge subiecte to Caucasus. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay i. xvi. 17 This Bourg..is enuironed with great hilles, vnto which of all sides it is subiect. 1590 E. Spenser i. xi. sig. Lv Long he them bore aboue the subiect plaine. 1590 E. Spenser iii. vii. 4 A little valley, subiect to the same. 1695 R. Blackmore vi. 157 They..all around the Subject Ocean view'd. 1700 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Twelfth Bk. Metamorphoses in 423 Fame sits aloft; and sees the subject Ground; And Seas about, and Skies above; enquiring all around. 1795 R. Southey (1853) v. 52 As o'er the subject landskip round I gazed. 1815 ‘Agrestis’ xxii The Baron's iron reign O'erawed, for leagues, the subject plain. 1878 M. O'C. Morris xxix. 432 From one of these higher undulations a splendid view is gained of the subject valley below. 1907 F. Thompson 162 And from the subject earth it [sc. a cloud] seemed to scorn, It drew the sustenance whereby it grew Perfect in bosom for the married Morn. the world > space > relative position > low position > [adjective] > situated or placed under ?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. Aiijv, in The mystempered flesshe ought to be deuysed in two dyfferences. The fyrste is whan the subiect flesshe is out of nature in an onely qualyte. The seconde is whan with the euyl qualyte it hath tumour agaynst nature. 1578 J. Banister iv. f. 55v The viij. Muscles of Abdomen..are propugnacles, and defences to the subiect partes. 1667 (Royal Soc.) 2 497 I suppose, several subject Earths, Currents and Winds do vary it [phosphorescence of the sea]. 1691 T. Heyrick Submarine Voy. xi. 8 in Birds, the wild Inhabitants o'th' Air, That to the subject Sea for food repair. 1745 C. Jennens i. i. 4 The Rapid Cyrus has, like the antient universal Deluge, O'erflow'd the Subject Earth. 1828 G. S. Faber II. iii. ii. 49 In the vision as displayed to Daniel, the lion, after he has emerged from the sea, expands the two wings of an eagle which are attached to his shoulders, and mounts aloft from the subject earth. society > communication > manifestation > manifestness > openness or unconcealedness > [adjective] 1556 R. Robinson tr. T. More (ed. 2) sig. Siiii So finely set furth..and so euidently subiect to the eye [L. oculis subiectam]. B. adv.the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adverb] 1722 Table of Statutes sig. A2 In Trustees for His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors for ever, subject to an Agreement made on His Majesties behalf. 1769 D. Pickering XXIV. 468/1 The King may grant to Geo. Glas and his partners, sole power to trade for 21 years to Port Regeala or Gueder, in South Barbary, subject to a compensation by parliament. 1832 H. Martineau v. 77 She wrote to her husband's dictation, subject to the suggestions of his companions. 1844 B. Disraeli III. ix. vii. 348 Subject to an ample annuity to Villebecque, she bequeathed the whole of her fortune to the husband of Edith. 1911 c. 55. §7 Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Insurance Commissioners may make regulations providing for..payment of contributions..by means of adhesive or other stamps affixed to or impressed upon books or cards, or otherwise. 1983 B. A. K. Rider iii. 158 It was then announced that, subject to the proposed take-over not being referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, a general offer would be made at this price. 2000 (Cable & Wireless) 29/2 The Government has stated an intention in principle to enter EMU, subject to a referendum and the UK meeting defined economic criteria. Phrasessociety > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xv. 26 He hath maad suget [L. subjecit] alle thingis vndir his feet. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 277 Franci..made alle þe lond sogett, ffrom Sicambria anon to þe Ryne. c1440 (Thornton) (1913) 114 (MED) He..made subiect un-till hym alkyn nacyonns. c1450 J. Lydgate Kings of Eng. (Bodl. Add.) in (1934) ii. 720 (MED) Edward the Furst..made subiecte All Walys, and put hem vndur yekke. a1500 (?a1450) (Harl. 7333) (1879) 232 Now he is takyn & made soget to his Enmyes, & þou art free. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin i. f. 17 No man could then gesse that there should be any such Cyrus..that should bring subiect so mightie a monarchie vnder his dominion. 1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Scotl. 