wrestn.1
/rɛst/, U.S. /rɛst/ I. The action or result of wresting or twisting, and related uses.† 2. figurative. An ill or evil turn; a trick. Obsolete.† 3. The action of wresting, forcing, or straining the meaning or purport of words, etc.; an instance of this. Obsolete.
1. 1883 A. Herschel in Nature Mar. 458 The time-rates of each of these momenta..are respectively angular moment or twirl (of a force-couple) and tractive moment or wrest (of a motor-couple).figurative.c1430 J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Caxton, ? 1484) I viii b It causeth hertes no lenger to debate That partyd ben with the wreste of hate.a1592 R. Greene Orpharion (1599) 16 Loue..if it be ouer-strained, cracketh at the first wrest.1838 S. Bellamy Betrayal 126 In the strong wrest of supplication, then, sole travailing.† c. Without article. Twist or coil. Obsolete. rare.† d. Scottish. A wrenching or spraining of the muscles; a sprain or strain. Obsolete.
a. The action of twisting, wrenching, or writhing; a twist, wrench; a tug or violent pull; †a turn of a tuning-peg (quot. ?1553).
ΘΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > writhing or twisting movement > [noun] > an act of
wresta1400
wringa1500
throwa1522
writhe1611
wry1616
twistlea1796
squinch1893
the world > movement > impelling or driving > pushing and pulling > [noun] > pulling > a violent pull
wresta1400
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3462 Þair strut it was vn-stern stith, Wit wrathli wrestes [Gött. wraystes] aiþer writh.
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 26 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 300 First to the ryȝht honde þou shalle go, Sitthen to þo left honde þy neghe þou cast; To hom þou boghe withouten wrast.
a1527 W. Peeris Prov. in Anglia (1892) 14 478 Stoppide in the freytis they [sc. lute-strings] abyde the pynnes wrest.
?1553 (c1501) G. Douglas Palice of Honour (London) ii. l. 803 in Shorter Poems (1967) 56 Thair instrumentis all maist wer fydlys lang Bot with a string quhilk neuyr ane wreist ȝeid wrang.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 72 With the wreast of a Cok [he] waz sure of a coolar: water spurting vpward.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Torse,..a wrest, wrinch; wrythe, wrying.
b. Extent of wresting; hence, reach of capacity; stretch, strain. rare.
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the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > [noun] > extreme or excessive
stressing1540
overreach1556
stress1570
straining1585
wrest1593
overstraining1623
strain1693
overstrain1694
overexertion1795
overtaxation1881
1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares L ij b Thou wert chosen to make an Oration.., in which (hauing toyled thy wits to theyr highest wrest) thou [etc.].
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the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [noun] > condition of being twisted spirally > a spiral twist
wrest?c1550
writhe1745
twiddle1849
?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. 49 Thei hade for the moste parte long heare, withowte wrest or curle.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders affecting muscles > [noun] > sprain or strain
wrench1530
strain1558
sprain1601
wrest1616
wramp1669
spraining1673
rax1790
rick1813
wrick1831
twist1864
stave1900
pull1923
1616 Orkney Witch Trial in Dalyell Darker Superstit. Scotl. (1834) 118 [To make] a wresting thread, and give it in the name of the Father, Sone, and the Holie Gaist,..it wald mak ony wrest of man or beast haill.
1706 Mare of Collingtoun in J. Watson Choice Coll. Scots Poems i. 60 It will be good against the Pine Of any Wriest or Strienzie.
1881 W. Paul Past & Pres. Aberdeenshire 15 Mr. Thomson then [= in 1698] being bed-rid by reason of a wrest in his ankle.
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society > morality > moral evil > lack of principle or integrity > [noun] > dishonesty > trick or scheme
unwrenchc897
un-i-wrenchc1275
checkc1330
trippetc1330
wrest14..
knavery1528
foist1607
spiel1901
14.. Sir Beues (E.) 1930 A made hire alway to ete ferst, Lest þey deden him ony wrest.
c1440 York Myst. xvii. 187 Than shall we wayte þam with a wrest, And make all wast þat þei haue wroght.
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the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > distortion or perversion of meaning > [noun]
wrestingc1444
pervertinga1450
corruptiona1513
straining1528
writhing?1532
hacking1539
violence1546
racking1556
wrying1562
wringing1565
detorting1579
wrest1581
detortion1598
wrench1603
torture1605
distorting1610
violencing1612
refraction1614
misacception1629
distortion1650
distorture1709
misacceptation1721
torturing1753
verbicide1826
stretch1849
twisting1890
queeringness1955
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > distortion or perversion of meaning > [noun] > instance of
violence1546
wresting1551
wreathing1556
strain1579
wrest1581
mis-sense1615
by-signification1651
extortion1652
corruption1699
wrench1701
by-sense1782
corruptibility1847
torturing1855
twist1862
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 169 b By what wrest of Logicke doth Osorius gather habilitie of Freewill out of the holy ordinaunces.
1597 J. Payne Royall Exchange 22 They seke fauls armure by wrest of scripture.
a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 467 Where the witnesse of the other hath often a wrest and tacke of her corruption.
a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 716 It is..partly falsification, partly a wrest of the Scripture.
1609 Bp. W. Barlow Answer Catholike English-man 38 To picke quarels at words, by wrests and streines, neither to purpose nor to sense.
II. technical.† 4. Surgery. A peg for tightening a ligature by twisting. Obsolete.† 6. figurative.a1592 R. Greene Alcida (1617) sig. E4 Faith is the key that shuts the spring of loue, Lightnesse a wrest, that wringeth all awry.† b. A machine for hoisting or hauling weights. Obsolete. rare.† c. (See quot. 1688) Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.
