whistlen.
/ˈwɪsl/, U.S. /ˈ(h)wɪs(ə)l/ 1. † c. figurative. A person who speaks on behalf of another, an ‘instrument’, ‘mouth-piece’; one who gives a secret signal (cf. whistle v. 10). Obsolete.
a. A tubular wind instrument of wood, metal or other hard substance, having a more or less shrill tone, which is produced by impact of air upon a sharp edge; a shrill-toned pipe. Formerly also = pipe or flute.Used in various forms and sizes for many different purposes: esp. (blown by the mouth) by boatswains, policemen, etc., for calling dogs or horses, or the like, or (blown by steam) on railway engines, steam-ships, etc., for giving a signal or alarm; also as a musical toy, usually of tin and pierced with six holes (commonly called penny whistle, tin whistle). †Almain or German whistle, a fife.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > [noun] > sounding of whistle > whistle
whistlec950
call1671
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > wind instrument > pipe > [noun] > whistle
whistlec950
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke vii. 32 We gesungun iuh mið hwistlum.
c1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 311/22, 27 Musa, pipe, oððe hwistle... Fistula, hwistle.
11.. in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 539/24 Musa, pipe, uel hwistle.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cl. 4 Orgyns þat is made as a toure of sere whistils.
1427 For. Acc. 61 (P.R.O.) vj par' corn' voc' whisteles.
1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 41 My whistel of silvir.
c1480 (a1400) St. Thomas Apostle 60 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 130 A madyne com..hafand a quyschile in-to hand.
1513 E. Echyngham Let. to Wolsey 5 May in Lett. & Papers War France (1897) 148 The boy..sawe hym [sc. the Admiral] take his whistill from aboute his neck,..and hurlid [sic] it in to the see.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer ii. f. cccxxxviiiv The birde is begyled with the mery voice of the foulers whistel.
1532–3 Act 24 Hen. VIII c. 13 §1 It shalbe lefull for..maisters of the Shipps..and maryners to weare whistells of Silver.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 6051 With qwistlis, & qwes, & other qwaint gere.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas Epil. 19 The yonger sorte, come pyping..In whistles made of fine enticing wood.
1584 King James VI & I Ess. Prentise Poesie sig. Kiijv Ô Mercure,..efter Pan had found the quhissill, syne Thou did perfyte, that quhilk he bot espyit.
a1641 T. Heywood & W. Rowley Fortune by Land & Sea (1655) iv. i. 36 Boatswain with your whistle command the Saylors to the upper deck.
1661 R. Boyle Some Considerations Style Script. 190 A Child, with a Whistle; a Trifle that onely pleases with a transient and empty sound.
1683 J. Turner Pallas Armata iii. xi. 219 The Bag-pipe..is not so good as the Almain Whistle.
1778 J. Beattie in A. Ross Helenore (ed. 2) Ded. p. vii Where..shepherd-lads, on sunny knows, Blaw the blythe fusle.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose iii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 195 They havena sae mickle as a German whistle, or a drum, to beat a march, an alarm..or any other point of war.
1836 J. Mayne Siller Gun (new ed.) i. 22 Dangling like a baby's whustle, The Siller Gun..Gleam'd in the sun!
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxvii. 299 She..showed..everything man-of-war fashion, except that there was no boatswain's whistle.
1898 F. Montgomery Tony i The whistle sounded, and the train began slowly to glide out of the station.
b. Phrases, etc.† (a) box of whistles n. (also (Scottish) kist of whistles) a contemptuous appellation for a church organ. (Cf. quot. a1340 at sense 1a.)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > organ > [noun]
organc1380
a pair (also set) of organs1422
box of whistles1678
kist o' whistles1772
set1795
whistle-kist1843
pipe organ1862
melodica1890
1678 V. Alsop Melius Inquirendum i. ii. 99 Pope Vitalian..first..taught Mankind the Art of Worshipping God with a Box of Whistles.
1866 C. Engel Introd. Study National Music viii. 272 The instances where an organ—or a ‘a kist o' whistles’, as this noble instrument has been termed—has gained favour in a Scotch congregation, are exceptional.
(b) In comparisons, e.g. as clean, clear, dry as a whistle (often with play on other senses of the adjectives: see quots.).
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the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > greatly or very much [phrase] > extremely > specific emphasizing a quality
as the skin between one's brows1575
as clean, clear, dry as a whistle1786
1786 R. Burns Poems 31 Her mutchkin stowp as toom's a whissle.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) (at cited word) ‘As clean as a whistle’, a proverbial simile, signifying completely, entirely.
1842 J. Wilson Recreations Christopher North I. 84 By the time we reach the manse we are as dry as a whistle.
1849 W. S. Mayo Kaloolah (1850) v. 41 A first rate shot;..head taken off as clean as a whistle.
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. xv. 136 You're as clean as a whistle.
1880 A. Gray Lett. (1893) II. 710 My throat was as clear as a whistle.
1889 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xlii We've been sold as clean as a whistle.
(c) to pay (too dear) for one's whistle (and similar phrases), to pay much more for something than it is worth: in allusion to a story of Benjamin Franklin ( Wks. (1840) II. 182).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (intransitive)] > buy at more than value
to pay (too dear) for one's whistle1843
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > high price or rate > [noun] > dearness > fact of being too dear
over-dearness1680
to pay (too dear) for one's whistle1843
1843 R. S. Surtees Handley Cross I. vii. 139 I should not like to pay too dear for my whistle.
1851 G. Ticknor Life, Lett. & Jrnls. (1876) II. xiii. 271 Too much, he thought, for the price of such a whistle.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda III. v. xxxv. 29 If a man likes to do it he must pay for his whistle.
(d) to blow the whistle on (a person or thing): to bring an activity to a sharp conclusion, as if by the blast of a whistle; now usually by informing on (a person) or exposing (an irregularity or crime). Also without on.
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the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
society > communication > information > informing on or against > inform on or against [verb (transitive)]
wrayc725
meldeOE
bimeldena1300
forgabc1394
to blow up?a1400
outsay?a1400
detectc1449
denounce1485
ascry1523
inform1526
promote1550
peach1570
blow1575
impeach1617
wheedle1710
split1795
snitch1801
cheep1831
squeal1846
to put away1858
spot1864
report1869
squawk1872
nose1875
finger1877
ruck1884
to turn over1890
to gag on1891
shop1895
pool1907
run1909
peep1911
pot1911
copper1923
finger1929
rat1932
to blow the whistle on1934
grass1936
rat1969
to put in1975
turn1977
1934 P. G. Wodehouse Right ho, Jeeves xvii. 222 Now that the whistle had been blown on his speech, it seemed to me that there was no longer any need for the strategic retreat which I had been planning.
