subtileadj.n.

Brit.

/ˈsʌtl/,

/ˈsʌbt(ᵻ)l/, U.S.

/ˈsədəl/,

/ˈsəbtl/

Forms: Middle English sobtil, Middle English soubtiel, Middle English soubtil, Middle English soubtile, Middle English subile (transmission error), Middle English subtiele, Middle English subtiell, Middle English suptyl, Middle English suptyle, Middle English–1500s subtyl, Middle English–1500s subtyll, Middle English–1500s subtylle, Middle English–1500s suptel, Middle English–1600s subtel, Middle English–1600s subtell, Middle English–1600s subtill, Middle English–1600s subtille, Middle English–1600s subtyle, Middle English– subtil (now archaic), Middle English– subtile, late Middle English soubstile (probably transmission error), 1500s sibtyle, 1500s sobtyll; also Scottish pre-1700 subteil, pre-1700 subteill, pre-1700 subtel, pre-1700 subtell, pre-1700 subtil, pre-1700 subtile, pre-1700 subtill, pre-1700 subtille, pre-1700 subtyle, pre-1700 subtyll, pre-1700 suptel.

Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly a borrowing from French. Probably partly a borrowing from Latin. Probably partly a variant or alteration of another lexical item; modelled on a Latin lexical item. Etymons: French subtil ; Latin subtīlis ; subtle adj.

Etymology: Probably partly (i) < Anglo-Norman and Middle French subtil, soubtil (first third of the 12th cent. in Old French, earliest in a text showing Occitan influence; French subtil ), variants of sutil , soutil subtle adj., partly (ii) < its ulterior etymon classical Latin subtīlis subtle adj., and partly (iii) a variant of subtle adj. with remodelling after classical Latin subtīlis (see discussion at subtle adj. and n.).On the division of material between this entry and subtle adj. and n. see discussion at that entry. The pronunciation with medial /b/ probably shows a modern spelling pronunciation; it is recorded in many 19th-cent. pronouncing dictionaries, both British and U.S., but in later use (20th and 21st cent.) it seems to be more common in U.S. use. In subtile matter n. at Compounds 2 after post-classical Latin materia subtilis (1489 or earlier; itself after Hellenistic Greek ὕλη λεπτομερής ); compare French matière subtile (see materia subtilis n.). With the use as noun compare French †subtil volatile substance (1614).

Now rare (chiefly superseded by subtle adj.).

A. adj.

I. Non-physical senses.

a. Of a person or animal, an action, behaviour, etc.: crafty, cunning; sly, treacherous; = subtle adj. 2.In quot. 1387-8 showing postposition and plural agreement, after French.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adjective]

warec888

craftyOE

hinderyeapc1000

yepec1000

foxc1175

slya1200

hinderc1200

quaint?c1225

wrenchfulc1225

wiltfula1250

wilyc1330

subtle1340

cautelous138.

sleightful1380

subtile1387

enginousa1393

wilfula1400

wilyc1407

sleighty1412

serpentinec1422

ginnousa1425

wittya1425

semyc1440

artificial?a1475

sleight1495

slapea1500

shrewdc1525

craftly1526

foxy1528

gleering?1533

foxish1535

insidious1545

vafrous1548

wily beguile1550

wilely1556

fine1559

todly1571

practic1585

subdolous1588

captious1590

witryff1598

cautel1606

cunninga1616

versute1616

shiftfula1618

artificious1624

insidiary1625

canny1628

lapwing-like1638

pawky?a1640

tricksome1648

callid1656

versutious1660

artful1663

slim1674

dexterous1701

trickish1705

supple1710

slid1719

vulpinary1721

tricksy1766

trickful1775

sneck-drawing1786

tricky1786

louche1819

sneck-drawn1820

slyish1828

vulpine1830

kokum1839

spidery1843

dodgy1861

ladino1863

carney1881

slinky1951

1387–8 Petition London Mercers in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 34 Many wronges subtiles & also open oppressions.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2125 To voide with a soubtil hond The beste goodes of the lond And bringe chaf and take corn.

c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 2559 Be war ȝe wemen of ȝoure subtyl fo.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) xxxvi. 119 It may fall yat..a man..ger the traiste he be thy best frende, be his fayre subtile langage, quhill he see his tyme to oursett the.

1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. C.vi^v He goeth aboute bi his sleightes and subtyle meanes, to frustrate the same.

1576 G. Gascoigne Princelye Pleasures Kenelwoorth (1821) 12 In sweetest flowres the subtyll snakes may lurke.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. ii. 92 Thou subtile, periur'd, false, disloyall man.

1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. ix. sig. I4 Taken with the subtile cozenages of Vice.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 199 Their [sc. crocodiles'] condition is subtile (such their bloudie teares when they haue deuoured a man proue them for).

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 71 The Goats..were so shy, so subtile, and so swift of Foot.

1752 E. Young Brothers iv. i They'll say the subtile statesman plann'd this marriage To raise his blood into his master's throne.

1814 R. Southey Roderick x. 346 And with such subtile toils enveloped him.

1846 J. C. Hare Mission of Comforter I. 137 To overcome sin's fiercest and subtilest temptations.

1917 A. Brown Bromley Neighbourhood xvi. 182 She might even be deluded by a proffer of affection... That was a subtile snare to set for her.

1932 T. E. Lawrence tr. Homer Odyssey (new ed.) xiv. 201 A very subtile Phoenician, one of those subverters who have wrought such havoc in the world.

†b. Of a look or glance: sly, furtive; surreptitious. Obsolete.In later use perhaps sometimes passing into sense A. 7.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adjective] > specifically of actions, qualities, etc.

craftyc1225

subtle1340

slyc1380

sleightlyc1402

subtilec1405

wilyc1407

sleighty1412

foxly1528

sleight1533

colubrinec1540

serpentical1546

fox-like1587

shrewd1589

vulpine1628

insidiating1632

serpentic1661

serpentary1681

artful1865

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Squire's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 277 Subtil lookyng and dissimulynges.

a1586 Ballad against Evil Women in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 392 Be subtill wrynkis and þair desaitfull talis.

1599 R. Tofte tr. E. Tasso Of Mariage & Wiuing sig. C^v With their paintings of white and redde: with their glaunces, that is their subtil lookes and false eyes.

1660 J. G. Let. Honourable Person (single sheet) The frequent use of a subtile wink and a nod.

1723 Pettifoggers 10 By dull Grimace, and subtile Winks, Perswades the World he always thinks.

1773 London Mag. Nov. 528/1 It would be folly to think of recalling the affections of a man, who bestows them upon every subtile glance of a sparkling eye.

1824 Knight's Q. Mag. Aug. 401 ‘Well, Sir,’ said the Chief Justice, facing the man with a smooth, but subtile look.

1892 K. P. Wormeley tr. H. de Balzac Madame Firmiani in Albert Savarus 283 A mute homage which she transfers with subtile glances to the man she loves.

†2. Of a person: skilful; expert; clever; = subtle adj. 4a. Also with in, of. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective]

prettyOE

hagherc1175

slyc1175

skilful1338

cunning1382

subtlec1390

subtilea1393

appertise1484

sleighta1513

practicatec1550

skilled1552

right-sided1575

canny1628

skilly1768

Oorlam1881

heads up1913

shit-hot1942

multi-skill1970

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 882 It [sc. the Sonne] causeth yit A man to be soubtil of wit To worche in gold.

c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 672 Sche..made hire subtyl werkemen make a schryne.

c1475 (c1375) G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite (Harl. 372) (1878) l. 88 He was double in loue and noo thynge pleyne And subtill in þat crafte ouere eny wight.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 35 [He] was rycht subtile jn speche of latyn.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xi. 277 He was the subtillest nygramancer that ever was in the worlde.

a1500 (?c1450) Merlin i. 21 This Blase was a nobill clerk and subtile.

c1550 Clariodus (1830) ii. 1361 This forsaid knicht..fetchit..Carvors, painters, and subtillest devysers, To make the listis to the interprisers.

a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 76 He brought with him an Monsieur Mombirneau, a subtill spreit,..and maist meit in all respects for bewitching of the youthe of a prince.

†3. Of a work of art, mechanical device, etc.: cleverly made or designed; ingenious. Cf. subtle adj. 5. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > ingenious > characterized by ingenuity

craftlyOE

quaintc1230

sly1297

subtilea1393

subtlea1400

cunning1423

prettyc1450

ingenious1548

politicc1550

well-contrived1563

conceited1579

well-invented1588

concepted1594

nimble1602

artful1605

artly?1614

artistical1646

callid1656

well-couched1671

tippy1863

genius1924

creative1967

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 1166 A wonder soubtil thing he wroghte.

c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §40. 49 I tok a subtil compas.

c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1188 Many subtile compassinges Rabewyures [read Babewyures or Babewynnes] and pynacles Ymageries and tabernacles I say.

1484 W. Caxton (title) Here begynneth the book of the subtyl historyes and Fables of Esope.

a1550 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (Sloane 1873) (1975) 2883 Which subtile fornace I deuyside allso, In which I fownde many wonders mo Then is convenient at this seson to tell.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. viii By great artifice and subtill architecture builded.