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the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > equipment to stop bleeding > [noun] > tourniquet or compressor > instrument for tightening
wrestc1370
turn-stick1813
c1370 J. Arderne Practica (Ashm. 1434) f. 4 In quo foramine vnum vertile, anglice wrayst, imponatur.
a1425 tr. Arderne 9 By middez of whiche wraiste in þe ouer ende shal be a litel hole.
5. 1793 Minstrel I. 91 Beside it, suspended by a green lace, he hung the wrest, or key, by which it is tuned. [Cf. quot. 1575 at sense 1a.]1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. xiii. 323 A silver chain, by which hung the wrest, or key with which he tuned his harp.1831 H. Neele Romance Hist. I. 201 Trying his harp strings, and with his wrest or screw tuning them to the proper pitch.1861 W. F. Collier Hist. Eng. Lit. 36 The distinctive badge of the [minstrel's] profession was the wrest or tuning-key.in extended use.1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) v. xxiii Soune is..yschape with þe wraaste [L. plectrum] of þe tunge.
a. An implement for tuning certain wire-stringed instruments, as the harp or spinet; a tuning-key. Now archaic.In Middle English sometimes used to render Latin plectrum.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > [noun] > device for tuning instruments > for tuning strings
wrest1398
tuning-key1860
tuning-lever1889
tuning-wrench-
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) v. xxi Þe sowne of speking byndeþ wordes; as wreste [1495 wraste]..temperith þe strenges, so þe tonge smyteþ þe teeþ.
c1425 in Anglia VIII. 109/31 Þis newe tymbrer settiþ..hir handys and fyngers for a wrast, þat is an instrument of organ-songe.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 533/2 Wreste of an harpe or other lyke, plectrum.
a1500 Liber Pluscardensis (Marchm.) (1877) I. 392 Sal we the menstral wyt? Yha, bot he bent and pruf thaim [sc. the strings] with his wraist.
1504 W. Cornishe in J. Skelton Pithy Pleasaunt & Profitable Wks. (1568) sig. Zvij A harper wt his wrest maye tune the harpe wrong.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 48 Hiz harp in good grace dependaunt before him, hiz wrest tied too a green lace & hanging by.
1612 Bk. Customs & Valuation in A. Halyburton Ledger (1867) 333 Wrests for virginals the groce, vi li.
1663 S. Pepys Diary 1 Apr. (1971) IV. 90 Calling on the virginall-maker—buying a Rest for myself to tune my Tryangle.
1668 S. Pepys Diary 20 July (1976) IX. 265 To buy a Rest for my spinet at the ironmonger's.
b. figurative and in figurative context.
Π
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. iii There lacked a wrest to the harpe to set all the strynges in a monacorde and tune which was the matrimony..betwene the kynge and..Elizabeth.
1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 210 O let the longest Largs be shortest Briefes In this discordant Note, and turne the Wrest.
1614 Publ. Edict against Priuate Combats 45 This small instrument the Tongue..being kept in tune by the wrest of awe.
c. Heraldry. The figure of a ‘wrest’ used as a charge.
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society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > other heraldic representations > [noun] > musical instruments and their parts
sufflue1562
wrest1572
campane1688
campany1688
psalter1688
virole1722
clarion1727
organ-rest1846
1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 87v His crest a wrest in crosse, Sol.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xvi. 59/2 He beareth Argent, a Virginall Wrest sable.
a. An implement for wresting; a tool for turning bolts, nuts, etc.; a screw-key. Also figurative.
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society > occupation and work > equipment > screwdrivers, wrenches, spanners > [noun]
wrest1589
turn-screw1778
1589 in Trans. Shropshire Archæol. Soc. (1878) 1 12 iiij vice pynnes with a wrest for a field bedde.
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Storta,..a wrench or wrest that ioyners vse.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 4 Thie fellowship in feeding together is..a wrest that straineth and stretcheth benevolence to the utmost.
c1625 in J. Raine Descr. Anc. Monuments Church of Durham (1842) 8 Two silver..Candlesticks for two tapers..to be taken in sunder with wrests.
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society > occupation and work > equipment > lifting or hoisting equipment > [noun] > others
polancre1356
spindle1398
wrest1584
handscrew?1660
sea-crab1689
lewis1743
crab1753
wheel and axle (also axis)1773
tippler1831
fall1834
outrigger hoist1835
lewisson1842
power hoist1869
tipper1870
lifting screw1885
powerlifter1909
bucket chain1911
bracket-crab-
1584 B. R. tr. Herodotus Famous Hyst. ii. f. 104 They deuised certayne engines or wrestes [Gk. μηχαναὶ] to heaue vp stones from the grounde,..hauyng vppon each stayre a wreast.
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society > occupation and work > equipment > cutting tool > saw > [noun] > tool for setting teeth
wrest1688
set1750
toother?1881
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 102/1 Wrest, is that by which Saw Teeth are set.
Compounds
Special combinations.
wrest block n. = wrest-plank n.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > stringed keyboards > [noun] > pianoforte > wrest block or pin
pinblock1704
wrest-pin1783
wrest block1787
wrest-plank1799
string-block1851
tuning-pin1877
hitch-pin1878
string-pin1889
1787 H. Walton Brit. Patent 1607 The rest block,..the damper.., and the rest pin..are made the same as they always are made in Grand Piano Fortes.
wrest-pin n. the peg or pin round which the ends of the wires or strings of certain musical instruments are coiled; a tuning-pin (also attributive).