1953 R. Chandler Long Good-bye vi. 38 Come on, Marlowe. I'm blowing the whistle on you.
1965 Midnight 12 July 20/1 More and more frequently though, a whistle is being blown on the more exuberant borrowers.
1978 S. Wilson Dealer's Move v. 98 So Arnie and Alfie blew the whistle on you all. What are you going to do about it?
1984 Gainesville (Florida) Sun 29 Mar. 5 a/4 Jim Kirkland, the man who first blew the whistle on Gainesville's deteriorating financial condition, has resigned after less than three months on the job.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > delegated authority > one having delegated or derived authority > [noun] > one who speaks for or on behalf of another
whistlec1380
dictourc1440
orator1474
prolocutor?a1475
prelocutor1500
vauntparler1534
paranympha1538
mouth1563
speech1578
speaker1583
promotor1603
ambassador1611
suffragant1613
suffragator1618
mouthpiece1776
linguist1819
megaphone1909
porte-parole1911
spokesperson1972
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. II. 2 Crist criede in desert, bi Baptist þat was his whistle.
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. II. 240 Poul whom God haþ made his whistil.
a1640 P. Massinger Guardian iii. vi. 83 in 3 New Playes (1655) Your neighbour, Your whistle, agent, parasite..Should be within call, when you hem.
d. whistle and flute n. rhyming slang for ‘suit’ (suit n. 24). Also elliptical as whistle.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > set or suit of clothes > [noun]
habita1420
standc1450
suitc1475
sluch1582
standard1631
rig-out1824
outfit1840
suiting1863
shape1886
rig-up1896
bag of fruit1924
ensemble1927
whistle and flute1931
vine1932
drape1945
1931 J. Brophy & E. Partridge Songs & Slang Brit. Soldier: 1914–1918 (ed. 3) 375 Whistle and flute, a suit (of clothes).
1941 G. Kersh They die with their Boots Clean i. 27 He is the one permanent type of Londoner..the..Cockney... To Barker..a suit is a Whistle, or Whistle-an'-Flute.
1960 A. Prior in Pick of Today's Short Stories XI. 180 Half-Nelson lives for clothes... He never keeps a whistle more than a month.
1970 A. Draper Swansong for Rare Bird vii. 51 My best whistle was in a big heap on the floor.
1980 ‘J. Gash’ Spend Game ix. 97 ‘Him with the fancy whistle.’ Whistle-and-flute, suit.
2. colloquial. A jocular name for the mouth or throat as used in speaking or singing; chiefly in to wet (erron. whet) one's whistle, to take a drink.
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the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [verb (intransitive)]
drinkc1000
to wet (one's) whistle, weasand, mouth, beak, beardc1386
bumc1390
to wet (erron. whet) one's whistlec1405
tipple1648
to suck one's face1699
to moisten or wet one's clay1708
to water one's clay1751
the world > life > the body > speech organs > types of speech organ > [noun] > throat
throatc1275
whistlea1625
quail-pipe1693
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > [noun] > respiratory passages > wind-pipe
arberc1330
stroup1338
arterya1398
string1398
weasand1398
tracheac1400
thrapple?c1425
throat-goll1530
windpipe1530
weezle1538
weasand-pipe1544
throat pipe?1559
lung-pipe1562
whistlea1625
weezle-pipe1632
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Reeve's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 235 So was hir ioly whistle wel ywet.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 780 I wete my whystell, as good drinkers do, je crocque la pie.
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Coxcombe ii. ii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Nn4/1 Lets have no pitty, for if you doe, heres that shall cutt your whistle.
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler iii. 75 Lets..drink the other cup to wet our whistles, and so sing away all sad thoughts. View more context for this quotation
1674 T. Flatman Belly God 46 First whet thy whistle with some good Metheglin.
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 216 He, that laugh'd, until he choak'd his Whistle.
1715 tr. G. Panciroli Hist. Memorable Things Lost I. i. i. xi. 28 They did not only moisten their Pates, but their Whistles too.
1787 J. Wolcot Ode upon Ode in Wks. (1812) I. 447 Nor damn thy precious soul to wet thy whistle.
1836 Hooton Bilberry Thurland II. 8 Let's have another drop to keep my whistle wet.
1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xiii. 91 Whet your whistle, Jem.
3.
a. An act of whistling; a clear shrill sound produced by forcing the breath through the narrow opening made by contracting the lips; esp. as a call or signal to a person or animal; also as an expression of surprise or astonishment; rarely, the action of whistling a tune. Also, the act of sounding, or the sound made by, a whistle or pipe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [noun] > whistling
whistlingc897
whistle1447
whew1513
whewing?1590
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > [noun] > sounding of whistle
whistlingc950
whistle1447
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > [noun] > whistling
whistlingc897
whistle1447
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > [noun] > sound of wind instruments > sound of pipe or flute
whistle1447
toodle-loodle1542
toodle-toodlea1566
friddoning1588
pipe note1592
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > playing instruments > playing wind instrument > [noun] > playing pipe or whistle
whistlingc950
pipingc1300
whistle1447
scrannel-piping1834
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 151 Whan Marcuryis whystyl hym dede streyne To hys deed slepe.
1586 Praise of Musicke iii. 43 The ploughman & cartar, are..compelled to frame their breath into a whistle.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 608 He requireth of a skilfull shepheard a voyce or whisell intelligable to the sheepe, whereby to call them together.
1637 J. Milton Comus 12 The..Sound of pastoral reed.., Or whistle from the Lodge.
1671 C. Trenchfield Cap of Gray Hairs 40 When Dogs or Horses shew their ready motion at our whistle or chirrup.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones II. vi. ii. 232 She took an Opportunity..to interrupt one of his Whistles in the following Manner. View more context for this quotation
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. viii. 173 Lucky that Klepper knows my whistle, and follows me as truly as a hound.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxiii. 235 There was nothing but a whistle emphatic enough for the conclusion of the sentence.