374/1 in I Not ceassing, til he had brought the Welchmen subiect at his pleasure. a1586 in W. A. Craigie (1919) I. 393 Suppois my sensualitie Subiect to syn hes maid my saule of syss. 1643 J. Burroughes 294 Conscience..is here made subject to low and vile things. 1723 R. Blackmore iv. 119 The august assembled Lords of Rome Acquitted Princes or pronounc'd their Doom, Made subject Monarchs, and imperious sway'd The conquer'd Nations. 1828 2 28 That part which we call the Marches, being next adjoining unto England,..was the first part subdued, and brought subject to England. 1871 J. Pickford tr. Bhavabuti ii. 141 In the world of mortals compassion is a mere handful of powder, which can make subject all the senses. 1902 8 39 Freedom..consists not less of a power-relation to others, of the possibility of..making others tributary or subject. 1984 G. Jones (rev. ed.) ii. ii. 91 Those..who worked in the forests, and saltmen, and all takers of prey by sea and by land—all these were now made subject to him. Compounds 1720 A. Bruce 173 'Tis usually long before Subject-Superiors can be transacted with. 1734 34 Such Charters are granted by the Sovereign only, and by no Subject Superior. a1768 J. Erskine (1773) I. ii. vii. §6 281 In lands holden of subject-superiors. 1882 XIV. 264/1 The means of commuting the services they had bound themselves to pay to the ‘subject superior’, and of converting themselves into direct vassals of the crown. 2003 S. Irvine (ed. 2) ix. 144 The burghs of barony were much smaller,..created with the permission of the Crown by someone who in Scotland would be referred to as a superior or subject superior. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022). subjectv. Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly a borrowing from French. Probably partly a borrowing from Latin. Probably partly formed within English, by conversion. Etymons: French subjecter ; Latin subiectāre ; Latin subiect- , subicere ; subject adj.; subject n. Etymology: Probably partly (i) < (a) Middle French subjecter, subgecter, subgeter to subjugate, hold in submission (c1300 in Old French; compare Anglo-Norman sugester (12th cent.)), and its etymon (b) classical Latin subiectāre to throw up from below, to apply below, in post-classical Latin also to subordinate (14th cent. in British sources), to provide with a subject (frequently from 14th cent. in British sources), frequentative formation < subicere (see subject adj.); partly (ii) < classical Latin subiect-, past participial stem of subicere (see subject adj.); partly (iii) < subject adj.; and partly (iv) < subject n. Compare Spanish sujetar, †subjetar (15th cent.), Portuguese sujeitar (1561), Italian soggettare (a1642 as subbiettare).In Middle English prefixed and unprefixed forms of the past participle are attested (see y- prefix). I. Senses related to subject adj. I. 1. society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] > make subject to a1382 (Douce 370) (1850) 2 Chron. xxviii. 10 The sonis of Juda and of Jerusalem ȝee wiln subjecten [L. subjicere] to ȝou seruauntis and hond wymmen. c1410 tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 169 Þe forseide Harolde, kyng of Norway..subjectid [L. subjugavit] unto hym Denmark. 1530 J. Palsgrave 742/1 They be nowe subjected to the emperour. a1540 in (1855) III. 38 Efter that the Romanis subjectit the Britones. 1565 in J. H. Burton (1877) 1st Ser. I. 362 Doand that in thame lyis to subject the haill stait of the commoun weill. 1603 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero 162 Some of them haue subiected themselues to this crowne. 1651 T. Hobbes ii. xix. 95 Men..consequently may subject themselves, if they think good, to a Monarch. 1667 J. Milton xii. 93 God in Judgement just Subjects him from without to violent Lords. View more context for this quotation a1684 J. Evelyn anno 1646 (1955) II. 518 Should the Swisse..be subj<e>cted to France or Spaine. 1758 tr. C. Rollin (ed. 4) I. Pref. p. i The Medes and Persians, who were themselves subjected by the Macedonians. 1798 W. Oppenheim tr. 423 The Valley Pollicella..obtained great privileges from the Venetians, in consequence of its having been the first valley which subjected itself to that state. 1812 R. Southey in Dec. 328 By abolishing that system in the countries which he has subjected, and by necessitating its abolishment in others. 