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > stringed instruments > [noun] > parts generally > tuning-peg
pina1475
peg1589
wrest-pin1783
temper-pin1788
tuning-peg1842
tuning-pin1877
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > stringed keyboards > [noun] > pianoforte > wrest block or pin
pinblock1704
wrest-pin1783
wrest block1787
wrest-plank1799
string-block1851
tuning-pin1877
hitch-pin1878
string-pin1889
1783 J. Broadwood Specif. Patent 1379 3 The rist pins to which the strings are fixt.
1802 T. Loud Brit. Patent 2591 2 The rest pin block.
1825 P. Erard Brit. Patent 5065 2 The want of stability in the wrest pin plank.
1880 A. J. Hipkins in Grove Dict. Music II. 722/1 The tuning-pin screws..into the thick metal wrestpin-piece.
wrest-plank n. the board in a piano in which the wrest-pins are fixed (also attributive and in other combinations).
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > stringed keyboards > [noun] > pianoforte > wrest block or pin
pinblock1704
wrest-pin1783
wrest block1787
wrest-plank1799
string-block1851
tuning-pin1877
hitch-pin1878
string-pin1889
1799 J. Smith Brit. Patent 2345 2 The Drawing..shows the rest plank, trussed with wood.
1846 F. H. Burkinyoung in Repertory Patent Inventions (1847) 9 78 The rest plank bridge.
?1881 Census Eng. & Wales: Instr. Clerks classifying Occupations & Ages (?1885) 50 Piano Manufacturing:..Tuner. Turner. Wire Maker. Wrest Plank Maker.
wrest plough n. (see quot.).
Π
1836 Penny Cycl. V. 307 In Brabant..They use the excellent Flemish swing plough, which they call a foot plough, as it is also called in some parts of England, in contradistinction to a wheel plough. At the same time they also retain the old and heavy turn wrest plough.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1928; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
wrestn.2
/rɛst/, U.S. /rɛst/ Agriculture. Now dialect.
(a) A piece of iron (†or wood) fastened beneath the mould-board in certain ploughs. (b) A mould-board.
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the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [noun] > plough > mouldboard
reesteOE
shield-boardc1325
mouldbred1343
mouldboard1394
fenbrede?1523
breastboard1652
breastplate1652
earthboard1652
furrow-board1652
wrest1652
throwboard1725
ear1759
plat1765
mould-iron1807
turn-furrow1810
mould1859
moulding board1864
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [noun] > plough > mouldboard > parts of
mouldbred clout1348
mouldboard clout1394
cloutc1485
breast1652
shiver1652
wrest1652
plough breast1799
1652 W. Blith Eng. Improver Improved xxviii. 189 The Plough-sheath, Wrest, Beam, Share, and Coulter..retain these names clearly in most parts.
1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ 207 Any Plough..having its true Pitch, with its true cast on the Sheild-board and short Wrest.
1765 A. Dickson Treat. Agric. (ed. 2) ii. v. 165 The earth of the furrow, in rising up from the fore part of the wrest, is soon resisted by the mold-board, and turned over suddenly.
1778 W. Marshall Minutes Agric. 6 Mar. 1776 (note) The wrest is..the piece of wood, or iron,..which is meant to wrest open and clear effectually the bottom of the plow-furrow.
1796 J. Boys Agric. Surv. Kent (1813) 64 The furrows..are opened with an old plough, with a wrest at each side.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 408 The wrest or mould-board.
1887 W. D. Parish & W. F. Shaw Dict. Kentish Dial. 191 Wreest,..that part of a Kentish plough..on which it rests against the land ploughed up.
1893 J. Salisbury Gloss. Words S.E. Worcs. Wrist (Wrest or Rest) of a plough, a piece of wood below the shield-board, which wrests the earth aside from the plough.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1928; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
wrestv.
/rɛst/, U.S. /rɛst/ I. transitive.† 3. † b. To move (the mind, attention, etc.) from a settled state or an object; to unsettle, unfix; to divert to something else. Obsolete.
1. † b. To screw or turn (the pin or pins of a musical instrument) so as to tighten or tune the strings; to tune or tighten (a stringed instrument, its wires, etc.) by means of a wrest. Also with up. Occasionally in figurative context.figurative.c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1166 Þat wakned his wrath & wrast hit so hyȝe, Þat [etc.].1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes vi. 423 Of an harpe he herde the sueete soun. Which instrument..Wrestid hym ageyn to al gladnesse.1584 R. Greene Myrrour of Modestie sig. Biii The Iudges..by the power of the law thought to wrest hir vpon a higher pin.1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 22 Rouze thy spirites..and wrest them vp to the most outstretched ayry straine of elocution.† c. To put or set in with a twisting or tortuous movement; to insert or introduce in this manner. Chiefly figurative. Obsolete.
a. To subject (something) to a twisting movement; to turn or twist. Also with adverbs, as about, away, round.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > writhing or twisting movement > writhe or twist [verb (transitive)]
wresta1000
throwOE
twingec1000
wringc1000
wrench?c1225
writhec1400
wreathec1425
wryc1460
screw1600
twist1769
the world > space > shape > misshapenness > put out of shape [verb (transitive)] > distort
wresta1000
writheOE
miswrencha1393
wrya1586
divert1609
crumple1615
rumple1636
contort1705
screwa1711
distort1751
twist1769
shevel1777
gnarl1814
α.
in extended use.1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 105 Notwithstanding all these barres, within which he [sc. a mountain-range] is pent, twined, and wrested.β., γ.a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 9 Wraistyng þe skynne atuyx þe tewel & þe fistule.?a1500 Chester Pl. xvi. 547 This Caytyfe..shall be wronge wrast, or I wend away.1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Qivv/2 To Wrayste, torquere.a1000 Solomon & Saturn 95 T..hine..on ða tungan sticað, wræsteð him ðæt woddor, and him ða wongan brieceð.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3755 Iulius hit wraste [c1300 Otho wreste] & þat sweord stikede feste.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace 3194 Hur fyngres sche wrast, þe blod out brak. Sche tremblede.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum xviii. ix. (Bodl.) f. 248/2 Þe poette seiþ þat serpente wraste his owne white heed backeward.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 7510 I shook hem bi þe berdes so þat her chaules I wraste in two.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 533/2 Wrestyn, and wrythyn a-ȝen, reflecto.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Intorquere mentum, to writhe or wreste the chynne.