1659 J. Leak tr. I. de Caus New Inventions Water-works 23 A very Subtile Engin, to raise a standing Water, by means of the Sun.

4. Of the nature of or involving careful discrimination or fine points; †difficult to understand, abstruse (obsolete); = subtle adj. 3.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > [adjective]

higheOE

dighela1000

deepc1000

darkOE

starkOE

dusk?c1225

subtle1340

dimc1350

subtilea1393

covert1393

mystica1398

murka1400

cloudyc1400

hard?c1400

mistyc1400

unclearc1400

diffuse1430

abstractc1450

diffused?1456

exquisitec1460

obnubilous?a1475

obscure?a1475

covered1484

intricate?a1500

nice?a1500

perplexeda1500

difficilea1513

difficult1530

privy1532

smoky1533

secret1535

abstruse?1549

difficul1552

entangled1561

confounded1572

darksome1574

obnubilate1575

enigmatical1576

confuse1577

mysteriousa1586

Delphic1598

obfuscatea1600

enfumed1601

Delphicala1603

obstruse1604

abstracted1605

confused1611

questionable1611

inevident1614

recondite1619

cryptic1620

obfuscated1620

transcendent1624

Delphian1625

oraculous1625

enigmatic1628

recluse1629

abdite1635

undilucidated1635

clouded1641

benighted1647

oblite1650

researched1653

obnubilated1658

obscurative1664

tenebrose1677

hyperbyssal1691

condite1695

diffusive1709

profound1710

tenebricose1730

oracular1749

opaque1761

unenlightening1768

darkling1795

offuscating1798

unrecognizable1817

tough1820

abstrusive1848

obscurant1878

out-of-focus1891

unplumbable1895

inenubilable1903

non-transparent1939

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 1683 In proverbe and in probleme Sche spak, and bad he scholde deme In many soubtil question.

c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 115 Many a subtil reson forth they leyden.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 7 Jt be sum part subtile to vnderstand.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xiij^v Let vs not throughe a subtill interpretation accompt king Charles a Germanie.

1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Abstrusior Disputatio abstrusior, a more subtill, hard, or obscure disputacion.

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 352 [Odo] was committed to prison by a subtile distinction, as Earle of Kent, and not Bishop of Baieux.

1664 Comenius' Janua Ling. 755 The study of the Mathematicks is as profitable, as subtil (deep).

1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 411. ¶7 He particularly dissuades him from knotty and subtile Disquisitions.

1788 T. Reid Ess. Active Powers Man iii. iv. 162 There has been much subtile disputation in ancient and modern times.

1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella III. ii. xxv. 424 Listening to the arguments of some of his theological brethren, generally on some subtile question of school divinity.

1884 W. T. Lusk Sci. & Art Midwifery (front matter) 5/1 Though it deals with many subtile subjects, it expounds them in a style which is admirable for its clearness and simplicity.

1920 G. T. W. Patrick Psychol. Social Reconstruction ii. 30 Omitting here any reference to this subtile point, [etc.].

1989 Z. Levy Baruch or Benedict vi. 183 Nowadays no native Hebrew speaker pays attention to these subtile distinctions.

5. Of a person, the mind, or intellectual activity: characterized by wisdom or perceptiveness; discriminating, discerning; shrewd; = subtle adj. 1.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > [adjective]

glewc725

wiselyc900

snoterc950

wiseOE

keena1000

witterc1100

redewisec1225

redefulc1275

well-donec1275

witfulc1275

sage1297

redya1325

heartya1382

prudenta1382

hearteda1425

subtilea1450

sapient1471

Palladian1562

wittiful1590

judicious1591

cordate1651

sophical1739

sophica1773

sapientious1852

unbesotted1875

sapiential1882

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [adjective]

subtlec1300

subtilea1450

judgemented1548

sundry1564

refined1574

discerning1583

respective1597

discernible1603

divisive1603

distinct1606

distinctional1607

discriminativea1638

distinctive1646

distinctial1648

discernable1650

discriminating1650

sagacious1650

discriminanta1656

dignoscitive1674

distinguishing1699

discriminate1743

discriminatory1745

diacritical1856

discriminational1918

a1450–1500 ( Libel Eng. Policy (1926) l. 1038 What had this kynge of high magnificens, Of grete corage..Discrecion, subtile avisifenesse.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. v. 65 Ther was a kynge of so subtyll engyne That [etc.].

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 194 Gerames, who was subtyl, wel perceyued the mynde of the lady.

c1580 ( tr. Bk. Alexander (1921) II. ii. l. 3276 The gude man..was richt wyse and subtell baith.

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 76 She is too subtile for thee.

1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 60 How or why that should have such influence upon the Spirits..I am not subtil enough to discern.

1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity ii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 440 With subtil Wit and fair Discourse.

1741 W. Oldys et al. Betterton's Hist. Eng. Stage iii. 34 This was a Nicety in Acting that none but the most subtile Player could so much as conceive.

1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. vi. 125 The most subtile diplomatist.

1839 Literary & Theol. Rev. Dec. 525 Notwithstanding the best instruction from the Scriptures and the most ingenious and subtile reasoning of divines.

1875 E. C. Stedman Victorian Poets (1887) xi. 411 A subtile observer would perceive how truly he [sc. Shelley] represents his own time.

1914 Amer. Hist. Rev. 19 616 If Dr. von Ruville is too subtile by half, Mr. Williams is perhaps not subtile enough.

6. Of a feeling, sense, sensation, etc.: acute, keen.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > acuteness of physical senses > [adjective]

sharpc1000

quick?1526

subtile1565

acute1641

quick-set1653

keenc1720

the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > [adjective] > more painful

exasperate1601

subtile1718

1565 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodiake of Life (new ed.) viii. sig. EE.j^v Some beasts haue subtile sense, and some are dull and slowe.

1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iii. v. 99 Our sight is farre more subtill and apprehensiue then is our hearing.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 2 The stinch also offends it, and makes those heart-sick whose smelling is subtile.

1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity iii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 478 Pass we the slow Disease, and subtil Pain.

1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 54 In which I suppose there is contained their most Subtile sense of feeling.

1868 Ladies' Repository Jan. 22/2 The sorrowful, defiant heart flees the thick-strewn memories of the lonely house;..their fragrance is full of subtile pain.

1905 L. Whiting Outlook Beautiful 142 There are more subtile senses than the eye and the ear, and these take finer cognizance.

7. Involving distinctions that are fine or delicate, esp. to such an extent as to be difficult to discern or analyse; (also) almost imperceptible, elusive; = subtle adj. 6a, 6b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > inexplicableness > [adjective]

unplitable?c1425

unexplicable1532

inexplicable1546

subtle1547

irresolute1574

subtile1582

undissoluble1587

incomprehensible1604

unexpoundable1611

unfoldable1611

inexplainable1623

unsalvable1624

uninterpretable1625

indissolvable1637

unaccountable1643

inaccountable1647

unexplainablea1711

undecipherable1757

irresolvable1785

indecipherable1853

unconstruable1856

inconstruable1874

unravellable1881

1582 G. Martin Discov. Corruptions Holy Script. xxi. 198 They labour tooth and naile to make this subtil difference.

1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 5 But of that clocke within our breasts we beare, The subtill motions we forget the while.

a1626 F. Bacon Valerius Terminus in Lett. & Remains (1734) 414 Other virtues consist in more subtile proportions then colours do.

1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 305 Those other more fine, and subtile vertues I cannot learne at Court.

1752 D. Hume Polit. Disc. i. 3 Some principles..which may seem too refin'd and subtile for such vulgar subjects.

1794 Freemasons' Mag. Sept. 191 There are subtile differences in the organization of the two sexes.

1809 R. Southey Thalaba (ed. 2) I. iii. xi. 108 When the Spirit spake, the motionless air Felt not the subtile [1801 subtle] sounds, Too fine for mortal sense.

1858 H. W. Longfellow Courtship Miles Standish vi. 4 As if thought had the power to draw to itself..Whatsoever it touches, by subtile laws of its nature.

1885 F. B. Van Voorst Without Compass 20 Those intricate questions that possess so subtile a charm.

1911 P. Lowell Soul Far East (new ed.) vi. 82 The faint suggestion of a smile on an otherwise serious face, so subtile that the observer is left wondering whether the artist could have meant what seems more like one's own ingenious discovery.

II. Senses relating to physical thinness or fineness.

a. Having little thickness or breadth; thin, fine; = subtle adj. 9a. Also figurative and in figurative contexts.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > condition of being long in relation to breadth > slenderness > [adjective]

subtlea1382

subtilea1393

subtilec1392

smiltc1400

fine?a1425

thina1425

exile?1440

slender1444

tenuious1495

jimp?a1513

lenye1513

fine-spuna1555

nice1567

spindled1584

gracile1590

snever1640

tenuous1656

slim1657

gracilious1688

gracilent1727

twittery1819

flitterya1834

attenuate1848

spiry1849

low-profile1906

matchlike1906

slimline1949

c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 20 (MED) Perce thanne al the circumference of this defferent in 360 subtil holes equales of space.

1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) v. xlii. 158 vj pryncypall guttes, thre of theym ben subtyll..and thre aren grete.

c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 68 Wolle y-tesed or subtile stupez of line.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 225 They made a subtile hoole vnder hit with a nelde.