1903 R. Mayr in H. F. Helmolt VII. i. 57 The Schmalkaldic League..was joined by the largest and most influential cities, which unconditionally subjected themselves to their ancient enemies, the ruling princes. 2005 G. Woolf in K. Galinsky ii. v. 118 All territory west of the Phasis and the Euphrates has been subjected to the Romans and rulers appointed by them. society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] c1460 in A. Clark (1907) 56 (MED) Bothe parties haue i-subiecte þem-selfe by goode feyth to our Jurisdiccion. a1475 in A. Clark (1905) i. 325 He subiected hym-selfe to þe constreininge of ony iuge. ?1540 in tr. Erasmus To Rdr. sig. ✠vi He willeth euery soule to be subiected to the hygher power and obedyent to theyr prynce. 1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Pref. All subieckit to the seruice of ane lord. 1556 W. Lauder sig. B4v How thay suld, Instruct thare floke That ar subiectit to thare ȝoke. 1589 (1881) 81 They bee of so base a mould, as they can verie well subject themselves to any government. a1661 T. Fuller (1662) Derb. 233 A meek..man, much beloved of such who were subjected to his jurisdiction. 1693 J. Dryden tr. Last Parting of Hector & Andromache in 464 I see thee, in that fatal Hour, Subjected to the Victor's cruel Pow'r. 1752 Feb. 98/1 There was..a great party for subjecting their native country to the tyrannical power of the pope of Rome. 1798 M. Noble I. 216 Sir Thomas..subjected the whole country to the jurisdiction of the parliament. 1835 C. Thirlwall I. vii. 272 Phalces subjected Sicyon to the Dorian sway. 1839 T. Keightley II. 42 Subjecting them to an unheard of tyranny. 1854 J. H. Newman i. 85 The service to which they were subjected was no matter of choice. 1902 A. Lang II. 354 He had subjected the Kirk men to the king's ordinances, and..had taught that presbyteries were ‘a foolish invention’. 1999 K. Terraciano in J. C. Laursen vi. 113 Mendieta protested the treatment of natives in the colonial system, especially the excessive compulsory labor service to which they were subjected. 2. society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (intransitive)] a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. iv. 31 Ne sochete [L. subjicias] thou thee to eche man for synne. a1425 J. Wyclif (1871) II. 248 (MED) Many men þat wolen have worship of þis world..sugette oþer men to hem for þe pride þat þei have in þer hert. c1475 (?c1400) (1842) 109 Tul he soget him to þe biddingis of þe apostil. a1513 W. Dunbar (1998) I. 262 Thy vengeance seis on ws, to syn subiectit. a1530 W. Bonde (1531) iii. f. CCxi [He] hath subgect all thynges to hym, & put them vnder his fete. ?1569 W. Lauder sig. Biii Least tha alwayis, with Sin suld be subieckit. a1590 in Suppl. (S.T.S.) 199 Þai sleichtis sell neuir subgek me. 1605 sig. G4v I will not subiect my desire herein, And wait vpon his leisure. 1614 W. Raleigh i. ii. i. §1. 217 Altogether feminine, and subiected to ease and delicacie. 1643 J. Burroughes 39 If he subject that to his own base ends. 1654 J. Bramhall ii. 9 They have subjected Oecumenical Councels..to the Jurisdiction of the Papal Court. 1667 J. Milton viii. 607 Yet these subject not. View more context for this quotation 1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond 342 [Religion] compells, and doth not subject enough. 1734 tr. C. Rollin (1827) I. Pref. 51 In order the better to subject the minds of the people. 1744 J. Swift i. 10 This Doctrine of subjecting ourselves to one another. 1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in 1st Ser. II. ii. 33 He..was unwilling to subject himself to that which was exacted in polite society. 1920 L. M. Smith x. 108 Christ, who deigned to subject Himself to His mother, commanded men to honour their parents. 1998 A. Rubenstein ii. 46 The stereotypical traditional women..subjected themselves to their husbands, fathers, and sons. society > authority > power > influence > have influence with [verb (transitive)] > exert influence upon 1605 sig. F3 To be threatned and subiected by him. 1663 R. L'Estrange sig. E2 The Stationers, on the other side, They would Subject the Printers to be absolutely Their Slaves. 1670 I. Walton Life J. Donne 29 in Sir Robert put on as suddain a resolution, to subject Mr. Donne to be his Companion in that Iourney. the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > control oneself or the emotions [verb (transitive)] 1620 T. Venner vii. 114 Such as respect their health, and can subiect their appetite. 