1856 Amy Carlton 13 The engine gave its warning yell, as Amy called the whistle.
1896 A. Conan Doyle Exploits Brig. Gerard vi The dry rattle of the drums and the shrill whistle of the fifes.
b. figurative or in figurative phrases: Call, summons.Formerly often in not worth a whistle: hence as a type of something worthless. Rarely with other implications: †A moment, instant (in in a whistle): a ‘whisper’, slight mention (cf. whistle v. 10).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > paltry, mean, or contemptible
unworthlyc1230
wretcha1250
seely1297
vilec1320
not worth a cress (kerse)1377
the value of a rushc1380
threadbarec1412
wretched1450
miserable?a1513
rascal1519
prettya1522
not worth a whistlea1529
pegrall1535
plack1539
pelting1540
scald1542
sleeveless1551
baggage1553
paltering1553
piddling1559
twopenny1560
paltry1565
rubbish1565
baggagely1573
pelfish1577
halfpenny1579
palting1579
baubling1581
three-halfpenny1581
pitiful1582
triobolar1585
squirting1589
not worth a lousea1592
hedge1596
cheap1597
peddling1597
dribbling1600
mean1600
rascally1600
three-farthingc1600
draughty1602
dilute1605
copper1609
peltry?a1610
threepenny1613
pelsy1631
pimping1640
triobolary1644
pigwidgeon1647
dustya1649
fiddling1652
puddlinga1653
insignificant1658
piteous1667
snotty1681
scrubbed1688
dishonourable1699
scrub1711
footy1720
fouty1722
rubbishing1731
chuck-farthing1748
rubbishy1753
shabby1753
scrubby1754
poxya1758
rubbishly1777
waff-like1808
trinkety1817
meanish1831
one-eyed1843
twiddling1844
measly1847
poking1850
picayunish1852
vild1853
picayune1856
snide1859
two-cent1859
rummagy1872
faddling1883
finicking1886
slushy1889
twopence halfpenny1890
jerk1893
pissy1922
crappy1928
two-bit1932
piddly1933
chickenshit1934
pissing1937
penny packet1943
farkakte1960
pony1964
gay1978
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adverb] > of no worth
of no valure1483
not worth a whistlea1529
not worth a lousea1592
not worth shucks1843
society > authority > command > command or bidding > [noun] > summons or summoning
lathingc897
summonc1330
summoningc1375
summonds1385
calla1400
summation?1473
citing1485
sanda1513
whistlea1529
provocation1542
evocation1575
bidding1810
biddance1836
whip1879
the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb]
soonc825
ratheeOE
rathelyeOE
rekeneOE
rekenlyOE
thereright971
anonOE
forth ona1000
coflyc1000
ferlyc1000
radlyOE
swiftlyc1000
unyoreOE
yareOE
at the forme (also first) wordOE
nowOE
shortlya1050
rightOE
here-rightlOE
right anonlOE
anonc1175
forthrightc1175
forthwithalc1175
skeetc1175
swithc1175
with and withc1175
anon-rightc1225
anon-rights?c1225
belivec1225
lightly?c1225
quickly?c1225
tidelyc1225
fastlyc1275
hastilyc1275
i-radlichec1275
as soon asc1290
aright1297
bedenea1300
in little wevea1300
withoute(n dwella1300
alrightc1300
as fast (as)c1300
at firstc1300
in placec1300
in the placec1300
mididonec1300
outrightc1300
prestc1300
streck13..
titec1300
without delayc1300
that stounds1303
rada1325
readya1325
apacec1325
albedenec1330
as (also also) titec1330
as blivec1330
as line rightc1330
as straight as linec1330
in anec1330
in presentc1330
newlyc1330
suddenlyc1330
titelyc1330
yernec1330
as soon1340
prestly1340
streckly1340
swithly?1370
evenlya1375
redelya1375
redlya1375
rifelya1375
yeplya1375
at one blastc1380
fresha1382
ripelyc1384
presentc1385
presently1385
without arrestc1385
readilyc1390
in the twinkling of a looka1393
derflya1400
forwhya1400
skeetlya1400
straighta1400
swifta1400
maintenantc1400
out of handc1400
wightc1400
at a startc1405
immediately1420
incontinent1425
there and then1428
onenec1429
forwithc1430
downright?a1439
agatec1440
at a tricec1440
right forth1440
withouten wonec1440
whipc1460
forthwith1461
undelayed1470
incessantly1472
at a momentc1475
right nowc1475
synec1475
incontinently1484
promptly1490
in the nonce?a1500
uncontinent1506
on (upon, in) the instant1509
in short1513
at a clap1519
by and by1526
straightway1526
at a twitch1528
at the first chop1528
maintenantly1528
on a tricea1529
with a tricec1530
at once1531
belively1532
straightwaysa1533
short days1533
undelayedly1534
fro hand1535
indelayedly1535
straight forth1536
betimesc1540
livelyc1540
upononc1540
suddenly1544
at one (or a) dash?1550
at (the) first dash?1550
instantly1552
forth of hand1564
upon the nines1568
on the nail1569
at (also in, with) a thoughtc1572
indilately1572
summarily1578
at one (a) chop1581
amain1587
straightwise1588
extempore1593
presto1598
upon the place1600
directly1604
instant1604
just now1606
with a siserary1607
promiscuously1609
at (in) one (an) instant1611
on (also upon) the momenta1616
at (formerly also on or upon) sight1617
hand to fist1634
fastisha1650
nextly1657
to rights1663
straightaway1663
slap1672
at first bolt1676
point-blank1679
in point1680
offhand1686
instanter1688
sonica1688
flush1701
like a thought1720
in a crack1725
momentary1725
bumbye1727
clacka1734
plumba1734
right away1734
momentarily1739
momentaneously1753
in a snap1768
right off1771
straight an end1778
abruptedly1784
in a whistle1784
slap-bang1785
bang?1795
right off the reel1798
in a whiff1800
in a flash1801
like a shot1809
momently1812
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
in a gird1825
(all) in a rush1829
in (also at, on) short (also quick) order1830
straightly1830
toot sweetc1830
in two twos1838
rectly1843
quick-stick1844
short metre1848
right1849
at the drop of a (occasionally the) hat1854
off the hooks1860
quicksticks1860
straight off1873
bang off1886
away1887
in quick sticks (also in a quick stick)1890
ek dum1895
tout de suite1895
bung1899
one time1899
prompt1910
yesterday1911
in two ups1934
presto changeo1946
now-now1966
presto change1987
a1529 J. Skelton Colyn Cloute (?1545) sig. A.vii They..woteth neuer what thei rede Pater noster nor Crede Construe not worth a whystle Nether gospell nor pystle.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) i. iv. sig. B.iiijv Kocks nownes what meanest thou man, tut a whistle.
c1580 tr. Bugbears iii. ii, in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1897) 99 He red me a pistle and told a long round about not worth a whistle.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries ii. 67 That hee shoulde be brought to the whistle, or daunce after their pipe.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xvi. 29 I haue beene worth the whistle . View more context for this quotation
1639 J. Clarke Paroemiologia 232 Ready to run at every mans whistle.
1641 J. Milton Animadversions 57 Those drossy spirits that need the lure, and whistle of earthly preferment.
1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. vi. 3) 63 It bloweth where it listeth, and will not be at your whistle.
1784 R. Bage Barham Downs II. 273 He could do it in a whistle.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xiii. 337 All his followers..were ready at his whistle to array themselves round him.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped i. 6 Can you forget..old friends at the mere whistle of a name?
c. The clear shrill voice or note of a bird, or of certain other animals.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by noises > voice or sound made by animal > [noun] > whistle or chirp
peepa1500
cheepa1758
whistle1784
chirp1801
chip1808
the world > animals > birds > sound or bird defined by > [noun] > cry or call > thin or shrill
pew?a1500
yelping1593
pipe1721
whistle1784
queek1786
peek1834
pipe note1854
wheep1860
1784 W. Cowper Death Mrs. Throckmorton's Bulfinch 10 With a whistle blest, Well-taught, he all the sounds express'd Of flagelet or flute.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary III. viii. 165 A miserable linnet..began to greet them with his whistle.
1839 Penny Cycl. XV. 517/1 They [sc. Marmots]..when angry or before a storm pierce the ear with their shrill whistle.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xv. 103 To its [sc. a chamois'] whistle our guide whistled in reply.
a1887 R. Jefferies Toilers of Field (1892) 297 The blackbird's whistle is very human, like a human being playing the flute.
d. Any similar sound, as of wind blowing through trees or rigging, of a missile flying through the air, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > [noun] > whistle
whew1513
whistling1513
whiplinga1529
whist1579
whewing?1590
siffling1603
sifflement1607
whistlea1648
whutea1663
whiff1712
whoop1840
whiffle1972
a1648 Ld. Herbert Occas. Verses (1665) 61 Soft whistles of the Wind, And warbling murmurs of a Brook.