1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 189^v He putteth his toonge to one of the ryftes..being as subtyle as the edge of a swoorde.

1612 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes Don-Quixote: Pt. 1 i. iii. 18 Some slight and subtill wallets, which could scarce be perceiued.

1653 H. Harflete Banquet of Ess. vi. 57 Hypocrisie can easily fit a man with a Linsey-woolsey garment..whose subtile threed of deceit is within side, but the plaine web of simplicity without side.

1699 G. Harvey Vanities Philos. & Physick xii. 153 I do conceive the Drum of the Ear to be a thin subtil Membrane.

1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 582 Arachne's subtile line.

1764 J. Erskine Ministers of Gospel Cautioned 13 Scholastical niceties, metaphysical distinctions, and a fine subtile thread of reasoning, may indeed sometimes be necessary in answering metaphysical objections against religion.

1813 Amer. Med. & Philos. Reg. Oct. 190 The skin, a much thicker membrane than the fine subtile membrane of the omentum.

1870 J. R. Lowell Among my Bks. (1873) 1st Ser. 158 Every subtilest fibre of feeling.

1913 J. T. Durward Holy Land & Holy Writ xlvi. 750 Then comes the silk-making; the worm wrapping itself round and round with thousands of feet of the subtile thread.

†b. Of a ship: narrow, slender. Obsolete (historical and rare after 16th cent.).

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel of specific construction or shape > [adjective] > of specific general shape

subtile1490

subtle1511

round1600

pinched1655

clean1709

sharp1709

hogged1760

lean1769

beamy1882

broad-beamed1883

1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xl. 151 xxx grete shyppes and four score galeys subtyl.

1524 R. Copland tr. J. de Bourbon Syege Cyte of Rodes in Begynnynge Ordre Knyghtes Hospytallers sig. Bv Galles, as well bastardes subtyle mahonnets.

1881 Naval Encycl. 737/1 Three [men to an oar] were more common in the 14th century, and 4 in the 16th, in the light, or subtile galley.

a. Having a thin consistency; rarefied; pervasive; = subtle adj. 11. Cf. subtile matter n. at Compounds 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > [adjective]

thin849

subtilea1393

airya1398

subtlea1398

rarea1400

shirec1400

finea1425

solutec1440

intenuate1471

slender1528

ethereal1590

tenuous1597

spare1602

unsolid1611

unsolute1612

tenuious1634

etherical1656

airlike1821

wire-drawn1876

the world > space > shape > condition of being long in relation to breadth > slenderness > [adjective]

subtlea1382

subtilea1393

subtilec1392

smiltc1400

fine?a1425

thina1425

exile?1440

slender1444

tenuious1495

jimp?a1513

lenye1513

fine-spuna1555

nice1567

spindled1584

gracile1590

snever1640

tenuous1656

slim1657

gracilious1688

gracilent1727

twittery1819

flitterya1834

attenuate1848

spiry1849

low-profile1906

matchlike1906

slimline1949

the world > matter > gas > air > [adjective] > specific qualities of (the) air > thin or light

smalla1398

subtlea1398

rarefied1523

subtile1590

thin1667

volatile1698

ambient1763

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 242 This soubtil water myhtely..The strengthe of therthe perceth ofte.

c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 59 (MED) If it be for humour, þat is..for it is scharp, or subtile, or watrye.

1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) v. xix. sig. h iii^v/1 The ayre & brethe drawen in by the mouth is amended & puryd, and made subtyll [a1398 BL Add. sotile] therin.

1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) iii. xvii. sig. d v/2 Subtyl [a1398 BL Add. sotil] humour temprith & puryth that that is in the lymmes of þe syȝte.

1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Biii ^v It [sc. the risen body] shall be subtyle y^t it shall perce thorowe the stone walles.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. vii. sig. Ii6 An Eagle, that with plumy wings doth sheare The subtile ayre.

1655 J. Howell 4th Vol. Familiar Lett. l. 120 As if they had som subtile invisible Atomes wherby they [sc. thoughts] operat.

1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia 150 The fat, is hot, subtile and better than the rest.

1738 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer III. xviii. 73 By the subtile Salts of the Lime, it will make its way into the Pores..of the Wood.

a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 4 Some have thought that air is nothing more than earth or water expanded, and assuming a more subtil form.

1839 P. B. Lord Pop. Physiol. (ed. 2) 347 Three theories are ventured on the subject: 1st, that a very fine subtile fluid is transmitted from the brain to the nerves.

1872 J. G. Murphy Crit. Comm. Leviticus vii. 37 The fat and the flesh turned by the fire of the altar into a subtile fume.

1920 F. C. Bicknell tr. J.-H. Fabre Secret of Everyday Things lvi. 305 The gas generated by the semi-combustion of carbon is as invisible and subtile as the air itself.

†b. figurative and in extended use. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. H8 Corporeall wight such subtile virtue never has.

1687 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II (ed. 2) II. vii. 628 The Arguments of it would be too thin and subtile for vulgar capacities.

1829 I. Taylor Nat. Hist. Enthusiasm ii. 26 The region of abstract conceptions..has an atmosphere too subtile to support the health of true piety.

1844 R. W. Emerson Discipline in Nature in Wks. (1906) II. 158 The air resembles the light which traverses it with more subtile currents.

†10. Of a voice: thin, weak. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > [adjective] > thin or weak

weaka1300

subtilea1398

sprotya1500

forfeebled1513

exile1610

fluted1828

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxxi. 1388 In subtile vois þe spirite is nouȝt stronge.

?1533–4 R. Saltwood Compar. bytwene iiij. Byrdes sig. C.j My nowne person doth it present With prompt seruys and voyce subtyl.

1602 tr. B. Guarini Pastor Fido i. iv. sig. D The body of the plane tree trembled there, And out of it there came a subtill voyce.

1653 J. Davies tr. C. Sorel Extravagant Shepherd ii. 49 The Eccho..Metamorphos'd into a subtile voyce, which can go from one place to another.

†11. Of fine or delicate texture or composition; delicately formed; (of food) light; = subtle adj. 8. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > other specific kinds of texture > [adjective] > fine

smalleOE

subtlea1382

subtilea1398

finec1400

tearc1400

delicate?a1425

fine-spuna1555

filmy1604

cypress1605

thin-spun1638

curious1665

filmlike1804

feathery1864

pinpoint1899

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. iii. ix. 98 Þe vertue of felinge haþ place in þe most subtile chambres of the brayn.

c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1871) l. 272 A subtyl couercheif of valence.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. i. 79 More subtile & more deyntous metes.

1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. x. sig. f. viii Trees the whiche in stede of leues bere wulle, of whiche is made cloth right fair & subtyle.

1597 W. Langham Garden of Health 535 Rose water..maketh the skinne subtill and thinne.

1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 11 Her subtile forme thou onely canst define.

1616 B. Jonson Masque of Beautie (rev. ed.) 210 in Wks. I A thinne subtile [1608: subtle] vaile ouer her haire.

a1665 K. Digby Closet Opened (1669) 113 Strain the[m] clean through a subtil strainer.

1732 G. West Stowe 11 At length the last, white, subtile Veil withdrew, And those mysterious Charms expos'd to view.

1832 J. Hogg Queer Bk. 88 Her refined and subtile frame..seem'd soul alone.

1880 Appleton's Jrnl. July 39/1 Those..things which are facilely shown by painting are most difficult in the more solid and less subtile materials of sculpture.

†12. Consisting of fine particles; finely powdered; (of a particle) fine, minute; = subtle adj. 10. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > granular texture > [adjective] > powdery or dusty > made powdery > finely

subtle1394

subtilec1425

levigated1651

c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 41 Þe moste subtile mele of barly.

1513 Life Henry V (1911) 110 Many heapes of sand, w^ch was so subtill and smale, that it mooued w^th everie wynde.

1545 T. Raynald tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde iii. sig. X.iii^v Beynge fyrst beaten to subtyle powder.

c1600 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliad ix. 629 The subtile fruit of flax.

1682 G. Hartman Digby's Choice Coll. Rare Secrets i. 77 Take Antimony Mineral..in subtil Powder.

1733 G. Turner tr. J. P. Seip Brief Acct. Mineral Waters Pyrmont iii. 46 The alcali in our steel water is such a subtile earth, and of the delicate finest sort, which is disolved in crystal clear water.

1797 Encycl. Brit. XI. 447/1 Beat your ore into a most subtile powder.

1851 J. L. Blake Lessons Mod. Farming 413 The salts and the oils of which they were composed, dissolve in the earth; the more subtile particles are raised into the atmosphere by the sun's heat.

1872 Old Dominion June 328/1 The proportion of ginger can be doubled, if agreeable to the palate; it should be the subtile powder which the druggists keeps.

†13.

a. Of weight: = subtle adj. 12. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > [adjective] > free from deduction or remaining after deduction

clean1381

net1418

clearc1500

subtilec1503

neat1599

c1503 R. Arnold Chron. sig. Aiiij/1 The rekenynge of grocery and weight sobtyll & grosse.