1660 R. Coke 15 Subjecting all their passions and affections. 1737 Aug. 156 It ought to be every ones chief Aim to subject his Passions. 1777 F. Carter II. 428 This teaches them early in life to subject their passions. 1896 O. S. Marden x. 157 A gentleman..subjects his appetites, refines his tastes, subdues his feelings, controls his speech, and deems every other as good as himself. 1904 C. E. Orr i. xiv. 303 The true, devoted Christian..will so subject his appetites and passions, that his whole conduct in every respect will be an adornment of the doctrine of God his Savior. society > authority > subjection > be under authority [verb (intransitive)] society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit [verb (intransitive)] c1475 (?c1400) (1842) 76 (MED) New law techiþ þat no prest nor clerk ow to soget to no seculer lord. 1622 T. Scott 1 The Creatures subjected to his gouernment, in their voluntarie obedience. 1624 W. Bedell v. 90 Shee kils with the spirituall sword, those that subiect not to her. 1644 P. Hunton iv. 20 He is unresistible, and to be subjected to actively in lawfull things. 1720 R. Wodrow (1843) II. 477 His Majesty's government, which they most heartily pray for, and subject to in all things they possibly can. II. Senses related to subject n. II.the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] c1400 J. Wyclif (1871) III. 405 (MED) Þo sacrament of þo chalis may opinly shewe, ffirst, swettenesse of wyne and, aftir, sournesse..Lord, wheþer swettenesse and sournesse ben sogettid in figure! c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius (Linc. Cathedral 103) 93 (MED) Aperteyneþ..oght to þe?..Darst þow reioyen þat þey in the be As þing subiectid in þy propre kynde? Art þou depeynted, semeþ in þy mynde, Wiþ floures of þe firste somer sesoun? 1606 B. Jonson 1 It is a noble and iust advantage, that the things subjected to Vnderstanding have of those which are objected to Sense. 1649 Bp. J. Taylor iii. xiii. §13 When the relations are subjected in persons religious, and holy. 1659 J. Pearson iv. 381 That all the sufferings of our Mediatour were subjected in his human nature. 1667 Bp. J. Taylor Introd. sig. B2v I hope I. S. does not suppose it [sc. infallibility] subjected in every single Christian man or woman. 1690 J. Norris 92 For such and such Vertues as subjected in Man. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > term of a proposition > [verb (transitive)] 1628 T. Spencer 129 How they be predicated, and how subiected. 1725 I. Watts iii. ii. §3 A fourth Figure wherein the middle Term is predicated in the major Proposition, and subjected in the minor. 1849 B. H. Smart App. 233 In what is called the second figure, the middle term is predicated in both premises; in what is called the third figure, it is subjected in both premises. 2001 G. Klima tr. J. Buridan v. i. 310 If the middle term is subjected in one premise and is predicated in the other, then we get the first figure, as in: ‘Every animal is a substance; every man is an animal; therefore, every man is a substance.’ III. Senses related to subject adj. II.the world > action or operation > operation upon something > have effect on [verb (transitive)] > make subject to an action or influence a1450 De Oblacione Iugis Sacrificii (Titus) l. 2110 in (2001) 210 Þe martir soiectiþ his bodi to turmentis. c1550 (1979) xx. 135 Euerye thing is subieckit to the proces of the tyme. 1611 M. Smith in Transl. Pref. ⁋2 As oft as we do any thing of note or consequence, we subiect our selues to euery ones censure. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iii. 37 I rather will subiect me to the malice Of a diuerted blood, and bloudie brother. View more context for this quotation c1660 J. Evelyn anno 1641 (1955) II. 38 It stands upon Contribution Land, which subjects the environs to the Spanish incursions. 1701 J. Swift iv. 46 One Folly, Infirmity or Vice, to which a single Man is subjected. 1758 J. Dalrymple (ed. 2) 91 Clauses, subjecting the whole to forfeiture, in case the prohibition was infringed. 1770 P. Luckombe 350 Having too much wooll in them..will subject them to soon hardening. 1792 E. Burke (1844) IV. 3 It would only subject the people to a renewal of the former outrages. 1830 I. D'Israeli III. 72 A mind thus deeply busied..was necessarily subjected to its peculiar infirmities. 