1584 W. Barrett in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) i. 214 A small rod of siluer..which is wrested, so that the two ends meet.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 148 A shoe is wrested and turned according to the fashion of a crooked or splay-foot.
1676 A. Marvell Gen. Councils in Wks. (1873) III. 153 The heliotrope flower..wrests its neck in turning after the warm sun.
1733 J. Tull Horse-hoing Husbandry xiv. 89 A Rope..which they bring over the Top of all the loaded Sheets, and wrest it at the Tail [of each waggon].
1893 F. Thompson Poems 59 He wrested o'er the rhymer's head that garmenting which wrought him wrong.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > tune [verb (transitive)] > tune strings
wresta1000
straina1387
string1530
to set down1565
wrench1577
to wind up1608
wind1612
to screw up1625
to set up1643
screw1657
a1000 Bi Manna Wyrdum (Gr.) 82 Sum sceal mid hear~pan æt his hlafordes fotum sittan,..& a snellice snere wræstan, lætan scralletan.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 340 An harpe haþe þre partis,..þe ouermost in which ben stringis wrastid.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 341 And sorowe of trespasse aȝeyns hem ten [sc. strings] shal wraste þis harpe to a-corde welle.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 533 Wreston, plecto.
1504 W. Cornishe in J. Skelton Pithy Pleasaunt & Profitable Wks. (1568) sig. Zvj The claricord hath a tunely kynde As the wyre is wrested hye and lowe.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. 117 Our lyfe is like to instruments of Musicke, which sometime wresting vp the strings and sometime by loosing them, become more melodious.
1587 R. Greene Morando ii. sig. G4v Siluestro..had almost made Lacena peeuish, fearing if he wrested not the pin to a right key, his melody would be marred.
1615 J. Swetnam Araignm. Lewde, Idle, Froward, & Vnconstant Women 19 As fidlers do their strings, who wrest them so high [etc.].
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > insertion or putting in > insert or put in [verb (transitive)] > with twisting
to wring in1579
writhe1583
wrest1597
to worm in1605
warp1803
wrestle1821
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 120 He can do nothing else in musik but wrest & wring in hard points vpon a plainsong.
1606 G. Chapman Gentleman Vsher iii. sig. E3v Theres a fine word now; wrest in that if you can by any meanes.
1690 C. Ness Compl. Hist. & Myst. Old & New Test. I. 109 If the subtle serpent can but see a hole to wrest in his head.
2. † c. To force (a person) out of something. Obsolete. rare.† d. transferred. To press or force out (sounds, etc.); to emit or utter, esp. with difficulty. Obsolete.† e. With forth. To pass or spend (time) in pain or distress. Obsolete. rare.
a. To pull, pluck, drag away, or detach (a person or thing) with a wrench or twist; to twist, tear, or wrench out, etc. Also with adverbs, as aside, forth, off, out, whence, or prepositions, as off, out of, and esp. from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > pushing and pulling > push and pull [verb (transitive)] > pull > with a twisting movement
wrest1297
winda1513
wrench1582
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away > from the position of being on > by twisting
wrest1297
to wring offa1529
twine1705
offwringa1889
twist-off1932
α.
in extended use.c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1802 He was corsed for his vn-clannes,..& of þyse worldes worchyp wrast out for euer.1886 F. Marryat Tom Tiddler's Ground 173 I procured a bed, whence I was wrested at an unearthly hour the next morning.reflexive.1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 163 In another Condition, I should..have wrested my self out of their Clutches Scotfree.β., γ.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3466 He þat on þe right side lai þe toþer him wraisted oft away.c1400 (?c1380) Patience 80 Þay..Wryþe me in a warlok, wrast out myn yȝen.c1400 St. Alexius (Cotton) 316 He hyllde his hand so faste, That owte he myght hit [sc. a leaf] natt wrast.1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. xii. sig. Y6 His yron axe..By no meanes..backe againe he forth could wrast.1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 4309 Bineþe þe nekke he him nom, & wraste him adoun of is hors.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 6195 Þe lyd vp sone þey wraste.
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. V. 181 Fyve knyȝtes myȝte not wreste the rope out of his hond.
14.. Sir Beues (MS M.) 190 Wyth that syr Guy his swerde out wrasted.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xiv. l. 670 Hym from his hors Anon he wraste.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xii. sig. Oo6 From her..The wicked weapon rashly he did wrest.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Yorks. 197 He also then assisted Henry Bull..to wrest..out of the hands of the Choristers the Censer.
1698 tr. F. Froger Relation Voy. Coasts Afr. 33 Young girls..could not be wrested from them [sc. apes] without a great deal of difficulty.
1724 C. L. St. Taffy's Day 37 Brass Knockers strong, from Doors fierce wresting.
1778 W. Marshall Minutes Agric. 6 Mar. 1776 (note) The wrest is..the piece of wood, or iron,..which is meant to wrest open and clear effectually the bottom of the plow-furrow.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. x. 257 Foster..wrested the flask from her hand.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxii. 21 Thou from a mother's arms canst wrest her daughter asunder.
b. figurative and in figurative context.
ΚΠ
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. EEiiii That our holynesse, deuocion, and good religion..wrast vs nat from the fauour of god.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 45/1 Suche euyll oppinyon once fastened in mennes heartes, harde it is to wraste oute, and maye growe [etc.].
1587 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. ii. i. 53 Being sore grieued, that she had..wrested out such a verdict against him.
1693 M. Prior To Dr. Sherlock 44 You wrest the Bolt from Heav'ns avenging Hand.
1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V III. xi. 350 Unfortunate Princes from whose hands some strong rival had wrested their sceptre.
