Bring. World English Historical Dictionary

Bring. World English Historical Dictionary Dictionary Biographies Literary Criticism Welcome Terms of Service ⧏ Previous Next ⧐ Contents Slice Contents Key Bibliographic Record Murray’s New English Dictionary. 1888, rev. 2024. Bring v. Pa. t. and Pa. pple. brought. Forms: Inf. 1 bringan, brengan, 2–5 bringen, 3–6 bringe, bryngen, 4–6 brynge, 4–7 bryng, 4– bring, (3 bringhe, brynke, 3–4 brengen, 4–5 breng, 5 bryngyn). Pa. t. 1–3 bróhte, 2 brochte, 3 broȝte, brouhte, 4 brouȝt(e, broȝt, broht, browȝt, browghte, (brohut), 4–6 broughte, 4–7 broght, 5 browte, 4– brought, (6 brohute, Spenser braught, 6– Sc. brocht, 9 dial. brong, brung). Pa. pple. 1–4 bróht, 3 broucht, 3–4 ybroȝt, ibrouȝt, 4 brout, browt, browht, brouȝt, brouht, 4–5 broȝt, (brouth), 4–6 broght, ybrought, 5 ibrowghte, (bryght), 5–6 browght, broughte, 4– brought, (6 browte, ibrout, browth, 6– Sc. brocht, 9 dial. brung). [Common Teut.: OE. bring-an, bręngean (pa. t. bróhte, pple. bróht), corresp. to OFris. branga, bringa, OS. brengian, bringan (MDu. brenghen, Du. brengen), OHG. bringan (MHG. and mod.G. bringen), Goth. briggan (= bringan), pa. t. brâhta, pple. brâhts. Beside the type bring-an, the Saxon group has also *brangjan, bręngian, bręngean, bręngan, app. after pankjan; from bringan, OE. had also a rare strong pa. pple. brungen (mod. dial. brung), to which later dialects have added a strong pa. t., so as to conjugate, bring, brang, brung. The stem is not known outside of Teutonic.]

1   I.  Simply.

2   1.  To cause to come along with oneself; to fetch. It includes ‘lead’ or ‘conduct’ (F. amener) as well as ‘carry’ (F. apporter); it implies motion towards the place where the speaker or auditor is, or is supposed to be, being in sense the causal of come; motion in the opposite direction is expressed by take (Fr. emmener, emporter).

3   a.  by carrying or bearing in one’s hand, etc.

4 c. 950.  Lindisf. Gosp., John ii. 8. Dæleð nu & brengeð ðæm aldormen.

5 c. 1175.  Lamb Hom., 101. Ða ileafullen brohton heore gersum.

6 c. 1200.  Trin. Coll. Hom., 47. Hie brohte þat child mid hire in to þe temple.

7 a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 114. Ne brouhten heo him to presente ne win, ne ale, ne water.

8 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 21588. To rome men suld a-noþer [del of cros] breng.

9 1340.  Ayenb., 211. Þe messager þet none lettres ne brengþ.

10 1526.  Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 14. They solde theyr possessyons, and brought the pryce therof.

11 1697.  Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 16. I … shall in Triumph come From conquer’d Greece, and bring her Trophies home.

12 1728.  Pope, Dunciad, II. 383. The ponderous books two gentle readers bring.

13 1839.  Thirlwall, Greece, I. 335. He was to bring his shield home, or to be borne upon it.

14 1885.  H. O. Forbes, Nat. Wand., III. viii. 258. The flotsam harvest which the river was continually bringing down.

15   b.  by leading, conducting, propelling, etc.

16 a. 1000.  Beowulf, 1829 (Gr.). Ic ðe þusenda þeʓna bringe.

17 c. 1175.  Cott. Hom., 221. God þa hine brohte into paradis.

18 c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 737. Ðu fare … to a lond ic ðe sall bringen hin.

19 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 3832. His doghtur yonder … Bringand his beistes till þe well. Ibid., 5182. Ha yee broght him wit you hider?

20 1526.  Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W.), 38 b. Brynge me here ye wyldest bull that is.

21 1565–73.  Cooper, Lat. Dict., Subducere naues, to draw or bring ships to land.

22 1631.  Heywood, Fair Maid W., I. III. i. There’s a prize Brought into Falmouth Road.