1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. iii. 44 We..are already nearly out of whistle of a bullet.
1867 W. Morris Life & Death of Jason xv. 276 Therewithal must I..writhe beneath the whistle of the whip.
1888 S. R. Bottone Electr. Instr. Making (ed. 2) 30 To a practised ear the peculiar whistle tells when the glass is being cut, and when only scratched.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
whistle-call n.
ΚΠ
1746 W. Ellis Agric. Improv'd I. May xvi. 100 In a certain Park, where Pheasants and Partridges come at the Whistle-call.
1830 W. Scott Lett. Demonol. & Witchcraft x. 393 Mariners conceive they hear the whistle-call.
C2. † whistle-pipe n. Obsolete a whistle for decoying birds.† whistle-stalk n. Obsolete a stalk made into a whistle or pipe, a ‘reed’.
whistle-belly-vengeance n. slang bad liquor, such as causes rumbling in the bowels (cf. whip-belly n. at whip- comb. form 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > types or qualities of intoxicating liquor > [noun] > unwholesome
sour swig1548
rotgut1632
stinkibus1707
whistle-belly-vengeance1861
gut-rot1916
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. III. viii. 136 I thought you wouldn't appreciate the widow's tap..Regular whistle-belly vengeance, and no mistake!
whistle-blower n. chiefly U.S. one who ‘blows the whistle’ on a person or activity (see sense 1b(d)), esp. from within an organization.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > informing on or against > [noun] > informer
wrayerc1000
wrobberc1300
discoverera1400
denunciator1474
informer1503
denouncer1533
detector1541
delatora1572
sycophant1579
inquisitor1580
scout1585
finger man1596
emphanista1631
quadruplator1632
informant1645
eastee-man1681
whiddler1699
runner1724
stag1725
snitch1785
qui tam1788
squeak1795
split1819
clype1825
telegraph1825
snitcher1827
Jack Nasty1837
pigeon1847
booker1863
squealer1865
pig1874
rounder1884
sneak1886
mouse1890
finger1899
fizgig1902
screamer1902
squeaker1903
canary1912
shopper1924
narker1932
snurge1933
cheese eater1935
singer1935
tip-off1941
top-off1941
tout1959
rat fink1961
whistle-blower1970
1970 N.Y. Times 23 Mar. 40/6 When they reflect more fully on how well the majority leader handled a whistle-blower and protected their interests.
1983 New Scientist 23 June 838/1 A whistleblower who tries to alert his own organisation to a problem and fails will, if he feels strongly enough about the matter, go outside.
whistle-blowing n. and adj. literal and figurative
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > informing on or against > [noun]
wrayingc1000
information1387
promotion?1533
talebearing1571
delation1578
sycophancy1622
peachery1654
blowing the gap1821
nosing1827
peaching1859
rounding1862
squeal1872
scream1915
singing1937
snouting1937
dobbing1968
whistle-blowing1971
society > communication > information > informing on or against > [adjective]
promoting1596
peachingc1625
snitching1819
little brother1962
whistle-blowing1971
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > [adjective] > whistling (of sound) > characterized by whistling > characterized by blowing a whistle
whistle-blowing1971
1971 New Scientist 9 Dec. 69 The Code [of Good Conduct of The British Computer Society] contains secrecy clauses that effectively prohibit Nader style whistle-blowing.
1978 Monitor (McAllen, Texas) 21 May 16 a/6 He has introduced legislation to protect ‘whistleblowing’ federal employees from reprisals if they reveal wasteful, illegal or improper government activities.
1980 Times 1 Apr. 3/4 The growth in Britain of ‘whistle-blowing’ journalism (blowing the whistle on the secret parts of the state and its servants by disclosing their activities) would seem to have sealed the fate of the D-notice system.
1983 D. Dunnett Dolly & Bird of Paradise vii. 80 Whistle-blowing guys in white helmets.
whistle-fish n. [see quot. 1836] a name for different species of rockling or sea-loach.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > rocklings > motella vulgaris (three-bearded rockling)
rockling1602
weasel-linga1682
sea-loach1686
whistle-fish1686
whistling fish1766
weasel-fish1773
whistler1864
the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > rocklings > rhinonemus cimbrius (four-bearded rockling)
rockling1602
weasel-linga1682
sea-loach1686
whistle-fish1686
whistling fish1766
weasel-fish1773
whistler1864
the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > rocklings > ciliata mustela (five-bearded rockling)
rockling1602
weasel-linga1682
sea-loach1686
whistle-fish1686
whistling fish1766
weasel-fish1773
whistler1864
1686 F. Willughby & J. Ray De Hist. Piscium 121 Mustela vulgaris Rondeletii..A Sea Loche Cestriæ. Whistle-fish in Cornubia.
1769 T. Pennant Brit. Zool. (new ed.) III. iv. 128 The Irish have their song at the taking of the razor shell; and the Cornish theirs, at the taking of the whistle fish.
1836 W. Yarrell Hist. Brit. Fishes II. 188 I believe..that..the term has been changed,..and that for Whistle-fish we ought to read Weasel-fish. Both the Three and Five Bearded Rocklings were called mustela from the days of Pliny..to the present time.
whistle-grinder n. a contemptuous appellation for a church organist (cf. 1b (a)).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musician > instrumentalist > keyboard player > [noun] > organist
organisterc1330
organ player1435
organer1442
organster1525
organist1548
whistle-grinder1843
1843 J. Ballantine Gaberlunzie's Wallet x. 237 Doors were shut against the ‘whistle-grinder’.
whistle-insect n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > [noun] > member of > unspecified
breezea1300
drumblec1350
gagrill14..
bug1594
bud-cutter1693
butter-cutter1704
cane-fly1750
whistle-insect1760
bush-worm1796
gogga1909
nunu1913
minibeast1973
1760 G. Edwards Gleanings Nat. Hist. II. 161 The head is made like that of a locust: the..thorax, is surrounded with many sharp points;..I have called it the Whistle-Insect, because it very nearly agrees with another insect found in Africa, of which the natives make whistles to call their cattle together: these whistles consist of the whole outer cover of the insect.
whistle-kist n. Scottish see 1b (a).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > organ > [noun]
organc1380
a pair (also set) of organs1422
box of whistles1678
kist o' whistles1772
set1795
whistle-kist1843
pipe organ1862
melodica1890
1843 J. Ballantine Gaberlunzie's Wallet v. 139 Grinding muckle whistle-kists, Sic abomination.
whistle-language n. = whistle-speech n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [noun] > whistled language
whistled language or speech1948
whistle-speech1948
whistle-language1956
silbo1957
1956 J. Whatmough Lang. iii. 48 In this book we are not concerned with such departures from true speech as the so-called whistle ‘languages’ of Mazateco..and of the Canary Islands.
1957 Amer. Anthropologist 59 487 My direct interest in the subject stems from a brief encounter with a whistle-‘language’ and a slit-gong xylophone..among the Northern Chins of Burma.