1660 T. Willsford Scales Commerce & Trade 107 What those gross or subtile summes do make in pence.

1737 Brief Arithm. Catech. iii. 34 Subtile Weight is the Weight of the Goods when the Tare is subtracted.

1798 R. Chappell Universal Arithm. 133 Trett, is a certain Allowance of 4lb. for every 104lb, or 1lb. for every 26lb. of the Subtile Weight on Goods for Dust, Waste, &c.

1813 G. Fisher Instructor (ed. 31) 112 4800 Pounds Gross..Subtract 602 Pounds Tare..4198 pounds Subtile.

b. Of a denomination of value or weight: relatively small; (of a quantity) belonging to a lower denomination. Opposed to gross adj. 5a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > [adjective] > serving as a unit of measurement > standard (of units) > belonging to a lower denomination or standard

smalla1500

subtile1543

1543 R. Record Ground of Artes i. sig. M.iiii What so euer thynge is compared to other yf it be greater, and conteyneth many of them, it is a grosser denomination: but yf it be lesser..then are they called subtyle denominations.

1579 L. Digges & T. Digges Stratioticos i. vi. 10 Grosse to subtile by Multiplication, Subtile, to grosse by partition is perfourmed.

a1628 ( W. Humfrey True Descr. Mintage (Harl. 660) f. 81^v Euery subtylle grayne [doth] contayne (20) mytes.

B. n.

1. In singular. With the.

a. With plural agreement. Subtile people as a class (in various senses of the adjective); = subtle n. 1.

ΚΠ

1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 9 His wysedome..fyndeth out the subtile in their subtiltie.

1667 G. Fox Arraignment Popery xxix. 103 Antichrist chuses none but the subtile and crafty.

1700 B. Jenks Submission Righteousness of God 182 That Glorious Majesty..Whose Wisdom catches the Subtile in their Craftiness.

1874 H. N. Hudson Sermons 255 The philosophy of the world, the arguments of the subtile, the discourses of the eloquent..proved no better.

1904 Sunday School Jrnl. & Bible Student's Mag. Oct. 701/1 Blessed are the subtile: for no one can get the advantage of them.

b. That which is subtile (in various senses); = subtle n. 2.

ΚΠ

1591 Ripley's Compound of Alchymy sig. D3^v Seperation doth each part from other diuide, The subtile from the grosse, the thick from the thinn.

1659 tr. R. Fludd Mosaicall Philos. i. ii. v. 36 It discusseth by dissolution, and expelleth and seperateth by rarefaction the subtill from the grosse.

1723 tr. A.-T. Limojon de Saint-Didier Hermetical Triumph 127 They must only take the subtile, and cast away the heavy.

1815 Encycl. Londinensis XIII. 10/1 As the strict is opposed to the vague, so is the subtile to the common.

1885 Phrenol. Jrnl. July 31/2 It takes a genius to successfully cope with the subtile, the chronic, the contradictory in disease.

1911 W. E. Cooper Spiritual Sci. 285 To interpret the subtile, the imponderable, the unseen, would be to ensure failure!

†2. In plural. Fluids. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > liquid > [noun]

liquor?c1225

aquaa1398

moisture?1406

subtilesa1598

fluxure1603

aq.1639

fluor1654

fluid1661

liquid1708

a1598 A. Montgomerie Poems (1887) 117 Suppose the solids subtilis ay restrantis.

Compounds

C1. Parasynthetic (in sense A. 5), as subtile-headed, subtile-minded, subtile-witted, etc. Cf. subtle adj. and n. Compounds 1.

ΚΠ

1494 Lydgate's Falle of Princis (Pynson) iii. sig. mi^v/1 Famous in knighthode for his worthynesse Subtyll witted [?a1439 Bodl. 263 Sotil wittid] and coude by eloquence.

1546 J. Bale First Examinacyon A. Askewe f. 44 Subtyle witted heretykes.

1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 357 Let vs rub off the rustinesse of our tongues,..before wee come in place and presence of..subtile headed Lawyers.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. i. 25 The subtile-witted French.

1645 T. Allen in J. Strong Joanereidos sig. A3^v How hast thou doctrinated His plumbeous cerebrositie, he is so subtill pated?

1709 R. Howlett Royal Pastime Cock-fighting 92 See how he Storms the Subtile headed Thief.

1857 Dublin Univ. Mag. Sept. 333 At the close of time he grew Too subtile-brained and high of heart.

1863 Atlantic Monthly Dec. 770/2 Horace Binney Wallace, one of the most accomplished and subtile-minded of our writers.

1911 B. P. Nefe in A. M. Stryker & W. D. Moody Business Admin. III. 425 Every calling is filled with bold, keen, subtile-witted men, fertile in expedients and devices.

1930 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 40 157 Moral rationalism found a..much more subtile-minded defender.

C2.

Subtile Doctor n. [after post-classical Latin Doctor Subtilis (from 14th cent. in British sources)] (usually with the) (an epithet of) John Duns Scotus (c1265–1308), scholastic theologian and philosopher noted for his subtle distinctions and nuanced reasoning; = Subtle Doctor n. at subtle adj. and n. Compounds 2.

ΚΠ

a1513 J. Irland Meroure of Wyssdome (1965) II. 106 The doctour subtil in his buk of the sentens in the prologe inducis viii maner of wais to preif and persuaid the faith.

?1531 R. Barnes Supplic. Kinge Henrye VIII f. cxxxvi Conclude now this proposicion after .M. subtyll doctor Duns dyffynycion.

1673 Pleasant Treat. Witches ix. 97 Iohn Scotus the subtil Doctor.

1753 J. Elphinston in tr. L. Racine Religion Notes 182 The famous war between the Nominals and the Realists, where on one side was seen the subtile doctor, and on the other the invincible doctor.

1875 Illustr. Catholic Family Almanac for U.S. 41 Duns Scotus, called the subtile doctor.

1992 Trans. Charles S. Peirce Soc. 28 57 While calling himself a Scotistic realist, he also renounced to follow the Subtile Doctor on certain points.

subtile matter n. now historical rarefied matter; spec. = subtle matter n. at subtle adj. and n. Compounds 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > materiality > [noun] > matter or corporeal substance > postulated types of matter

subtile mattera1500

subtle matter1660

materia subtilis1665

superatom1937

a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 1983 (MED) The cause of odours to know if ye delyte, Fowre thingis therto be requysite: First that subtile matere be obedient To the worching of hete.

1559 P. Morwyng tr. C. Gesner Treasure of Euonymus 96 When burning water therfore or Aqua vitæ reteininge hys purity and subtil matter [L. tenuitatem retinens].

1664 R. Boyle New Exper. & Observ. Cold iii, in Wks. (1772) II. 503 Whether the spring of the air depend..upon the agitation of some interfluent subtile matter.

1693 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vii. 10 An æthereal subtile Matter..may penetrate and pervade the minutest and inmost Cavities of the closest Bodies.

1717 M. Prior Alma iii. 55 Deny Des-cart his subtil matter, You leave him neither fire nor water.

1776 tr. Béardé de l'Abbaye Ess. Agric. 10 Light, the subtile matter, the æther, the electrical fire, the magnetical torrent.

1830 J. G. Macvicar Elements Econ. Nature i. 8 The ultimate atom..is composed of a nucleus of hard matter invested by subtile matter.

1876 R. Routledge Discov. & Inventions 19th Cent. 365 In the natural state all bodies contain an indefinite quantity of an imponderable subtile matter, which may be called ‘neutral electric fluid’.