23 1747.  Carte, Hist. Eng., I. 192. These two princes, bringing with them a number of their vassals.

24 1884.  Black, Jud. Shaks., xxxiii. The horses were now brought round.

25 1885.  H. O. Forbes, Nat. Wand., III. viii. 258. At length a bend of the river brought me in sight of the European … quarter of the city.

26   c.  as by an attractive force.

27 c. 1300.  Beket, 488. The Kynges coronement that so moche folc ibroȝte there.

28 1697.  Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 644. What Buis’ness brought thee to my dark Abode?

29 1857.  Buckle, Civiliz., xiv. 844. For mere purposes of social enjoyment men were brought into contact, who … had nothing in common.

30 Mod.  What brings him here?

31   † 2.  To convoy, escort, accompany (a person) on his way. Obs. exc. dial.

32 c. 1450.  Merlin, i. 20. He brought the on wey hider-warde a grete part.

33 1599.  Shaks., Much Ado, III. ii. 3. Ile bring you thither my Lord, if you’l vouchsafe me.

34 1611.  Tourneur, Ath. Trag., II. ii. 48. The skie is dark; we’ll bring you o’er the fields.

35 1611.  Bible, Gen. xviii. 16. Abraham went with them, to bring them on the way.

36 1862.  Barnes, Rhymes Dorset Dial., I. 18, note. To bring woone gwain: to bring one going; to bring one on his way.

37   3.  To bring an answer, word, tidings, etc.

38 c. 1000.  Genesis, 651 (Bosw.). He ða bysene from Gode brungen hæfde.

39 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 3965. Þe messagers him broght answar. Ibid., 17920. Comen am I … Bodeworde of him for to bryng.

40 c. 1440.  Syr Gener., 2195. They brought hym word ayenward thei were comyng.

41 a. 1500[?].  Adam Bel, 441, in Ritson, A. P. P., 22. He shall you breng worde agayn.

42 1590.  Shaks., Com. Err., IV. iii. 37. I brought you worde an houre since that the Barke Expedition put forth to night.

43 1651.  Proc. in Parl., No. 83. 1274, Advt. The party that brings tidings of him.

44 1864.  Tennyson, Sea Dreams, 258. She brought strange news.

45   † b.  ellipt. = Bring word, report. Obs.

46 1602.  Shaks., Ham., V. ii. 204. Young Osric, who brings back to him, that you attend him in the hall. Ibid. (1606), Ant. & Cl., IV. xiii. 10. Hence Mardian, And bring me how he takes my death to th’ Monument.

47   4.  fig., and in such expressions as to bring tears into the eyes, a blush to the cheek, etc.

48 a. 1000.  Metr. Boeth., xi. 59. Winter bringeð weder unʓemet cald.

49 c. 1200.  Trin. Coll. Hom., 258. He mai blisse bringe.

50 1382.  Wyclif, Jer. xlv. 5. Y shal bringe euel vp on eche flesh, seith the Lord.

51 1535.  Coverdale, Ps. xlv[i]. 8. What destruccions he hath brought vpon ye earth.

52 1752.  Johnson, Rambl., No. 207, ¶ 2. Every hour brings additions.

53 1849.  Thackeray, Pendennis, cxxxiv. Those lines … brought tears into the Duchess’s eyes.

54 1850.  Tennyson, In Mem., ii. The seasons bring the flower again, And bring the firstling to the flock.

55 1871.  Morley, Voltaire (1886), 21. To persuade us that the occasion invariably brings the leader whom its conditions require.

56   b.  of things or actions bringing their results or consequences: To cause one to have, to procure.

57 c. 1450.  Merlin, xiv. 229. A thynge that brought hym more mys-ese.

58 1577.  Hanmer, Anc. Eccl. Hist. (1619), 273. A pillar resembling the forme of a crosse … bringing great admiration to the beholders.

59 1580.  Baret, Alv., B 1302. Liberall studies bring refuge and comfort in aduersitie.

60 1598.  Shaks., Merry W., V. v. 243. Cursed houres Which forced marriage would have brought vpon her.

61 1736.  Butler, Anal., I. iii. Rashness … and wilful folly, bringing after them many inconveniences and sufferings.