1978 Maledicta 2 254 Whistle-Languages: Who knows whether there are insults or other abuses in whistled languages of the Canary Islands, Kuskoy/Turkey, etc.?
whistle-line n. a line or cord by pulling which the whistle of a steamer is sounded.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > ropes or chains other than rigging or cable > [noun] > rope for sounding whistle of steamer
whistle-pull1892
whistle-line1898
1898 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Roden's Corner v. 46 The second mate, with his hand on the whistle-line, blared out his warning note every half-minute.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > [noun] > luring by pipe
whistle-pipe1570
call1607
quailpiping1661
1570 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Lekprevik) viii. 1423 Ane quhissil pype.
1587 A. Day Longus's Daphnis & Chloe sig. A4v Things belonging to a heardsmans office. As..vpon what occasion to vse the Whistle-Pipe, and how at another time to call with their voice alone.
whistle-pull n. a line or cord by pulling which the whistle of a steamer is sounded.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > ropes or chains other than rigging or cable > [noun] > rope for sounding whistle of steamer
whistle-pull1892
whistle-line1898
1892 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Slave of Lamp xxvi Her captain swearing on the bridge, with the whistle-pull in his hand.
whistle punk n. North American Logging a workman who sends signals by means of a whistle to those operating a donkey-engine.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > lumbering > [noun] > other lumbering personnel
hook tender1893
whistle punk1925
1925 Amer. Speech 1 136 The ‘whistle-punk’, who handles the signal wire that runs from the timber to the whistle of the donkey-engine.
1945 B. Macdonald Egg & I xiv. 184 Sharp and clear came the whistle punk's signals for a skidder.
1965 M. McIntyre Place of Quiet Waters ix. 172 He might get a job as a whistle punk in a logging camp.
whistle-ring n. a ring constructed to be sounded as a whistle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > ring > [noun] > other types of ring
kine-ringc1225
pontificala1500
hoop-ring1545
death's head1577
ring of remembrance1659
serjeant's ring1690
garter-ring1709
bath-ring1771
solitaire1832
regard ring1853
key ring1856
bodylet1870
portrait ring1877
tower-ring1877
whistle-ring1877
marquise1885
princess-ring1886
dinner ring1890
cluster ring1897
eternity ring1939
1877 W. Jones Finger-ring Lore 534 Whistle-rings, puzzle-rings, squirt-rings, &c.
whistle-speech n. a system of communication by whistling based on the spoken language, found esp. among peoples of mountainous districts and used to communicate over long distances.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [noun] > whistled language
whistled language or speech1948
whistle-speech1948
whistle-language1956
silbo1957
1948 Language 24 280 (heading) Mazateco whistle speech.
1972 R. R. K. Hartmann & F. C. Stork Dict. Lang. & Linguistics 255/2 Young English children often use whistle speech as a game.
1979 L. Campbell in L. Campbell & M. Mithun Langs. Native Amer. 958 Whistle speech is shared by Amuzgo, Mazatec,..some Nahua dialects, and Mexican Kickapoo.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > a grass or grasses > reedy or aquatic grasses > [noun] > reed or the reed plant > reed or stalk
reedOE
calamusa1398
cane1398
roselc1450
whistle-stalka1657
spear1844
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > wind instrument > pipe > [noun] > made of straw
reeda1387
fistulaa1398
oat reeda1522
quill1567
reed pipe1567
oat-pipe1586
oat1587
straw1598
whistle-stalka1657
oaten1825
a1657 G. Daniel Idyllia in Poems (1878) IV. iv. 74 A whistle-Stalke.
whistle-tankard n. a drinking-vessel fitted with a whistle, which sounds when it is emptied.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > containers for drink > drinking vessel > [noun] > vessel with whistle
whistle-tankard1909
1909 Daily Chron. 12 July 4/7 In the possession of the Corporation of Hull..is a whistle tankard which belonged to Anthony Lambert, Mayor of Hull in 1669.
whistle-wing n. a name for the golden-eyed duck (goldeneye n. 1a), from the shrill sound made by its wings in flying.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > freshwater birds > order Anseriformes (geese, etc.) > subfamily Merginae (duck) > [noun] > genus Bucephala > bucephala clangula (golden-eye)
cur1621
goldeneye1622
shelden1674
whistling duck1699
four-eyes1755
garrot1829
jingler1829
great-head1843
musselcracker1845
whistle-wing1872
ironhead1888
whiffler1888
1872 E. Coues Key to N. Amer. Birds 361 Whistle-wing = Golden-eye.
whistle-wood n. a name for various trees whose bark is easily peeled off, used by boys to make whistles, as the alder, bass-wood, mountain-ash, and various species of maple.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular timber trees or shrubs > [noun] > names applied to various types of trees or shrubs
whitewood1562
yellowwood1583
lightwood1597
redwood1693
hoop-wood1756
stave-wood1778
whistle-wood1825
whip-cropa1850
pepperwood1858
white tree1863
1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Whussel-wood, the alder and plane-tree; used by boys in making whistles.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
whistlev.
/ˈwɪsl/, U.S. /ˈ(h)wɪs(ə)l/ I. Literal senses.
1. intransitive. To utter a clear, more or less shrill sound or note by forcing the breath through the narrow opening formed by contracting the lips (the tone being produced merely by the resonance of the mouth-cavity, without vibration of the vocal cords): esp. as a call or signal to a person or animal, also as an expression of derision, contempt, etc., later more usually of surprise or astonishment; also, to utter a melody or tune consisting of a succession of such notes, esp. by way of idle diversion.The common superstitious practice among sailors to whistle for a wind during a calm, and to refrain from whistling during a gale, is referred to in quots. ?1518, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by noises > voice or sound made by animal > make sound [verb (intransitive)] > whistle or chirp
whistlec1000
wlitec1200
pipec1275
chirkc1386
chirtc1386
pulea1398
whitter1513
cheepa1522
peep1534
churtle1570
chipper1593
crick1601
grill1688
crink1781
yeep1834
chip1868
the world > animals > reptiles > order Squamata (lizards and snakes) > suborder Ophidia (snakes) > [verb (intransitive)] > hiss
whistlec1000
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > whistle
whistlec1000
whewc1475
whoo1599
pipea1616
wheep1808
wheeple1818
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > sound signal on instrument [verb (intransitive)] > sound whistle as signal
whistlec1000
pipe1707
to blow up1889
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (intransitive)] > whistle
whistlec1000
futec1650
c1000 Gloss. Prudentius in Germania (N.S.) XI. 398/176 Hwyslaþ, exsibilat.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. II. 258 Wistlað of þam dæle þe þæt sar bið.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. v. 26 He shall whistle [a1425 hisse] to hym fro the coestes of the erthe; and lo! hastid he shal come swiftli.
a1400 Octouian 1436 Clement nere the stede stapte, He whyslede and hys hondys clapte.
1423 Kingis Quair cxxxv The foulere quhistlith in his throte Diuersely.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 3418 Geffrey..was evir wistlyng att euery pase comyng.
?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. C.jv Some stered at the helme behynde Some whysteled after the wynde.
?a1556 in H. Jenkyns Remains T. Cranmer (1833) II. 266 If we take it for a Canterbury tale,..why do we not laugh it out of place, and whistle at it?
1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xvi. 83 Thay say he can baith quhissill and cloik, And his mouth full of meill.