1959 C. S. Smith in M. Clagett Crit. Probl. Hist. Sci. xv. 477 Although Rohault is much concerned with the manner of packing the particles, he is not specific as to the type of force that holds them together, whether their own attraction or under the influence of the external pressure of subtile matter.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	subtile
释义	subtileadj.n. Brit. /ˈsʌtl/, /ˈsʌbt(ᵻ)l/, U.S. /ˈsədəl/, /ˈsəbtl/ Forms: Middle English sobtil, Middle English soubtiel, Middle English soubtil, Middle English soubtile, Middle English subile (transmission error), Middle English subtiele, Middle English subtiell, Middle English suptyl, Middle English suptyle, Middle English–1500s subtyl, Middle English–1500s subtyll, Middle English–1500s subtylle, Middle English–1500s suptel, Middle English–1600s subtel, Middle English–1600s subtell, Middle English–1600s subtill, Middle English–1600s subtille, Middle English–1600s subtyle, Middle English– subtil (now archaic), Middle English– subtile, late Middle English soubstile (probably transmission error), 1500s sibtyle, 1500s sobtyll; also Scottish pre-1700 subteil, pre-1700 subteill, pre-1700 subtel, pre-1700 subtell, pre-1700 subtil, pre-1700 subtile, pre-1700 subtill, pre-1700 subtille, pre-1700 subtyle, pre-1700 subtyll, pre-1700 suptel. Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly a borrowing from French. Probably partly a borrowing from Latin. Probably partly a variant or alteration of another lexical item; modelled on a Latin lexical item. Etymons: French subtil ; Latin subtīlis ; subtle adj. Etymology: Probably partly (i) < Anglo-Norman and Middle French subtil, soubtil (first third of the 12th cent. in Old French, earliest in a text showing Occitan influence; French subtil ), variants of sutil , soutil subtle adj., partly (ii) < its ulterior etymon classical Latin subtīlis subtle adj., and partly (iii) a variant of subtle adj. with remodelling after classical Latin subtīlis (see discussion at subtle adj. and n.).On the division of material between this entry and subtle adj. and n. see discussion at that entry. The pronunciation with medial /b/ probably shows a modern spelling pronunciation; it is recorded in many 19th-cent. pronouncing dictionaries, both British and U.S., but in later use (20th and 21st cent.) it seems to be more common in U.S. use. In subtile matter n. at Compounds 2 after post-classical Latin materia subtilis (1489 or earlier; itself after Hellenistic Greek ὕλη λεπτομερής ); compare French matière subtile (see materia subtilis n.). With the use as noun compare French †subtil volatile substance (1614). Now rare (chiefly superseded by subtle adj.). A. adj. I. Non-physical senses. 1. a. Of a person or animal, an action, behaviour, etc.: crafty, cunning; sly, treacherous; = subtle adj. 2.In quot. 1387-8 showing postposition and plural agreement, after French. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adjective] warec888 craftyOE hinderyeapc1000 yepec1000 foxc1175 slya1200 hinderc1200 quaint?c1225 wrenchfulc1225 wiltfula1250 wilyc1330 subtle1340 cautelous138. sleightful1380 subtile1387 enginousa1393 wilfula1400 wilyc1407 sleighty1412 serpentinec1422 ginnousa1425 wittya1425 semyc1440 artificial?a1475 sleight1495 slapea1500 shrewdc1525 craftly1526 foxy1528 gleering?1533 foxish1535 insidious1545 vafrous1548 wily beguile1550 wilely1556 fine1559 todly1571 practic1585 subdolous1588 captious1590 witryff1598 cautel1606 cunninga1616 versute1616 shiftfula1618 artificious1624 insidiary1625 canny1628 lapwing-like1638 pawky?a1640 tricksome1648 callid1656 versutious1660 artful1663 slim1674 dexterous1701 trickish1705 supple1710 slid1719 vulpinary1721 tricksy1766 trickful1775 sneck-drawing1786 tricky1786 louche1819 sneck-drawn1820 slyish1828 vulpine1830 kokum1839 spidery1843 dodgy1861 ladino1863 carney1881 slinky1951 1387–8 Petition London Mercers in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 34 Many wronges subtiles & also open oppressions. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2125 To voide with a soubtil hond The beste goodes of the lond And bringe chaf and take corn. c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 2559 Be war ȝe wemen of ȝoure subtyl fo. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) xxxvi. 119 It may fall yat..a man..ger the traiste he be thy best frende, be his fayre subtile langage, quhill he see his tyme to oursett the. 1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. C.vi^v He goeth aboute bi his sleightes and subtyle meanes, to frustrate the same. 1576 G. Gascoigne Princelye Pleasures Kenelwoorth (1821) 12 In sweetest flowres the subtyll snakes may lurke. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. ii. 92 Thou subtile, periur'd, false, disloyall man. View more context for this quotation 1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. ix. sig. I4 Taken with the subtile cozenages of Vice. 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 199 Their [sc. crocodiles'] condition is subtile (such their bloudie teares when they haue deuoured a man proue them for). 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 71 The Goats..were so shy, so subtile, and so swift of Foot. 1752 E. Young Brothers iv. i They'll say the subtile statesman plann'd this marriage To raise his blood into his master's throne. 1814 R. Southey Roderick x. 346 And with such subtile toils enveloped him. 1846 J. C. Hare Mission of Comforter I. 137 To overcome sin's fiercest and subtilest temptations. 1917 A. Brown Bromley Neighbourhood xvi. 182 She might even be deluded by a proffer of affection... That was a subtile snare to set for her. 1932 T. E. Lawrence tr. Homer Odyssey (new ed.) xiv. 201 A very subtile Phoenician, one of those subverters who have wrought such havoc in the world. †b. Of a look or glance: sly, furtive; surreptitious. Obsolete.In later use perhaps sometimes passing into sense A. 7. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adjective] > specifically of actions, qualities, etc. craftyc1225 subtle1340 slyc1380 sleightlyc1402 subtilec1405 wilyc1407 sleighty1412 foxly1528 sleight1533 colubrinec1540 serpentical1546 fox-like1587 shrewd1589 vulpine1628 insidiating1632 serpentic1661 serpentary1681 artful1865 c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Squire's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 277 Subtil lookyng and dissimulynges. a1586 Ballad against Evil Women in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 392 Be subtill wrynkis and þair desaitfull talis. 1599 R. Tofte tr. E. Tasso Of Mariage & Wiuing sig. C^v With their paintings of white and redde: with their glaunces, that is their subtil lookes and false eyes. 1660 J. G. Let. Honourable Person (single sheet) The frequent use of a subtile wink and a nod. 1723 Pettifoggers 10 By dull Grimace, and subtile Winks, Perswades the World he always thinks. 1773 London Mag. Nov. 528/1 It would be folly to think of recalling the affections of a man, who bestows them upon every subtile glance of a sparkling eye. 1824 Knight's Q. Mag. Aug. 401 ‘Well, Sir,’ said the Chief Justice, facing the man with a smooth, but subtile look. 1892 K. P. Wormeley tr. H. de Balzac Madame Firmiani in Albert Savarus 283 A mute homage which she transfers with subtile glances to the man she loves. †2. Of a person: skilful; expert; clever; = subtle adj. 4a. Also with in, of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] prettyOE hagherc1175 slyc1175 skilful1338 cunning1382 subtlec1390 subtilea1393 appertise1484 sleighta1513 practicatec1550 skilled1552 right-sided1575 canny1628 skilly1768 Oorlam1881 heads up1913 shit-hot1942 multi-skill1970 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 882 It [sc. the Sonne] causeth yit A man to be soubtil of wit To worche in gold. c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 672 Sche..made hire subtyl werkemen make a schryne. c1475 (c1375) G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite (Harl. 372) (1878) l. 88 He was double in loue and noo thynge pleyne And subtill in þat crafte ouere eny wight. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 35 [He] was rycht subtile jn speche of latyn. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xi. 277 He was the subtillest nygramancer that ever was in the worlde. a1500 (?c1450) Merlin i. 21 This Blase was a nobill clerk and subtile. c1550 Clariodus (1830) ii. 1361 This forsaid knicht..fetchit..Carvors, painters, and subtillest devysers, To make the listis to the interprisers. a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 76 He brought with him an Monsieur Mombirneau, a subtill spreit,..and maist meit in all respects for bewitching of the youthe of a prince. †3. Of a work of art, mechanical device, etc.: cleverly made or designed; ingenious. Cf. subtle adj. 5. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > ingenious > characterized by ingenuity craftlyOE quaintc1230 sly1297 subtilea1393 subtlea1400 cunning1423 prettyc1450 ingenious1548 politicc1550 well-contrived1563 conceited1579 well-invented1588 concepted1594 nimble1602 artful1605 artly?1614 artistical1646 callid1656 well-couched1671 tippy1863 genius1924 creative1967 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 1166 A wonder soubtil thing he wroghte. c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §40. 49 I tok a subtil compas. c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1188 Many subtile compassinges Rabewyures [read Babewyures or Babewynnes] and pynacles Ymageries and tabernacles I say. 1484 W. Caxton (title) Here begynneth the book of the subtyl historyes and Fables of Esope. a1550 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (Sloane 1873) (1975) 2883 Which subtile fornace I deuyside allso, In which I fownde many wonders mo Then is convenient at this seson to tell. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. viii By great artifice and subtill architecture builded. 1659 J. Leak tr. I. de Caus New Inventions Water-works 23 A very Subtile Engin, to raise a standing Water, by means of the Sun. 4. Of the nature of or involving careful discrimination or fine points; †difficult to understand, abstruse (obsolete); = subtle adj. 3. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > [adjective] higheOE dighela1000 deepc1000 darkOE starkOE dusk?c1225 subtle1340 dimc1350 subtilea1393 covert1393 mystica1398 murka1400 cloudyc1400 hard?c1400 mistyc1400 unclearc1400 diffuse1430 abstractc1450 diffused?1456 exquisitec1460 obnubilous?a1475 obscure?a1475 covered1484 intricate?a1500 nice?a1500 perplexeda1500 difficilea1513 difficult1530 privy1532 smoky1533 secret1535 abstruse?1549 difficul1552 entangled1561 confounded1572 darksome1574 obnubilate1575 enigmatical1576 confuse1577 mysteriousa1586 Delphic1598 obfuscatea1600 enfumed1601 Delphicala1603 obstruse1604 abstracted1605 confused1611 questionable1611 inevident1614 recondite1619 cryptic1620 obfuscated1620 transcendent1624 Delphian1625 oraculous1625 enigmatic1628 recluse1629 abdite1635 undilucidated1635 clouded1641 benighted1647 oblite1650 researched1653 obnubilated1658 obscurative1664 tenebrose1677 hyperbyssal1691 condite1695 diffusive1709 profound1710 tenebricose1730 oracular1749 opaque1761 unenlightening1768 darkling1795 offuscating1798 unrecognizable1817 tough1820 abstrusive1848 obscurant1878 out-of-focus1891 unplumbable1895 inenubilable1903 non-transparent1939 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 1683 In proverbe and in probleme Sche spak, and bad he scholde deme In many soubtil question. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 115 Many a subtil reson forth they leyden. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 7 Jt be sum part subtile to vnderstand. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xiij^v Let vs not throughe a subtill interpretation accompt king Charles a Germanie. 1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Abstrusior Disputatio abstrusior, a more subtill, hard, or obscure disputacion. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 352 [Odo] was committed to prison by a subtile distinction, as Earle of Kent, and not Bishop of Baieux. 1664 Comenius' Janua Ling. 755 The study of the Mathematicks is as profitable, as subtil (deep). 1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 411. ¶7 He particularly dissuades him from knotty and subtile Disquisitions. 1788 T. Reid Ess. Active Powers Man iii. iv. 162 There has been much subtile disputation in ancient and modern times. 1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella III. ii. xxv. 424 Listening to the arguments of some of his theological brethren, generally on some subtile question of school divinity. 1884 W. T. Lusk Sci. & Art Midwifery (front matter) 5/1 Though it deals with many subtile subjects, it expounds them in a style which is admirable for its clearness and simplicity. 1920 G. T. W. Patrick Psychol. Social Reconstruction ii. 30 Omitting here any reference to this subtile point, [etc.]. 1989 Z. Levy Baruch or Benedict vi. 183 Nowadays no native Hebrew speaker pays attention to these subtile distinctions. 5. Of a person, the mind, or intellectual activity: characterized by wisdom or perceptiveness; discriminating, discerning; shrewd; = subtle adj. 1. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > [adjective] glewc725 wiselyc900 snoterc950 wiseOE keena1000 witterc1100 redewisec1225 redefulc1275 well-donec1275 witfulc1275 sage1297 redya1325 heartya1382 prudenta1382 hearteda1425 subtilea1450 sapient1471 Palladian1562 wittiful1590 judicious1591 cordate1651 sophical1739 sophica1773 sapientious1852 unbesotted1875 sapiential1882 the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [adjective] subtlec1300 subtilea1450 judgemented1548 sundry1564 refined1574 discerning1583 respective1597 discernible1603 divisive1603 distinct1606 distinctional1607 discriminativea1638 distinctive1646 distinctial1648 discernable1650 discriminating1650 sagacious1650 discriminanta1656 dignoscitive1674 distinguishing1699 discriminate1743 discriminatory1745 diacritical1856 discriminational1918 a1450–1500 ( Libel Eng. Policy (1926) l. 1038 What had this kynge of high magnificens, Of grete corage..Discrecion, subtile avisifenesse. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. v. 65 Ther was a kynge of so subtyll engyne That [etc.]. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 194 Gerames, who was subtyl, wel perceyued the mynde of the lady. c1580 ( tr. Bk. Alexander (1921) II. ii. l. 3276 The gude man..was richt wyse and subtell baith. a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 76 She is too subtile for thee. View more context for this quotation 1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 60 How or why that should have such influence upon the Spirits..I am not subtil enough to discern. 1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity ii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 440 With subtil Wit and fair Discourse. 1741 W. Oldys et al. Betterton's Hist. Eng. Stage iii. 34 This was a Nicety in Acting that none but the most subtile Player could so much as conceive. 1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. vi. 125 The most subtile diplomatist. 1839 Literary & Theol. Rev. Dec. 525 Notwithstanding the best instruction from the Scriptures and the most ingenious and subtile reasoning of divines. 1875 E. C. Stedman Victorian Poets (1887) xi. 411 A subtile observer would perceive how truly he [sc. Shelley] represents his own time. 1914 Amer. Hist. Rev. 19 616 If Dr. von Ruville is too subtile by half, Mr. Williams is perhaps not subtile enough. 6. Of a feeling, sense, sensation, etc.: acute, keen. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > acuteness of physical senses > [adjective] sharpc1000 quick?1526 subtile1565 acute1641 quick-set1653 keenc1720 the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > [adjective] > more painful exasperate1601 subtile1718 1565 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodiake of Life (new ed.) viii. sig. EE.j^v Some beasts haue subtile sense, and some are dull and slowe. 1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iii. v. 99 Our sight is farre more subtill and apprehensiue then is our hearing. 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 2 The stinch also offends it, and makes those heart-sick whose smelling is subtile. 1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity iii, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 478 Pass we the slow Disease, and subtil Pain. 1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 54 In which I suppose there is contained their most Subtile sense of feeling. 1868 Ladies' Repository Jan. 22/2 The sorrowful, defiant heart flees the thick-strewn memories of the lonely house;..their fragrance is full of subtile pain. 1905 L. Whiting Outlook Beautiful 142 There are more subtile senses than the eye and the ear, and these take finer cognizance. 7. Involving distinctions that are fine or delicate, esp. to such an extent as to be difficult to discern or analyse; (also) almost imperceptible, elusive; = subtle adj. 6a, 6b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > inexplicableness > [adjective] unplitable?c1425 unexplicable1532 inexplicable1546 subtle1547 irresolute1574 subtile1582 undissoluble1587 incomprehensible1604 unexpoundable1611 unfoldable1611 inexplainable1623 unsalvable1624 uninterpretable1625 indissolvable1637 unaccountable1643 inaccountable1647 unexplainablea1711 undecipherable1757 irresolvable1785 indecipherable1853 unconstruable1856 inconstruable1874 unravellable1881 1582 G. Martin Discov. Corruptions Holy Script. xxi. 198 They labour tooth and naile to make this subtil difference. 1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 5 But of that clocke within our breasts we beare, The subtill motions we forget the while. a1626 F. Bacon Valerius Terminus in Lett. & Remains (1734) 414 Other virtues consist in more subtile proportions then colours do. 1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 305 Those other more fine, and subtile vertues I cannot learne at Court. 1752 D. Hume Polit. Disc. i. 3 Some principles..which may seem too refin'd and subtile for such vulgar subjects. 1794 Freemasons' Mag. Sept. 191 There are subtile differences in the organization of the two sexes. 1809 R. Southey Thalaba (ed. 2) I. iii. xi. 108 When the Spirit spake, the motionless air Felt not the subtile [1801 subtle] sounds, Too fine for mortal sense. 1858 H. W. Longfellow Courtship Miles Standish vi. 4 As if thought had the power to draw to itself..Whatsoever it touches, by subtile laws of its nature. 1885 F. B. Van Voorst Without Compass 20 Those intricate questions that possess so subtile a charm. 1911 P. Lowell Soul Far East (new ed.) vi. 82 The faint suggestion of a smile on an otherwise serious face, so subtile that the observer is left wondering whether the artist could have meant what seems more like one's own ingenious discovery. II. Senses relating to physical thinness or fineness. 8. a. Having little thickness or breadth; thin, fine; = subtle adj. 9a. Also figurative and in figurative contexts. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > condition of being long in relation to breadth > slenderness > [adjective] subtlea1382 subtilea1393 subtilec1392 smiltc1400 fine?a1425 thina1425 exile?1440 slender1444 tenuious1495 jimp?a1513 lenye1513 fine-spuna1555 nice1567 spindled1584 gracile1590 snever1640 tenuous1656 slim1657 gracilious1688 gracilent1727 twittery1819 flitterya1834 attenuate1848 spiry1849 low-profile1906 matchlike1906 slimline1949 c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 20 (MED) Perce thanne al the circumference of this defferent in 360 subtil holes equales of space. 1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) v. xlii. 158 vj pryncypall guttes, thre of theym ben subtyll..and thre aren grete. c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 68 Wolle y-tesed or subtile stupez of line. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 225 They made a subtile hoole vnder hit with a nelde. 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 189^v He putteth his toonge to one of the ryftes..being as subtyle as the edge of a swoorde. 