1845 J. R. McCulloch i. iv. 114 Is all that is upon the farm..subjected to taxation? 1861 M. Pattison in Apr. 415 A blow or an abusive expression subjected the offender to a fine. 1882 XIV. 688/1 The nature of the trade carried on in public-houses has subjected them to a much more rigorous police supervision than ordinary trades. 1915 Sept. 352/2 More than 90 per cent of the colored glass used to safeguard the eyes of industrial workers, who are subjected to violet rays and intense heat, is injurious. 1999 M. Ramjohn (ed. 2) i. i. 16 Mary's taxable income may subject her to higher rate of tax. 2005 R. D. Bartlett 69/2 The surface sand is often dry and unless anchored by plant roots is subjected to wind-caused movement as well. the world > action or operation > operation upon something > have effect on [verb (transitive)] > subject to action or operation 1723 T. Rymer 60 He disposes the various Revolutions in the Condition of his Church; subjecting it sometimes to Clouds and Storms, Persecutions and Corruptions. 1793 J. Smeaton (ed. 2) §196 The work will always be dry, or subjected only to the rain. 1794 R. J. Sulivan I. 59 The polar parts being subjected to a colder medium, would be more compressed. 1801 Suppl. II. 357/2 One knows not how to subject to the laws of our perceptions that which is absolutely independent of them. 1838 T. Thomson 274 The alcohol is then to be separated by subjecting the matter to strong pressure in cloth. 1842 J. C. Loudon 94 This branch of garden management..has been subjected to scientific inquiry. 1855 A. Bain ii. ii. 459 Subject the same persons to an extremely faint exhalation of the same substance. 1870 F. M. Müller (1873) 125 When people began to subject the principal historical religions to a critical analysis. 1907 J. H. Patterson xix. 208 Just after this caravan had moved on we were subjected to some torrential rain-storms. 1920 (66th U.S. Congr. 1st Sess. House) 101 If that cargo is discharged at some intermediate point, and they put it on the open dock, subjecting it to exposure and subjecting it to damage by rain, [etc.]. 1955 June 44/2 Corporal of Horse Pomfret..subjected us to a dispassionate scrutiny. 2005 25 Sept. 92/1 If the hydrogen economy is to liberate us from fossil fuels, hydrogen will probably be isolated by subjecting water to electrolysis, which separates the liquid into hydrogen and oxygen. IV. Senses related to subject adj. III. 8. the world > space > relative position > low position > put in low position [verb (transitive)] > place under 1578 J. Banister v. f. 68v The rest of his way is subiected vnder Vena caua. 1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte viii. 116 Spaine is not so cold as the places subiected to the Pole. a1676 M. Hale (1677) ii. vii. 190 The like Volcans..happen sometimes in the Land subjected to the Sea. 1807 J. Barlow i. 30 O'er the proud Pyrenees it looks sublime, Subjects the Alps, and levels Europe's clime. society > communication > manifestation > showing to the sight > show to the sight [verb (transitive)] 1720 A. Pope Verses Addison's Medals in 27 In one short view, subjected to our eye, Gods, Emp'rors, Heroes, Sages, Beauties lye. 1776 106/2 It would be highly improper that their books should be..subjected to curious and impertinent eyes. 1798 (1799) Nov. 520 All human nature was subjected to his piercing eye. 1833 Oct. 550/1 The most enlightened man does not always think aright about what he truly sees; nor does he always see truly what is subjected to his eyes. 2002 Wu Hung iv. 52 He used an extension cord to take pictures on the street..and see what people and the city look like when they were not subjected to his eyes. Phrasessociety > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] > the neck to the yoke c1592 sig. A3 A number such as we subiect Their gentle neckes vnto their stubborne yoke, Of drudging labour. 1641 J. Jackson ii. 120 To subject their necks to the yoak of Christ. a1708 W. Beveridge (1709) 71 He thus subjected his Neck to the Yoke of His own law. 1834 Jan. 6 Distinctly blazoning his purpose never to subject his own neck to this intolerable yoke. 1906 tr. in E. H. Blair et al. XXXVI. 110 Upon being freed from the conjugal yoke she desired to subject her neck to that of religion. 2003 E. Leiva-Merikakis iii. 58 Only on condition that we willingly subject our neck to his yoke. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). <  n.c1330 adj.adv.a1375 v.a1382 |