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades x. 186 He whistled to him in his fiste.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet v. iii. 7 Whistle then to me As signall that thou hearest some thing approach. View more context for this quotation
1623 King James VI & I Let. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 140 Thogh ye showlde quhissell and sing one to another like Jakke and Tom for faulte of bettir musike.
1645 J. Milton L'Allegro in Poems 33 The Plowman..Whistles ore the Furrow'd Land.
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Cymon & Iphigenia in Fables 544 He trudg'd along..And whistled as he went, for want of Thought.
1743 R. Blair Grave 6 The School-boy..Whistling aloud to bear his Courage up.
1800 W. Scott Eve St. John 3 He..whistled thrice for his little foot-page.
a1809 J. Aikin Athenaeum in W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1827) II. 255 Our sailors..whistle for a wind.
1844 T. Hood Captain's Cow vii The more we whistled for the wind The more it did not blow.
1882 W. Besant All Sorts of Men II. xxiii. 134 Another discovery.., at sight of which he whistled and then shook his head.
1905 F. Young Sands of Pleasure i. iii Richard, whistling to the dog, led the way.
2.
a. To utter a clear shrill sound, note, or song, as various birds and certain other animals; to pipe; †also formerly, to hiss, as a serpent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > sound shrill [verb (intransitive)] > whistle
sifflec1400
pipec1405
round?1440
whewc1475
whistle1484
pipple1592
wheetle1825
whiffle1832
the world > animals > birds > sound or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > make shrill sound
shrikec1200
pipe?a1500
whistlec1550
yelp1553
queek1707
gallow1825
wheetle1825
a1100 Aldhelm Glosses i. 4703 in A. S. Napier Old Eng. Glosses (1900) 121/2 Sibilans, hwistliende.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) v. xxxvii An adder..þat whisteleþ and blowith and corrumpith þe aier.
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 5348 Dragouns..Þat grisely whistleden & blasten, And of her mouþe fyre out casten.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope i. x [The serpent] whystled about the hows.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 31 The chekyns began to peu, quhen the gled quhissillit.
1599 A. Hume Hymnes sig. D2 The Maveis and the Philomeen, The Stirling whissilles lowd.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 5 Latin was no more difficile, Then to a Blackbird 'tis to whistle.
1766 ‘T. Bobbin’ Let. in Wks. (1819) 340 They [sc. magpies] can whistle also!
1810 E. D. Clarke Trav. Var. Countries: Pt. 1st xii. 249 The Suroke; which is seen in all parts of the steppes; sitting erect, near its burrow, on the slightest alarm, whistling very loud.
1820 J. Keats To Autumn iii, in Lamia & Other Poems 139 The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xxxix. 359 The white whale..whistled while submerged.
1900 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 60/1 It [sc. a buck] turned and crashed away into the forest, ‘whistling’ as it went.
b. Of a broken-winded horse: cf. whistler n. 2d, whistling n. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > of horse: have disorder [verb (intransitive)] > respiratory disorders
to blow shortc1440
whistle1898
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [verb (intransitive)] > wheeze
roar1842
whistle1898
1898 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport II. 183/1 Whether his most promising two-year-old..did or did not whistle—or worse—as she passed him.
3.
a. To produce a shrill sound of this kind in any way, esp. by rapid movement, as the wind, a missile, the lash of a whip, etc.
ΚΠ
a1505 R. Henryson Test. Cresseid 20 in Poems (1981) 111 The blastis bitterly Fra Pole Artick come quhisling loud and schill.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. viii. 73 The souchand bir quisland amang the granis.
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades ii. 25 Making such noise as doth the sea, when..It makes the shoare whistle along, with beating on eche crag.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 590 The winged Weapon, whistling in the Wind.
a1718 M. Prior Henry & Emma 392 When the Winds whistle, and the Tempests roar.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. vi. 192 The first shot passed extremely near.., whistling just over the heads of the crew.
1853 C. Dickens Bleak House viii. 68 The place became dilapidated, the wind whistled through the cracked walls.
1896 A. Conan Doyle Rodney Stone xxii A whip whistled in the darkness.
1901 W. P. Ridge London Only i. 26 Mrs. Bell..turned up the gas until it whistled madly.
b. To rustle shrilly, as silk or other stiff fabric. Obsolete or dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rustle
brustlec1275
rustlea1387
stichle?a1513
whistle1633
fissle1721
crinkle1878
frou-frouing1905
1633 G. Herbert Quip in Temple iv Then came brave Glorie puffing by In silks that whistled.
1669 J. Flavell Husbandry Spiritualized App. 240 Under poor garments more true worth may be, Than under silks that whistle.
1858 A. Mayhew Paved with Gold ii. vii Making his nether garments ‘whistle’, as the noise produced by the friction of corduroy is musically styled by the vulgar.
4. To blow or sound a whistle; to sound, as a whistle.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > sound signal on instrument [verb (transitive)] > sound whistle as signal
whistle1530
cheerc1600
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (transitive)] > whistle
whistle1530
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > sound shrill [verb (intransitive)] > whistle > sound whistle or catcall
whistle1530
catcall1735
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 781/1 I whystell in a whystell, or in my hande, je ciffle.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 31 The maister quhislit and bald the marynalis lay the cabil to the cabilstok.
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xv. 114 The Boatswaine whistles, and the Maister calles. View more context for this quotation
16681 [see sense 7a]. 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 91 She whistled on a small silver call..which..was sometimes used to summon domestics.
1849 W. M. Thackeray Paris Revisited in Contrib. to Punch ⁋5 The engine whistled—the train set forth.
1896 Law Times Rep. 73 614/2 The engine driver began to whistle about ten seconds before the train passed over the crossing.
5. transitive. To produce or utter by whistling (in sense 1, 2, or 4), as a tune or melody; to express by whistling.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [verb (transitive)] > whistle
whissa1400
whistle1559
whutea1663
whiffle1832
wheeple1901
1559 D. Lindsay Test. Papyngo l. 88 in Wks. (1931) I To play platfute, and quhissill fute before.
1575 A. Fleming tr. Virgil Bucolikes x. 31 If that your pipe would whistle vp my loue, which boyles in brest [L. Vestra meos olim si fistula dicat amores].
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iii. ii. 309 + 4 Those tunes..that he heard the Car-men whistle . View more context for this quotation
1709 T. Robinson Vindic. Mosaick Syst. 89 in Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland They [sc. God's creatures] have all their several ways of Pleasure and Diversion, some by dancing around in the open Air,..others by singing, or whistling out their chearful Notes.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 345 The linnet and bull-finch may be taught..to whistle a long and regular tune.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 20 The officer whistled a lively air.
1853 E. C. Gaskell Ruth I. xi. 229 Miss Benson had some masculine tricks, and one was whistling a long low whistle, when surprised or displeased.
6.
a. To shoot or drive with a whistling sound.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > impel or drive [verb (transitive)] > with sound
whistle1697
zoon1909
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > shrill [verb (transitive)] > whistle > shoot or drive with
whistle1697
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World v. 116 The Spaniards..began to whistle now and then a shot among them.
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein II. i. 18 Sturdy young giants as ever climbed cliff, or let bolt whistle at a chamois.