1796 W. Wordsworth Borderers 1617 I yielded up those precious hopes, which nought On earth could else have wrested from me.
1825 T. B. Macaulay Milton in Edinb. Rev. Aug. 339 He had been wrested by no common deliverer from the grasp of no common foe.
1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 47/1 Single states are poor props: but who can wrest out Germany?
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > make (more) violent [verb (transitive)] > force or drive violently > into or out of an action or condition
ravisha1382
wrestc1440
c1440 York Myst. xxxi. 261 He is wraiste of his witte or will of his wone.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [verb (transitive)] > utter > with difficulty
wrestc1402
c1402 J. Lydgate Compl. Black Knight 48 The nyghtyngale..her voys gan oute wrest.
1520 Lyfe Ioseph of Armathia (Pynson) sig. B.ii In May whan ye nightyngale Wrestes out her notes musycall.
1576 G. Whetstone Ortchard of Repentance 116 in Rocke of Regard To wreast out this following complaint.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Hi The poore gentlewoman not able to wreste out one worde for weepinge.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > spending time > spend time or allow time to pass [verb (transitive)] > in distress, etc.
to scamble outc1571
wrest1577
to wrestle outa1730
the mind > emotion > suffering > suffer mental pain [verb (transitive)] > pass (time) in suffering
wrest1577
1577 J. Grange Golden Aphroditis sig. Diij With many a sobbing sighe..he wrested foorth the tedious night.
a. To turn or dispose (some one, his heart) to a person or thing; to incline or influence (a person, etc.) to do something. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > be disposed or inclined to [verb (transitive)] > predispose a person to something
inclinec1350
wrestc1374
wring1528
poise1586
preponderate1642
set1909
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iv. 1427 Fynally he gan his herte wreste To trusten here.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1482 Wyȝe þat is so wel wrast alway to god.
1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 7739 He brydlede hem, & dyde hem wreste, What~euere they herde, to sey the beste.
c1440 York Myst. xi. 137 If thai with wrang ought walde þe wrayste Owte of all wothis I sall þe were.
1579 E. Hake Newes out of Powles Churchyarde newly Renued i. sig. B2 Ofte tymes by force they wrest and wring him to their handes.
1592 R. Greene Repentance sig. A3 A yong man is like a tender plant, apt to be wrested by nurture either to good or euill.
1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 125 A sweete-sowre thing (Which may the Sov'raign wrest, the subiect wring) Call'd Lieges-loue abus'd.
a1618 W. Raleigh Prerogatiue Parl. (1628) 23 To wrest the King, and to draw the inheritance vpon himselfe, hee perswaded his Majestie to relinquish his enterest.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc.
withdraw1340
distractc1380
waive1390
wresta1400
to turn aside1535
avocate1543
detract1548
to turn off1573
take1574
swaya1593
to put out1616
to put off1631
sidetrack1887
to turn off1951
a1400–50 Wars Alex. 4622 Ouir wild [= will] is many ways wraiste, as þe wedire skiftis.
1423 Kingis Quair x Langer slepe ne rest Ne myght I nat, so were my wittis wrest.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 70 We gloir for to speik of Christ:..Bot far fra him our hartis we wreist.
1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Popish Kingdome Ded. sig. B4v They..carefully wrest their mind hither and thither, to obtaine the forgiuenesse of their sinnes.
1609 F. Greville Trag. Mustapha iii. i. sig. D Who wrests his princes mind Presents his faith vpon the stage of chance.
1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 188 Whereas Ariosto will..wrest his [sc. a reader's] Attention to a new businesse.
c. poetic. To draw aside, divert (a look).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > change the direction of
wrya1400
divert1548
wrench1582
break1600
deflect1615
deviate1660
wrest1759
sidetrack1887
1759 J. G. Cooper Father's Advice to his Son 2 The father's eyes no object wrested, But on the smiling prattler hung.
4. To usurp, arrogate, or take by force (power, a right, etc.); to assume forcibly (a dignity or office); to seize, capture, or take (lands, dominion, etc.) from another or others:figurative and in figurative contexts.1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Rom. xi. f. xxxii They..through theyr strength in fayth..wreste out with stronge hande the benediccion of God.1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd i. 470 Thou hast..urg'd me hard with doings, which not will But misery hath rested from me. View more context for this quotation1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. i. i. 3 The spoils of all nature are..wrested with reluctance, from the mine, the forest, the ocean, and the air.1834 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Seine 5 To wrest a territory from the sea.1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right III. xxxviii. 182 I had wrested from fortune her favours and smiles.absolute.1582 C. Fetherston Dialogue agaynst Dauncing sig. A4 The extorcioner wresteth and wringeth, to the ende he may augment his gaines.a1618 W. Raleigh Prerogatiue Parl. (1628) 19 The Lords being to strong for the King, forced his consent... They wrested too much beyond the bounds of reason.in extended use.1591 E. Spenser Ruines of Time in Complaints sig. D Deepelie muzing at her doubtfull speach, Whose meaning much I labored foorth to wreste.
a. Const. away, from (also in early use with dative), out of, †into, upon.In very frequent use (esp. with from) since c1820.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)] > with violence or forcibly
reaveeOE
latchc950
seize1338
rape?1387
wrestc1426
extort1529
redeema1578
wreathe1590
force1602
extend1610
wrencha1616
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate > without right or usurp
fornimOE
crochec1380
presume1387
encroach?a1400
usurpc1400
wrestc1426
accroach?a1439
supplant1483
usurpa1513
usurpate1542
arrogate1573
to usurp on or upon1594
invade1617
c1426 J. Audelay Poems (1931) 21 He syȝ þe Trinyte apere within his body clere; Þen enterd in hym enuy; Whan he hade seyne þis gloryis syȝt, He wolde arast hym his myȝt.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 15 I was very muche grieued..that the triumphe which most iustly you did deserue, was so wrongfully wrested from you.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. 2 Macc. iv. 24 He..wrested the high priesthood upon him self.