1612 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes Don-Quixote: Pt. 1 i. iii. 18 Some slight and subtill wallets, which could scarce be perceiued. 1653 H. Harflete Banquet of Ess. vi. 57 Hypocrisie can easily fit a man with a Linsey-woolsey garment..whose subtile threed of deceit is within side, but the plaine web of simplicity without side. 1699 G. Harvey Vanities Philos. & Physick xii. 153 I do conceive the Drum of the Ear to be a thin subtil Membrane. 1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 582 Arachne's subtile line. 1764 J. Erskine Ministers of Gospel Cautioned 13 Scholastical niceties, metaphysical distinctions, and a fine subtile thread of reasoning, may indeed sometimes be necessary in answering metaphysical objections against religion. 1813 Amer. Med. & Philos. Reg. Oct. 190 The skin, a much thicker membrane than the fine subtile membrane of the omentum. 1870 J. R. Lowell Among my Bks. (1873) 1st Ser. 158 Every subtilest fibre of feeling. 1913 J. T. Durward Holy Land & Holy Writ xlvi. 750 Then comes the silk-making; the worm wrapping itself round and round with thousands of feet of the subtile thread. †b. Of a ship: narrow, slender. Obsolete (historical and rare after 16th cent.). ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel of specific construction or shape > [adjective] > of specific general shape subtile1490 subtle1511 round1600 pinched1655 clean1709 sharp1709 hogged1760 lean1769 beamy1882 broad-beamed1883 1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xl. 151 xxx grete shyppes and four score galeys subtyl. 1524 R. Copland tr. J. de Bourbon Syege Cyte of Rodes in Begynnynge Ordre Knyghtes Hospytallers sig. Bv Galles, as well bastardes subtyle mahonnets. 1881 Naval Encycl. 737/1 Three [men to an oar] were more common in the 14th century, and 4 in the 16th, in the light, or subtile galley. 9. a. Having a thin consistency; rarefied; pervasive; = subtle adj. 11. Cf. subtile matter n. at Compounds 2. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > [adjective] thin849 subtilea1393 airya1398 subtlea1398 rarea1400 shirec1400 finea1425 solutec1440 intenuate1471 slender1528 ethereal1590 tenuous1597 spare1602 unsolid1611 unsolute1612 tenuious1634 etherical1656 airlike1821 wire-drawn1876 the world > space > shape > condition of being long in relation to breadth > slenderness > [adjective] subtlea1382 subtilea1393 subtilec1392 smiltc1400 fine?a1425 thina1425 exile?1440 slender1444 tenuious1495 jimp?a1513 lenye1513 fine-spuna1555 nice1567 spindled1584 gracile1590 snever1640 tenuous1656 slim1657 gracilious1688 gracilent1727 twittery1819 flitterya1834 attenuate1848 spiry1849 low-profile1906 matchlike1906 slimline1949 the world > matter > gas > air > [adjective] > specific qualities of (the) air > thin or light smalla1398 subtlea1398 rarefied1523 subtile1590 thin1667 volatile1698 ambient1763 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 242 This soubtil water myhtely..The strengthe of therthe perceth ofte. c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 59 (MED) If it be for humour, þat is..for it is scharp, or subtile, or watrye. 1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) v. xix. sig. h iii^v/1 The ayre & brethe drawen in by the mouth is amended & puryd, and made subtyll [a1398 BL Add. sotile] therin. 1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) iii. xvii. sig. d v/2 Subtyl [a1398 BL Add. sotil] humour temprith & puryth that that is in the lymmes of þe syȝte. 1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Biii ^v It [sc. the risen body] shall be subtyle y^t it shall perce thorowe the stone walles. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. vii. sig. Ii6 An Eagle, that with plumy wings doth sheare The subtile ayre. 1655 J. Howell 4th Vol. Familiar Lett. l. 120 As if they had som subtile invisible Atomes wherby they [sc. thoughts] operat. 1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia 150 The fat, is hot, subtile and better than the rest. 1738 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer III. xviii. 73 By the subtile Salts of the Lime, it will make its way into the Pores..of the Wood. a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 4 Some have thought that air is nothing more than earth or water expanded, and assuming a more subtil form. 1839 P. B. Lord Pop. Physiol. (ed. 2) 347 Three theories are ventured on the subject: 1st, that a very fine subtile fluid is transmitted from the brain to the nerves. 1872 J. G. Murphy Crit. Comm. Leviticus vii. 37 The fat and the flesh turned by the fire of the altar into a subtile fume. 1920 F. C. Bicknell tr. J.-H. Fabre Secret of Everyday Things lvi. 305 The gas generated by the semi-combustion of carbon is as invisible and subtile as the air itself. †b. figurative and in extended use. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. H8 Corporeall wight such subtile virtue never has. 1687 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II (ed. 2) II. vii. 628 The Arguments of it would be too thin and subtile for vulgar capacities. 1829 I. Taylor Nat. Hist. Enthusiasm ii. 26 The region of abstract conceptions..has an atmosphere too subtile to support the health of true piety. 1844 R. W. Emerson Discipline in Nature in Wks. (1906) II. 158 The air resembles the light which traverses it with more subtile currents. †10. Of a voice: thin, weak. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > [adjective] > thin or weak weaka1300 subtilea1398 sprotya1500 forfeebled1513 exile1610 fluted1828 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxxi. 1388 In subtile vois þe spirite is nouȝt stronge. ?1533–4 R. Saltwood Compar. bytwene iiij. Byrdes sig. C.j My nowne person doth it present With prompt seruys and voyce subtyl. 1602 tr. B. Guarini Pastor Fido i. iv. sig. D The body of the plane tree trembled there, And out of it there came a subtill voyce. 1653 J. Davies tr. C. Sorel Extravagant Shepherd ii. 49 The Eccho..Metamorphos'd into a subtile voyce, which can go from one place to another. †11. Of fine or delicate texture or composition; delicately formed; (of food) light; = subtle adj. 8. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > other specific kinds of texture > [adjective] > fine smalleOE subtlea1382 subtilea1398 finec1400 tearc1400 delicate?a1425 fine-spuna1555 filmy1604 cypress1605 thin-spun1638 curious1665 filmlike1804 feathery1864 pinpoint1899 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. iii. ix. 98 Þe vertue of felinge haþ place in þe most subtile chambres of the brayn. c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1871) l. 272 A subtyl couercheif of valence. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. i. 79 More subtile & more deyntous metes. 1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. x. sig. f. viii Trees the whiche in stede of leues bere wulle, of whiche is made cloth right fair & subtyle. 1597 W. Langham Garden of Health 535 Rose water..maketh the skinne subtill and thinne. 1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 11 Her subtile forme thou onely canst define. 1616 B. Jonson Masque of Beautie (rev. ed.) 210 in Wks. I A thinne subtile [1608: subtle] vaile ouer her haire. a1665 K. Digby Closet Opened (1669) 113 Strain the[m] clean through a subtil strainer. 1732 G. West Stowe 11 At length the last, white, subtile Veil withdrew, And those mysterious Charms expos'd to view. 1832 J. Hogg Queer Bk. 88 Her refined and subtile frame..seem'd soul alone. 1880 Appleton's Jrnl. July 39/1 Those..things which are facilely shown by painting are most difficult in the more solid and less subtile materials of sculpture. †12. Consisting of fine particles; finely powdered; (of a particle) fine, minute; = subtle adj. 10. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > granular texture > [adjective] > powdery or dusty > made powdery > finely subtle1394 subtilec1425 levigated1651 c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 41 Þe moste subtile mele of barly. 1513 Life Henry V (1911) 110 Many heapes of sand, w^ch was so subtill and smale, that it mooued w^th everie wynde. 1545 T. Raynald tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde iii. sig. X.iii^v Beynge fyrst beaten to subtyle powder. c1600 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliad ix. 629 The subtile fruit of flax. 1682 G. Hartman Digby's Choice Coll. Rare Secrets i. 77 Take Antimony Mineral..in subtil Powder. 1733 G. Turner tr. J. P. Seip Brief Acct. Mineral Waters Pyrmont iii. 46 The alcali in our steel water is such a subtile earth, and of the delicate finest sort, which is disolved in crystal clear water. 1797 Encycl. Brit. XI. 447/1 Beat your ore into a most subtile powder. 1851 J. L. Blake Lessons Mod. Farming 413 The salts and the oils of which they were composed, dissolve in the earth; the more subtile particles are raised into the atmosphere by the sun's heat. 1872 Old Dominion June 328/1 The proportion of ginger can be doubled, if agreeable to the palate; it should be the subtile powder which the druggists keeps. †13. a. Of weight: = subtle adj. 12. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > [adjective] > free from deduction or remaining after deduction clean1381 net1418 clearc1500 subtilec1503 neat1599 c1503 R. Arnold Chron. sig. Aiiij/1 The rekenynge of grocery and weight sobtyll & grosse. 1660 T. Willsford Scales Commerce & Trade 107 What those gross or subtile summes do make in pence. 1737 Brief Arithm. Catech. iii. 34 Subtile Weight is the Weight of the Goods when the Tare is subtracted. 1798 R. Chappell Universal Arithm. 133 Trett, is a certain Allowance of 4lb. for every 104lb, or 1lb. for every 26lb. of the Subtile Weight on Goods for Dust, Waste, &c. 1813 G. Fisher Instructor (ed. 31) 112 4800 Pounds Gross..Subtract 602 Pounds Tare..4198 pounds Subtile. b. Of a denomination of value or weight: relatively small; (of a quantity) belonging to a lower denomination. Opposed to gross adj. 5a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > [adjective] > serving as a unit of measurement > standard (of units) > belonging to a lower denomination or standard smalla1500 subtile1543 1543 R. Record Ground of Artes i. sig. M.iiii What so euer thynge is compared to other yf it be greater, and conteyneth many of them, it is a grosser denomination: but yf it be lesser..then are they called subtyle denominations. 