1853 B. G. Ferris Mormons at Home (1856) xv. 278 The wind..whistled the dust around us in clouds.
b. With down, off: To put on, or take off (the brakes of a railway engine).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > rail travel > [verb (transitive)] > direct or manage a railway engine > specific operations
work1835
shunt1845
flag1856
slip1866
whistle1869
sidetrack1872
signal1888
switch1891
target1893
highball1905
plunge1923
1869 B. Harte What Engines said iii, in Wks. (1872) 491 Said the Engine from the East:..S'pose you whistle down your brakes.
1891 C. Roberts Adrift in Amer. 172 The engineer whistled the brakes off.
c. To make (one's way) with whistling.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > other vocal sounds > [verb (transitive)] > whistle > make one's way with
whistle1853
1853 C. G. F. Gore Dean's Daughter xxxvi The steamer thumped and whistled its way athwart Cowes Roads.
1866 R. D. Blackmore Cradock Nowell xvi He..whistled his way to the main front-door.
II. Extended, allusive, and figurative senses.
7. transitive.
a. To call, summon, bring, or get by or as by whistling; †figurative to entice, allure.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon
lathec900
hightOE
clepec1000
ofclepeOE
ofsendOE
warna1250
callc1300
summonc1300
incalla1340
upcallc1340
summonda1400
becallc1400
ofgredec1400
require1418
assummonc1450
accitec1475
provoke1477
convey1483
mand1483
whistle1486
vocatec1494
wishc1515
to call up1530
citea1533
convent1540
convocate1542
prorogate1543
accersit1548
whistle for1560
advocatea1575
citate1581
evocate1639
demand1650
to warn in1654
summons1694
invoke1697
to send for1744
to turn up1752
requisition1800
whip1857
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > unpleasant quality > shrill quality > shrill [verb (transitive)] > whistle > summon with
whistle1486
society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > sound signal on instrument [verb (transitive)] > sound whistle as signal > summon by whistling
whistle1486
the mind > will > motivation > attraction, allurement, or enticement > attract, allure, or entice [verb (transitive)]
teec888
tightc1000
drawc1175
tollc1220
till?c1225
ticec1275
bringc1300
entice1303
win1303
wina1340
tempt1340
misdrawa1382
wooa1387
lure1393
trainc1425
allurea1450
attract?a1475
lock1481
enlure1486
attice1490
allect1518
illect?1529
wind1538
disarm1553
call1564
troll1565
embait1567
alliciate1568
slock1594
enamour1600
court1602
inescate1602
fool1620
illure1638
magnetize1658
trepana1661
solicit1665
whistle1665
drill1669
inveigh1670
siren1690
allicit1724
wisea1810
come-hither1954
1486 Bk. St. Albans b iv b Stonde styll and cherke hir, and whistyll hir.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 113 If Argus with his hundred eyes went prying to vndermine Iuppiter, yet mette he with Mercurie, who whiselled all his eyes out.
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. D3v When I lead a horse to the water, if he will not drinke, what can I doo, but whistle him.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Spanish Gipsie (1653) iv. sig. H3 If you can whistle her To come to Fist, make tryall, play the young Falconer.
1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 194 Whether it be through his owne cowardise or inconstancy, that he keepeth off; or that a faire word whistleth him off.
1665 J. Glanvill Sciri Tuum: Authors Defense 4 in Scepsis Scientifica Whistling their dependants into apparent precipices.
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues ii. xxvi. 338 Hyl. If you fall a-drinking, I may well fall a-whistling on my Flagellet. Cuph. What, do you mean to make us all Horses, to whistle us while we are a-drinking?
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues ii. xxix. 349 No Hags of Thessaly could ever whistle the celestial Dog out of the Sky.
1716 J. Addison Free-holder No. 22. ⁋2 He..chanced to miss his dog... We stood still till he had whistled him up.
1760 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy I. xvi. 93 Had he been whistled up to London, upon a Tom Fool's errand.
1774 O. Goldsmith Retaliation 108 He cast off his friends, as a huntsman his pack; For he knew when he pleased he could whistle them back.
1836 Hooton Bilberry Thurland III. 3 A young man..came..and whistled her out through the palisadings of the area.
1876 Field 12 Feb. 156/2 The driver's whistle, as he tried to whistle the opposing signal down, would soon show to the man in the signal-box what was amiss.
1889 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Crooked Path iv The polite man..whistled up a hansom for the two gentlemen.
b. (With away, off, etc.) To send or dismiss by whistling (esp. as a term of falconry); also figurative to dismiss, cast off, or abandon lightly: so to whistle down the wind (the hawk being usually cast off against the wind in pursuit of prey, but with the wind when turned loose).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hawking > hawk [verb (intransitive)] > hawking procedures
rebuke1486
whistlea1575
to cast a lure1683
to get in1686
the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > lightly
whistlea1575
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel > specific people from a place, position, or possession > with whistling
whistlea1575
a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 121 The which John Bacon was whistled and clapped out of Rome.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 266 If I doe prooue her haggard, Tho that her Iesses were my deare heart strings, I'de whistle her off, and let her downe the wind, To prey at fortune.
1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. ii. iii. 317 As a long-winged Hawke when he is first whistled off the fist, mounts aloft.
a1625 J. Fletcher Bonduca iv. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Hhhh4/2 This is he..that basely whistled his honour off to th' wind.
a1721 Duke of Buckingham Julius Caesar in Wks. (1723) I. i. ii Those lofty Thoughts..now are whistled off With every Pageant Pomp, and gawdy Show.
1759 R. Jackson Hist. Rev. Pennsylvania 147 He first acknowledges that Right, and then whistles it away.
1775 S. Johnson Taxation no Tyranny 83 The Dean of Gloucester has proposed..that we should..release our claims, declare them masters of themselves, and whistle them down the wind.
1792 T. Holcroft Road to Ruin i. 14 Poverty is a trifle; we can whistle it off.
1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xlvi. 329 To the winds have I whistled her long ago.
1860 A. Trollope Castle Richmond I. xiv. 289 Having accepted my love, you cannot whistle me down the wind as though I were of no account.