1660 T. M. Walker's Hist. Independency IV. 13 The English affairs and Government being thus wrested into the hands of a few desperate persons.
1682 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Rights Princes (new ed.) iii. 96 The Popes had so strugled to wrest the Investitures out of the hands of the Princes of the West.
1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane iv. i Oh! teach my Power To cure those Ills,..Lest Heav'n should wrest it from my idle Hand.
1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V II. ii. 106 The Emperors, too feeble to wrest them out of their hands, were obliged to grant them fiefs of these vast territories.
1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella I. i. vi. 222 The rights, thus wrested from the grasp of Rome.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xxii. 384 They had gradually wrested his authority out of his hands.
b. Rarely without const.
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prol. ⁋24 Lest thou.. wrest the righte of the straunger.
1624 F. Quarles Job Militant in Wks. (1880) II. 87/1 He shall returne, what he did wrest.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iii. xxv. 230 The great means of the Clergie in time of Popery was rather wrested then given.
c. To obtain or gain (money, information, etc.) by extortion, persistency, or strong persuasion; to wring; = screw v. 15. Also with adverbs, as out, or prepositions, as from, out of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > extortion > practise extortion on [verb (transitive)] > extort
wringa1300
bribec1405
compela1500
extort1529
poll1559
wrest1565
scruze1590
rack1591
strain1600
squeeze1602
extorque1623
squeeze1639
screw1648
sponge1686
pinch1770
strike1894
society > authority > subjection > obedience > compulsion > compel [verb (transitive)] > draw out or gain by compulsion or force
wringc1444
throwa1500
extort?1545
express1547
wrest1565
evict1567
extract1599
squeeze1602
screw1622
evince1631
grind1790
force1817
slug1974
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Extorqueo Thou diddest wreste..from Ceasar, 50. talentes.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Extorqueo Veritatem extorquere,..to wreste out the truth.
1592 R. Greene Disput. Conny-catcher sig. Cv Boon Companions, that by their wittes can wrest mony from a Churle.
1601 Ld. Mountjoy in F. Moryson Itinerary (1617) iii. 149 I should have wrested out of him [sc. a prisoner] the certainty of all things.
1624 Termes de la Ley 185 b Exaction is where an Officer or other man demandeth and wresteth a fee..where no fee..is due at all.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ii. 91 At last she wrested leave from her Husband to live a Nun.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 384 Did not she..reveal The secret wrested from me..? View more context for this quotation
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. vi. 211 Your obstinacy can neither wrest from us the truth, or pervert it.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xlii. 427 She battled with herself.., but he wrested the answer from her.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vii. 128 Tortures..could never wrest from an Egyptian the confession of a secret.
5. absolute.?1541 M. Coverdale Confut. Standish sig. dvijv Thus make ye of gods holy scripture, as shipmans hose, wresting and wringing to what purpose ye will.† d. To derive or deduce (a name, etc.) irregularly from something; to change improperly. Obsolete.
a. To strain or overstrain the meaning or bearing of (a writing, passage, word, etc.); to deflect or turn from the true or proper signification; to twist, pervert; = wrench v. 7, screw v. 16b.In very frequently use c1575–1700. An earlier example is implied under wresting n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > distortion or perversion of meaning > pervert or distort [verb (transitive)]
crooka1340
deprave1382
pervertc1390
strainc1449
drawc1450
miswrest?a1475
bewrya1522
wry?1521
to make a Welshman's hose ofa1529
writhea1533
wrest1533
invert1534
wring?1541
depravate1548
rack1548
violent1549
wrench1549
train1551
wreathe1556
throw1558
detorta1575
shuffle1589
wriggle1593
distortc1595
to put, set, place, etc. on the rack1599
twine1600
wire-draw1610
monstrify1617
screw1628
corrupt1630
gloss1638
torture1648
force1662
vex1678
refract1700
warp1717
to put a force upon1729
twist1821
ply1988
α.
absolute.1564 J. Martiall Treat. Crosse f. 84 Lett hereticks wringe and wrest as longe as they list, to wise men they shal neuer be hable to persuade the contrarie.1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. C3 The end of all being, as to knowe God, And not as your worshippe..wrests to creep into acquaintance.figurative and in extended use.1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Gal. i. f. iiii This submyssion of myne is by them wrest into a wrong meanyng.1581 T. Howell His Deuises sig. G.j For Golde who shunnes to wrest a wrong, And make it seeme as right and strong?1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V i. ii. 14 God forbid..That you should fashion, frame, or wrest the same.?1617 T. Campion 3rd & 4th Bk. Ayres iv. xx. sig. L Wrest euery word and looke, Racke eu'ry hidden thought.1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 28 Nor wrest I any experiment to make it quadrare with any preconceiv'd Notion.1768 H. Walpole Hist. Doubts 94 I have thus, without straining or wresting probability, proved all I pretended to prove.γ. ?1548 J. Bale Comedy Thre Lawes Nature iii. sig. Dijv By wrastynge the text, to the scriptures sore decaye.1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 201 Diuines, that..violently wrasted..many places of Scripture.1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Repentance ii. ⁋6 The aduersaries go about to wrast this place for to maintaine their auricular confession withall.1533 J. Frith Bk. answeringe Mores Let. sig. B7v Sophysters wolde wreast their sayings and expound them after their phantasie.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions iii. 12 Is it not he which wringeth the writer, and wreasteth his meaning?
