释义 |
lath·er I. \ˈlathə(r) sometimes chiefly Brit ˈlȧth-\ noun (-s) Etymology: from (assumed) Middle English lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Old Norse lauthr froth, Old English lēah lye — more at lye 1. a. : a foam or froth consisting of extremely small bubbles formed when soap or some other detergent is agitated with or in water b. : foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse) : a condition of sweating profusely < worked himself into a lather > 2. : a highly agitated or overwrought state : dither < in a lather of nervous apprehension — Walter O'Meara > < why is she in such a lather to get money — J.B.Benefield > < in a lather of hurry to get everything finished at once — G.W.Brace > II. verb (lathered ; lathered ; lathering \-th(ə)riŋ\ ; lathers) Etymology: Middle English latheren, alteration (influenced by — assumed — Middle English lather, n.) of letheren, litheren, from Old English lethran, lȳthran; akin to Old Norse leythra to wash; denominative from the root of Old English lēathor, n. transitive verb 1. : to spread lather over < lather the face > 2. : to beat severely : flog < will lather your hide — Ballad Book > 3. : excite, agitate — usually used with up < used to lather up the floor clerk to the point of frenzy — Sat. Eve. Post > intransitive verb : to form a lather or a froth like lather < good soap lathers profusely and quickly — Danceland > III. \ˈlathə(r), -aath-, -ȧth-\ noun (-s) Etymology: lath (II) + -er : a person who makes laths or puts up laths as a base for plaster or fireproofing material IV. \ˈlāthə(r)\ noun (-s) Etymology: lathe (V) + -er : a person who works a lathe |