1871 G. Meredith Harry Richmond III. xi. 196 You're going, are you?.. Then I whistle you off my fingers!
8.
a. intransitive. To issue a call or summons, to call; whistle for, to summon. Now rare or Obsolete (except as implied in sense 1 or 4).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command or give orders [verb (intransitive)] > summon
summonc1460
whistle1560
call1590
whip1833
ring1847
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon
lathec900
hightOE
clepec1000
ofclepeOE
ofsendOE
warna1250
callc1300
summonc1300
incalla1340
upcallc1340
summonda1400
becallc1400
ofgredec1400
require1418
assummonc1450
accitec1475
provoke1477
convey1483
mand1483
whistle1486
vocatec1494
wishc1515
to call up1530
citea1533
convent1540
convocate1542
prorogate1543
accersit1548
whistle for1560
advocatea1575
citate1581
evocate1639
demand1650
to warn in1654
summons1694
invoke1697
to send for1744
to turn up1752
requisition1800
whip1857
1560 Bp. J. Pilkington Aggeus the Prophete (1562) 158 Drought, hunger, plage, sworde, do tarye..for God's callinge and as soone as he whystles, they come straighte.
a1626 F. Bacon Advice King Sutton's Est. in Wks. (1826) V. 381 The greatness of the reward doth whistle for the ablest men..to supply the chair.
b. whistle off: to go off, go away (suddenly or lightly). colloquial ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > go away suddenly or hastily
fleec825
runOE
swervea1225
biwevec1275
skip1338
streekc1380
warpa1400
yerna1400
smoltc1400
stepc1460
to flee (one's) touch?1515
skirr1548
rubc1550
to make awaya1566
lope1575
scuddle1577
scoura1592
to take the start1600
to walk off1604
to break awaya1616
to make off1652
to fly off1667
scuttle1681
whew1684
scamper1687
whistle off1689
brush1699
to buy a brush1699
to take (its, etc.) wing1704
decamp1751
to take (a) French leave1751
morris1765
to rush off1794
to hop the twig1797
to run along1803
scoot1805
to take off1815
speela1818
to cut (also make, take) one's lucky1821
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
absquatulize1829
mosey1829
absquatulate1830
put1834
streak1834
vamoose1834
to put out1835
cut1836
stump it1841
scratch1843
scarper1846
to vamoose the ranch1847
hook1851
shoo1851
slide1859
to cut and run1861
get1861
skedaddle1862
bolt1864
cheese it1866
to do a bunkc1870
to wake snakes1872
bunk1877
nit1882
to pull one's freight1884
fooster1892
to get the (also to) hell out (of)1892
smoke1893
mooch1899
to fly the coop1901
skyhoot1901
shemozzle1902
to light a shuck1905
to beat it1906
pooter1907
to take a run-out powder1909
blow1912
to buzz off1914
to hop it1914
skate1915
beetle1919
scram1928
amscray1931
boogie1940
skidoo1949
bug1950
do a flit1952
to do a scarper1958
to hit, split or take the breeze1959
to do a runner1980
to be (also get, go) ghost1986
1689 T. Shadwell Bury-Fair ii. 22 Wild. So, Madam, you have my Heart... Gert. 'Tis a light one, and always ready to whistle off at any Game.
1796 F. Burney Camilla IV. vii. viii. 121 He..whistled off to his appointed chamber.
9.
a. to go whistle: to go and do what one will, to occupy oneself idly or to no purpose (esp. in phrases expressing unceremonious or contemptuous dismissal or refusal, as to bid one go whistle; also without go). to whistle for: to seek, await, or expect in vain, to fail to get, to go without (cf. note under sense 1). colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > contempt or disesteem [phrase] > expressions of contempt
a straw forc1374
to blow the buck's hornc1405
to go whistle1453
fig's enda1616
to do the other thing1628
indeed1834
(in a) pig's eye (also ear, arse)1847
drop dead1934
the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (intransitive)] > be dismissed or rejected
to go whistle1453
to go hanga1616
pluck1772
to be left in the basketa1845
to go (also be thrown, etc.) out (of) the window1913
to be out (of) the window1938
to get knotted1963
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > disappoint, frustrate [verb (transitive)] > expect in vain
to whistle for1605
1453–4 R. Pecock Folewer to Donet 106 If eny man pretende so greet a curiosite anentis þe persoon of crist þat he lackid þe passioun of angir, he may go whistle til he leerne bettir.
1513 More in Hall Chron., Edw. V. (1548) 9 b There they spende and byd their creditours goo whystle.
1605 London Prodigall ii. iv. 173 The Deuen-shyre man shall whistle for a wife.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 698 This being done, let the Law goe whistle . View more context for this quotation
1642 W. Prynne Pleasant Pvrge 157 There is no Altar, Table in the Text. You may goe whistle then.
1677 tr. A.-N. Amelot de La Houssaie Hist. Govt. Venice 271 Men are apt to promise any thing in danger, and to perform nothing when out of it, according to the Proverb of their Countrey:..When the danger's past, the Saint may go whistle.
1741 W. Shenstone Poet & Dun 24 Your fame is secure—bid the critics go whistle.
1760 C. Johnstone Chrysal II. ii. xiv ‘Do not you desire to be free?’..‘aye! that I do! but I may whistle for that wind long enough, before it will blow.’
1812 G. Colman Poet. Vagaries 7 You may as well go whistle as go think Of mending the confusion.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 130 And sae we'll leave Mr. Sharpitlaw to whistle on his thumb.
1882 G. Bloomfield Reminisc. I. i. 14 She..rode off, telling him he might whistle for his money.
b. to whistle in the dark: to put on a brave front; to make a pretence of confidence. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > moral courage > making bold appearance > show a bold face [verb (intransitive)] > make pretence of bravery
to whistle in the dark1939
1939 [implied in: Time 18 Dec. 21/3 Since precious little German trade can be sailed, submarined or flown overseas, writing about ‘new possibilities’..sounded like official whistling in the dark. (at whistling n. 1d)].
1958 Spectator 8 Aug. 185/3 At his press conference, Mr. Dulles was whistling bravely in the dark.
1971 ‘L. Egan’ Malicious Mischief (1972) ii. 29 That fellow's whistling in the dark. And I think he knows it.
1983 S. Hill Woman in Black 92 ‘I am finding the whole thing rather a challenge.’ ‘Mr Kipps..you are whistling in the dark.’
10. intransitive and transitive. To speak, tell, or utter secretly, to ‘whisper’; to give secret information, turn informer. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > informing on or against > inform on or against [verb (intransitive)]
inform1588
peach1598
whistle1599
sing1612
whiddlec1661
squeak1690
wheedle1710
whittle1735
to blow the gab1785
snitch1801
rat1810
nose1811
sing1816
gnarl1819
split1819
stag1839
clype1843
squeal1846
blow1848
to round on1857
nark1859
pimp1865
squawk1872
ruck1884
to come or turn copper1891
copper1897
sneak1897
cough1901
stool1911
tattle-tale1918
snout1923
talk1924
fink1925
scream1925
sarbut1928
grass1929
to turn over1967
dime1970
1599 J. Hayward 1st Pt. Henrie IIII 27 Some of the secrete counsailers, or corrupters rather, and abusers of the King, whistled him in the eare, that his going to Westminster was neither seemly nor safe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 244 Is there not milking-time? When you are going to bed? Or kill-hole? To whistle of these secrets? View more context for this quotation
1627 J. Taylor Armado sig. B5 They dare speake fellony, whistle treason.
1682 J. Flavell Righteous Man's Refuge in Pract. Treat. Fear (new ed.) 195 The Bird of the air that carries tidings, and whistles deeds of darkness.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 191 I kept aye between him and her, for fear she had whistled.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering III. xi. 224 I wadna like..to gang about whistling and raising the rent on my neighbours.
1917 H. A. Vachell Fishpingle xii. 236 He hurried on, now doubly assured that Joyce had ‘whistled’.
11. To smell unpleasantly or strongly. slang. rare.
ΚΠ
1935 W. H. Auden & C. Isherwood Dog beneath Skin ii. v. 113 Wot wouldn't I give fer a bath? Cor! I don't 'alf whistle!
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1924; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.c950v.c1000