1626 W. Gouge Dignitie Chivalrie §1 The forenamed point, ‘The Dignity of Chivalry’, is not violently wrested.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Brief View Leviathan (1676) 287 To wrest and torture words to comply with his extravagant Wit.
1708 O. Dykes Moral Reflexions Eng. Prov. 120 Are not the holy Scriptures good, because they are wrested?
1738 tr. J. Jurin in J. Keill Ess. Animal Oecon. (ed. 4) 98 See also how that can be done, which my learned Antagonist seems most to have wrested.
1814 W. Scott Waverley II. viii. 148 You appear convinced of my guilt, and wrest every reply I have made. View more context for this quotation
1884 W. C. Smith Kildrostan 52 Nay, do not wrest my words.
1909 T. R. Glover Confl. Relig. in Early Rom. Emp. x. 309 He can quibble and wrest the obvious meaning of a document to perfection.
b. Const. against, from, †into, to, unto.
ΚΠ
1536 Act 28 Hen. VIII c. 10 ⁋1 The Pope..did obfuscate and wreste Goddis holy worde..from the spirituall and trew meanyng therof.
1551 T. Lever Serm. xiiii. December (new ed.) sig. G.vii They wrest the saying of Paule vnto a wrong meanynge.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ix What places of scripture the Papistes do depraue and wraste into a wronge sense.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 They are glad to snatch here and there a word, to wrest against the Author's meaning.
1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing xvi. 151 To wrest names from their known meaning to Senses most alien.
1683 W. Kennett tr. Erasmus Witt against Wisdom 135 St. Paul himself.. mangles some citations..and seems to wrest them to a different sense.
1820 Q. Musical Mag. 2 260 (note) This word has been wrested from its pristine and legitimate signification.
1851 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) I. 272 When you try to wrest Scripture and history to your own use.
1904 S. H. Butcher Harvard Lect. 184 If their utterances could not be wrested to the desired end.
c. To put a wrong construction on the words or purport of (a writer); to misinterpret.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > misinterpret [verb (transitive)]
misunderstanda1225
mistake1402
misconstruea1425
miskenc1480
misgloze1532
misinterpret1547
missense1560
wrest1563
misdeem1570
misconceive1586
misconstruct1596
misinfer1597
misconceit1598
misknowa1600
to look beyond1600
lose1600
mismean1605
misprize1609
misread1612
misween1614
misimagine1626
misapprehend1628
construea1640
mislead1654
equivocate1665
misrender1674
misaccept1697
miscomprehend1813
read1879
misperceive1911
1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 1429/2 It is shame for you to wrast and wrieth the doctors as you do.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse To Rdr. sig. ☞7 His Schollers were woont,..how righte soeuer hee wrote, to wrest him.
1604 Supplic. Certaine Masse-priests L 4 b They haue no reason to quarrell with any of vs for wresting, or mistaking, or misalledging Fathers.
1656 J. Bramhall Replic. to Bishop of Chalcedon vi. 273 A confused companie of Authors..of little knowledge in our English affairs, tentered and wrested from their genuine sense.
1687 M. Prior & Earl of Halifax Hind & Panther Transvers'd Pref. sig. A3 Those Authors are wrested from their true Sense.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > source or origin > originate or be a source of [verb (transitive)] > derive, come from, or originate in > improperly
wresta1599
the mind > language > linguistics > other schools of linguistics > [verb (transitive)] > trace etymology of > in improper or far-fetched manner
wresta1599
strain1605
wrench1605
far-fetch1639
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 32 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The Irish thinke to enoble themselves by wresting their Auncientry from the Spaniard.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 55 Geruasius in Latine..may signifie..Honourable, as wrested from Gerousius.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 59 Iames, Wrested from Iacob.
1711 Brightland's Gram. Eng. Tongue 137 Asparagus, Sparagus,..which the Vulgar wrest to..Sparrowgrass.
6. † c. To divert or deflect unjustly upon some one. Obsolete.
a. To turn or deflect (a matter, etc.); to divert to (unto, †into) some different (esp. undue or improper) purpose, end, etc.; to distort or pervert.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > misrepresentation > misrepresent [verb (transitive)]
disguise1398
colourc1400
abuse?a1439
wrest1524
beliec1531
to spell (one) backward1600
misuse1609
bowa1616
falsify1630
misrepresent1633
traduce1643
garble1659
miscolour1661
misrender1674
travesty1825
misdescribe1827
skew1872
misportray1925
1524 Sir T. More in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. I. 256 To use th'erle of Angwish for an instrument to wryng and wreste the maters in to bettre trayne.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxiii. 8 Giftes blinde euen them yt are sharpe of sight & wraist the righteous causes.
1598 S. Rowlands Betraying of Christ 3 The art of Poesie..being..wrested and turned to the fooleries of Loue.
1620 Horæ Subseciuæ 148 Let not the parties ielousie..wrest or wry his iudgement in the least degree to preiudice.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. 225 One casuall event that may bee but wrested to their purpose.
1721 G. Berkeley Ess. Preventing Ruine Great Brit. 22 Cunning Men, who bend and wrest the Public Interest to their own private Ends.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 153 By wresting to the prisoner's disadvantage every circumstance.
1861 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 2) xvi. 247 A Pemberton wresting the rules of evidence, to the sacrifice of innocent persons.
1878 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. (ed. 2) III. xviii. 281 The forms of government..might be overborne and perverted; and the charge of thus wresting and warping them is shared[etc.].
b. To deflect (the law, etc.) from its proper course or interpretation; to turn from the right application; to misapply, pervert.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > misrepresentation > misrepresent [verb (transitive)] > for evil purposes
corrupt1382
corrup1483
wrestc1530
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > misapply > pervert
miswendc1325
misturna1382
pervertc1390
transpose1509
wrestc1530
bend1531
crooken1552
intervert1603
invert1603
α.