62 1832.  Tennyson, Miller’s Dau., 229. The loss that brought us pain.

63   † 5.  To deduce, derive, infer. Obs.

64 1591.  Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., II. v. 77. Whereas hee From Iohn of Gaunt doth bring his Pedigree.

65 1605.  Camden, Rem. (1637), 73. Hadrian, Lat. … Gesner bringeth it from the Greeke Αδρὸς, Grosse or wealthy.

66 1692.  Ray, Disc., III. v. (1732), 376. I shall bring them from higher or more remote causes.

67 1713.  Swift, Cadenus & V., Wks. 1755, III. II. 12. Conclusions … From premisses erroneous brought.

68   6.  To prefer or lay (a charge or accusation); to institute, set on foot (an action at law); to advance, adduce (a statement or argument.

69 c. 1000.  Ags. Gosp., John xviii. 29. Hwylce wrohte bringe ʓe onʓean þysne man.

70 1382.  Wyclif, ibid. What accusing brynge ȝe aȝens this man?

71 1574.  trans. Littleton’s Ten. A write of right that a man bringeth.

72 1663.  Pepys, Diary, 14 June. Sir J. Minnes brought many fine expressions of Chaucer.

73 a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, II. The story he had sworn against the queen: which he brought only to make it probable that Wakeman … was in it.

74 1767.  Blackstone, Comm., II. 197. If he … puts in his claim and brings his action within a reasonable time. Ibid. (1768), III. III. 121. An indictment may be brought as well as an action.

75 1802.  Mar. Edgeworth, Mor. Tales (1816), I. xiii. 104. Arguments … brought by his companions in their … master’s justification.

76 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 316. He brings a wonderful accusation against me.

77   b.  To bring home: see HOME.

78 1795.  Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp., II. 104. I … demand … that the person … do fully, and expressly bring home his charge.

79 1871.  R. H. Hutton, Ess. (1877), I. 34. The import of his action is brought home to him with the most vivid conviction.

80   7.  † a. = Bring forth: to give birth to, bear. b. = Bring in: to produce, yield, ‘fetch.’

81 1523.  Fitzherb., Husb., § 66. The damme of the calfe shall … brynge an other by the same time of the yere.

82 1535.  Coverdale, Habb. iii. 17. The londe shall bringe no corne.

83 1664.  Butler, Hud., II. I. 466. What is Worth in any thing But so much money as ’twill bring?

84 1779.  Johnson, Waller, L. P., 224. Written when she had brought many children.

85 1795.  Southey, Joan of Arc, II. 141. At one birth She brought the brethren.

86   c.  To bring into the world: to give birth to.

87 1607.  Shaks., Cor., V. iii. 125. Thy Mothers wombe That brought thee to this world.

88 1848.  S. Bamford, Early Days, i. 27. I was brought into the world on the 28th day of February.

89   8.  fig. To cause to come from, into, out of, to, etc., a certain state or condition, or to be or do something; to cause to become.

90   Especially with prepositional and other phrases which are used also with come and be, and other verbs, most of which will be found under the sb. or other word in question.

91   a.  with on, in (obs.), into:

92   as to bring in good estate, debt, a plight; in dread, fear, in or on sleep (later a-sleep; see e.); in doubt, in hate, in question, in wit; on day (= to light), in or on life’s day (= to life); into bands, difficulties, trouble; into action, harmony, contact, shape, etc.

93 1297.  R. Glouc., 491. The King adde Normandie in god stat ibrouȝt al.

94 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 615. In bale he broght vs and in care.

95 1387.  Trevisa, Higden, II. 403. Pelias brouȝte Iason in witte [suadet Jasoni] for to fette þe goldene flees. Ibid. (1398), Barth. De P. R., VI. iv. (1495), 191. Nouryces brynge the chyldren softely … on slepe.

96 c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 13804. He was drecchit in a dreame, & in dred broght.

97 1535.  Coverdale, Judg., Contents xvi. Dalila … bryngeth him in dotage.

98 1551–6.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop. (Arb.), 33. You shall bryng your selfe in very good case.

99 1593.  Hooker, Eccl. Pol., I. x. § 9. To bring themselves into hatred.

100 1596.  Spenser, F. Q., VI. XII. xxxix. Yet none of them could ever bring him into band.