1579 L. Digges & T. Digges Stratioticos i. vi. 10 Grosse to subtile by Multiplication, Subtile, to grosse by partition is perfourmed. a1628 ( W. Humfrey True Descr. Mintage (Harl. 660) f. 81^v Euery subtylle grayne [doth] contayne (20) mytes. B. n. 1. In singular. With the. a. With plural agreement. Subtile people as a class (in various senses of the adjective); = subtle n. 1. ΚΠ 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 9 His wysedome..fyndeth out the subtile in their subtiltie. 1667 G. Fox Arraignment Popery xxix. 103 Antichrist chuses none but the subtile and crafty. 1700 B. Jenks Submission Righteousness of God 182 That Glorious Majesty..Whose Wisdom catches the Subtile in their Craftiness. 1874 H. N. Hudson Sermons 255 The philosophy of the world, the arguments of the subtile, the discourses of the eloquent..proved no better. 1904 Sunday School Jrnl. & Bible Student's Mag. Oct. 701/1 Blessed are the subtile: for no one can get the advantage of them. b. That which is subtile (in various senses); = subtle n. 2. ΚΠ 1591 Ripley's Compound of Alchymy sig. D3^v Seperation doth each part from other diuide, The subtile from the grosse, the thick from the thinn. 1659 tr. R. Fludd Mosaicall Philos. i. ii. v. 36 It discusseth by dissolution, and expelleth and seperateth by rarefaction the subtill from the grosse. 1723 tr. A.-T. Limojon de Saint-Didier Hermetical Triumph 127 They must only take the subtile, and cast away the heavy. 1815 Encycl. Londinensis XIII. 10/1 As the strict is opposed to the vague, so is the subtile to the common. 1885 Phrenol. Jrnl. July 31/2 It takes a genius to successfully cope with the subtile, the chronic, the contradictory in disease. 1911 W. E. Cooper Spiritual Sci. 285 To interpret the subtile, the imponderable, the unseen, would be to ensure failure! †2. In plural. Fluids. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > liquid > [noun] liquor?c1225 aquaa1398 moisture?1406 subtilesa1598 fluxure1603 aq.1639 fluor1654 fluid1661 liquid1708 a1598 A. Montgomerie Poems (1887) 117 Suppose the solids subtilis ay restrantis. Compounds C1. Parasynthetic (in sense A. 5), as subtile-headed, subtile-minded, subtile-witted, etc. Cf. subtle adj. and n. Compounds 1. ΚΠ 1494 Lydgate's Falle of Princis (Pynson) iii. sig. mi^v/1 Famous in knighthode for his worthynesse Subtyll witted [?a1439 Bodl. 263 Sotil wittid] and coude by eloquence. 1546 J. Bale First Examinacyon A. Askewe f. 44 Subtyle witted heretykes. 1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 357 Let vs rub off the rustinesse of our tongues,..before wee come in place and presence of..subtile headed Lawyers. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. i. 25 The subtile-witted French. View more context for this quotation 1645 T. Allen in J. Strong Joanereidos sig. A3^v How hast thou doctrinated His plumbeous cerebrositie, he is so subtill pated? 1709 R. Howlett Royal Pastime Cock-fighting 92 See how he Storms the Subtile headed Thief. 1857 Dublin Univ. Mag. Sept. 333 At the close of time he grew Too subtile-brained and high of heart. 1863 Atlantic Monthly Dec. 770/2 Horace Binney Wallace, one of the most accomplished and subtile-minded of our writers. 1911 B. P. Nefe in A. M. Stryker & W. D. Moody Business Admin. III. 425 Every calling is filled with bold, keen, subtile-witted men, fertile in expedients and devices. 1930 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 40 157 Moral rationalism found a..much more subtile-minded defender. C2. Subtile Doctor n. [after post-classical Latin Doctor Subtilis (from 14th cent. in British sources)] (usually with the) (an epithet of) John Duns Scotus (c1265–1308), scholastic theologian and philosopher noted for his subtle distinctions and nuanced reasoning; = Subtle Doctor n. at subtle adj. and n. Compounds 2. ΚΠ a1513 J. Irland Meroure of Wyssdome (1965) II. 106 The doctour subtil in his buk of the sentens in the prologe inducis viii maner of wais to preif and persuaid the faith. ?1531 R. Barnes Supplic. Kinge Henrye VIII f. cxxxvi Conclude now this proposicion after .M. subtyll doctor Duns dyffynycion. 1673 Pleasant Treat. Witches ix. 97 Iohn Scotus the subtil Doctor. 1753 J. Elphinston in tr. L. Racine Religion Notes 182 The famous war between the Nominals and the Realists, where on one side was seen the subtile doctor, and on the other the invincible doctor. 1875 Illustr. Catholic Family Almanac for U.S. 41 Duns Scotus, called the subtile doctor. 1992 Trans. Charles S. Peirce Soc. 28 57 While calling himself a Scotistic realist, he also renounced to follow the Subtile Doctor on certain points. subtile matter n. now historical rarefied matter; spec. = subtle matter n. at subtle adj. and n. Compounds 2. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > materiality > [noun] > matter or corporeal substance > postulated types of matter subtile mattera1500 subtle matter1660 materia subtilis1665 superatom1937 a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 1983 (MED) The cause of odours to know if ye delyte, Fowre thingis therto be requysite: First that subtile matere be obedient To the worching of hete. 1559 P. Morwyng tr. C. Gesner Treasure of Euonymus 96 When burning water therfore or Aqua vitæ reteininge hys purity and subtil matter [L. tenuitatem retinens]. 1664 R. Boyle New Exper. & Observ. Cold iii, in Wks. (1772) II. 503 Whether the spring of the air depend..upon the agitation of some interfluent subtile matter. 1693 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vii. 10 An æthereal subtile Matter..may penetrate and pervade the minutest and inmost Cavities of the closest Bodies. 1717 M. Prior Alma iii. 55 Deny Des-cart his subtil matter, You leave him neither fire nor water. 1776 tr. Béardé de l'Abbaye Ess. Agric. 10 Light, the subtile matter, the æther, the electrical fire, the magnetical torrent. 1830 J. G. Macvicar Elements Econ. Nature i. 8 The ultimate atom..is composed of a nucleus of hard matter invested by subtile matter. 1876 R. Routledge Discov. & Inventions 19th Cent. 365 In the natural state all bodies contain an indefinite quantity of an imponderable subtile matter, which may be called ‘neutral electric fluid’. 1959 C. S. Smith in M. Clagett Crit. Probl. Hist. Sci. xv. 477 Although Rohault is much concerned with the manner of packing the particles, he is not specific as to the type of force that holds them together, whether their own attraction or under the influence of the external pressure of subtile matter. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022). † subtilev. Forms: late Middle English subtelde (past participle), late Middle English subtilied (past participle), late Middle English–1500s subtylle, late Middle English–1600s subtile, late Middle English–1600s subtyle, late Middle English–1500s suptyle. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French subtiler, soutiller; Latin subtiliare. Etymology: Partly (i) < Anglo-Norman subtiler, Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French †subtiller, †subtilier, Middle French subtillier to devise (something) cunningly (beginning of the 13th cent. or earlier in Anglo-Norman; 1340 in continental French), to rarefy (a humour) (perhaps 14th cent. or earlier in Anglo-Norman; c1370 in continental French), variant of soutiller, soutillier subtle v.; and partly (ii) < post-classical Latin subtiliare subtiliate v. Compare Old Occitan subtiliar to make thin (14th cent.). Compare earlier subtle v. and the Romance verbs cited at that entry. Obsolete. 1. transitive. = subtilize v. 3. Cf. earlier subtle v. 3. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > make less dense [verb (transitive)] thinc1000 laska1375 rarefya1398 subtilea1425 subtiliate1551 extenuate1559 assubtiliate1582 assubtile1589 attenuate1594 subtilize1597 thinnify1693 a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 100 (MED) Sa is þe blud chaufyd & bulyt & subtyld, & þareof is caused redhede & thynned in þe uryn. a1500 ( G. Ripley Compend of Alchemy (Ashm.) l. 341 (MED) Lete ye bodye be sotelly fylde with mercury, as myche yen subtelde [1652 subtylyd]. 1528 T. Paynell tr. Arnaldus de Villa Nova in Joannes de Mediolano Regimen Sanitatis Salerni sig. Y j b Heatynge, subtilynge & dissoluynge hit [sc. phlegm]. ?1550 H. Llwyd tr. Pope John XXI Treasury of Healthe sig. I.viii By subtyllynge the humore. 1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke iii. 189 All the humours of our body are made thinne and subtiled. 2. intransitive. To think or argue subtly in a subject. Cf. subtle v. 2. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > misleading argument, sophistry > excessive subtlety, hair-splitting > pursue subtleties [verb (intransitive)] windc1386 subtlec1390 subtilea1450 subtilize1592 to cut a feathera1634 to split a hair or hairs1674 to split straws1674 to split words1674 Thomisticate1730 subtlize1821 a1450 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Cambr. Dd.1.17) B. x. f. 13/2 Theologie..[is] no sentens for sothe for to subtile inne. 3. transitive. To devise cunningly. Cf. subtle v. 4. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > treat cunningly [verb (transitive)] > contrive or attempt with cunning subtile1537 practise1591 cautel1603 Machiavellianize1656 1537 Inst. Christen Man (new ed.) A 3 Charmes, wytche-craftes, or any other false artes subtiled and inuented by the dyuell. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < adj.n.1387v.a1425
随便看	all-aged all-ages all-alikeness all-aloneness all-aluminium all-america all-american all-american boy all-american girl all-appalled all-appointing all-armed all-arounder all-arounders all-aroundness all-at-onceness all-attracting all-bearing all-beauteous all-beholding all-big-gun all-black all-body all-bony all-bountiful

subtileadj.n.

Compounds

† subtilev.