β., γ.1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. viii. 3 His sonnes..toke giftes, & wraysted the lawe.1549 T. Solme in H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie To Rdr. sig. Aviiv The vngodly taketh giftes oute of the bosome, to wrast the wayes of iudgement.c1530 Bible (Tyndale) Deut. xvi. 19 Wrest not the lawe..nether take any rewarde.
1575 G. Gascoigne Glasse of Gouernem. v. ix. sig. Miiiv Where no mediacions..may wrest the sentence of the Lawe.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 23 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The same Statutes are..very easily wrested to the fraude of the Subject.
1611 Bible (King James) Exod. xxiii. 6 Thou shalt not wrest the iudgement of thy poore in his cause. View more context for this quotation
1684 Bp. G. Burnet tr. T. More Utopia 149 A sort of People, whose Profession it is..to wrest Laws.
1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. (1806) IV. li. 75 The law was generally supposed to be wrested, in order to prolong their imprisonment.
1885 Ld. Fitzgerald in Law Times' Rep. 53 477/2 He would..have been wresting one of the rules.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > accusation, charge > accuse [verb (transitive)] > falsely
chidea1000
liec1000
surmise1477
mischarge1571
wrest1610
calumniate1649
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Psalms liv. 4 They have wrested iniquities upon me.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. x. 476 The Gouernour had wrested the Inquisition vpon mee.
7.
a. To overstrain the muscles of (a joint, etc.); to sprain, strain, or rick (the foot, ankle, etc.). Chiefly Scottish.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders affecting muscles > affect with muscular disorder [verb (transitive)] > sprain or strain
wrench1530
wrestc1550
strain1612
sprain1622
wrincha1625
rick1638
subluxate1743
turn1758
throw1790
wramp1808
vert1883
stave1887
crink1888
wrick1904
pull1908
c1550 D. Lindsay Play 742 I haif wreistit my schank.
1567 J. Sanford tr. Epictetus Man. 29 Take heede..that thou wreaste not thy foote.
1649 T. Wodenote Hermes Theologus 147 He..stumbled, and wrested his foot.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 375 He vnhappellie going throw Abirdein.., wrestit his cute or leg.
1904 in Eng. Dial. Dict. V. 84 s. Sc. I have reisted my wrist, by using a hammer.
b. To affect with griping pain; to rack, wring.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > pain > pain in specific parts > suffer pain in specific parts [verb (transitive)] > in stomach or bowels
fretc1275
wresta1529
gripe1611
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Giiv Cou. Cou. Ye shall be clapppyd with a coloppe That wyll make you to halt and to hoppe Cra. Con. Som be wrestyd there yt they thynke on it froty dayes.
1700 R. Blackmore Song of Deborah in Paraphr. Job 202 The Earth with dreadful Gripes was sore opprest, Which did its twisted Bowels wrest.
II. intransitive.† 8. To struggle or contend; to strive or wrestle against something. Obsolete.in extended use.1577 W. Fulke Confut. Doctr. Purgatory 447 The blessed state of them that dye in the Lord, in the meaning of which you wrest and wrigle, like a snake.† 9. To force a way, make way with effort, find egress. Also with through, out. Obsolete.† 10. Of sound: To break forth. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > irregular movement or agitation > move irregularly or be agitated [verb (intransitive)] > struggle
witherc1000
wrest?c1225
tavec1350
strivea1398
scamble1591
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > strive against something
witherc1000
wrag?c1225
wrest?c1225
strivec1300
repugna1382
strugglec1412
pressc1480
butt1566
wring?1570
gainstrive1596
wage1608
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 275 [Heo] mote wresten aȝein [fondunges] wið strong wraggunge.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 19353 Þan bigan þai [sc. the Jews] wrenke and wraiste [Fairf. wraist, Vesp. wrest], And for tene þair teþþe to gnaiste.
c1400 Laud Troy Bk. 3554 Thei holde ȝow so sore agast, That ȝe dar not with hem wrast.
1548 P. Nicolls Godly Newe Story sig. Eiiiv For som wring & wrest to go backe agayn into Egypt.
1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie P 2 b He that wrests against the will of Venus.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. K4v She strugled, she wrested, but al was in vain.
1597 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 277 Ane fische..in the nette,..Ay wristing and thristing, the faster still is scho.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move forward or advance [verb (intransitive)] > with persistence, effort, or urgency
shovec888
thringc893
thresta1225
wina1300
thrustc1330
pressa1375
throngc1440
wrestc1450
thrimp1513
to put forward1529
intrude1562
breast1581
shoulder1581
haggle1582
strivea1586
wrestle1591
to push on (also along)1602
elabour1606
contend1609
to put on?1611
struggle1686
worry1702
crush1755
squeege1783
battle1797
scrouge1798
sweat1856
flounder1861
pull?1863
tank1939
bulldozer1952
terrier1959
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)] > twist out or up
to wring outc1420
to wring upc1440
wrestc1450
outtwinea1500
throwa1500
outwrest1590
twine1600
screw1611
to ply out1668
wrench1726
c1450 Mirk's Festial i. 9 Þay bonden hym to þe crosse..so hard..þat þe blod wrast apon yche a knot.
c1475 Partenay 1377 The timbre and yre thorugh hys body wraste.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. xii. sig. Bb2 The faire Enchauntresse..Tryde all her arts..thence out to wrest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > be or become audible [verb (intransitive)]
bursta1325
risea1325
sounda1325
arisec1330
wrestc1400
uprise?a1513
to meet the eye (also ear)1645
ascend1667
to breeze up1752
well1825
to break stillness1853
fade1879
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 1403 Sturnen trumpen strake steuen in halle, Aywhere by þe wowes wrasten krakkes.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1928; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1c1370
n.21652
v.a1000