101 1602.  W. Watson, Decacorden, 260. Brought many of them into bands and other great dangers.

102 1736.  Butler, Anal., I. iv. Persons … by a course of vice, bring themselves into new difficulties.

103 1818.  Cruise, Digest, II. 402. It hath formerly been attempted to be brought in question.

104 1854.  H. Vicars, in Memorials, viii. 162. Every thought brought into obedience to him.

105 1863.  E. V. Neale, Anal. Th. & Nat., 191. All others, with which it is brought into accordance.

106   b.  with from, of, out of:

107   as † to bring of, out of, life or life’s day (formerly o lifes dawe, o dawe, adaw, corruptly on daw: cf. ADAW v.) = to kill; out of order, shape, tune; out of patience, temper.

108 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 1072. Wid murther he broght his broþer o lijf. Ibid., 5096. Þis hunger tide þat sal bath mani man and wijf … bring o þair lijf. Ibid., 7808. Þat i suld him bring o dau [Fairf. on liues dawe]. Ibid., p. 990 Resurr., 356. We wend þat he alle Israel of woo suld haf broght.

109 c. 1305.  Jud. Iscariot, in E. E. P. (1862), 109. Ȝut were his fader betere habbe ibroȝt him of dawe. Ibid., St. Kenelm, 93, ibid., 50. If heo miȝte bringe þat child of lyfdawe.

110 1523.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. ccxxvi. 301. They were discomfyted, and brought out of ordre by force of armes.

111 1530.  Palsgr., 469/1. His great crammyng in of meate hath brought him out of shape. Ibid., 468/2. I can bring hym out of pacyence with the waggyng of a strawe.

112 1533.  Elyot, Cast. Helth (1541), 62. They bringe a man from the use of reason.

113 1600.  Shaks., A. Y. L., III. ii. 262. Thou bring’st me out of tune.

114   c.  with to:

115   as to bring to a close, end, head, issue, pitch; to bearings, cure, rights; to death, hardness, idleness, mischief, nought, obedience, shame; to account, book, hand, light, trial; to mind, reason, recollection, remembrance; to bed (see BED 6 c); to oneself (= to one’s senses).

116 c. 1175.  Lamb. Hom., 103. Þan men … to deþe bringeð.

117 c. 1230.  Hali Meid., 15. Þat ti wil were ibroht to werke.

118 1297.  R. Glouc., 376. Þat hii nere to ssame ybroȝt.

119 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 12759. His sermon Þat mani man broght to resun. Ibid., 20122. Þe seke brouȝte she to bedde [Cott. broght to þair bedd].

120 c. 1305.  St. Lucy, in E. E. P. (1862), 101. Dame Entice hire moder … þat hire to womman brouȝte.

121 c. 1340.  Ayenb., 128. Þe holy gost … þe seneȝere … brengþ ayen to him-zelue.

122 c. 1374.  Chaucer, Boeth., III. ii. 99. Alle thinges ben referred and browht to nowht.

123 c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 51. Brynge to mynde, reminiscor.

124 1530.  Palsgr., 468/2. He fell in so great a swoune that we all had ynoughe a do to bring hym to hym selfe. Ibid., 470/1. Tyme bringeth the truth to lyght.

125 1535.  Coverdale, Mark viii. 26. He was brought to right againe & sawe all clearly.

126 1611.  Bible, Pref., 1. Certaine worthy men haue been brought to vntimely death.

127 1624.  Massinger, Renegado, I. iii. Are you amazed? I’ll bring you to yourself.

128 1651.  Proc. Parl., No. 88. 1343. All things now seem to bee brought to a good head.

129 1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 89, ¶ 1. He hoped that matters would have been long since brought to an Issue.

130 1715.  De Foe, Fam. Instruct., I. vii. (1841), I. 136. You will never bring me to your beck.

131 1749.  Fielding, Tom Jones, II. iv. Mrs. Partridge was, at length … brought to herself.

132 1767.  Blackstone, Comm., II. 89. Lest … the guardian should have received the value, and not brought it to account.

133 1806.  Canning, Fragm. Oration, 4. I’m like a young lady just bringing to bed.

134 1839.  Thirlwall, Greece, VII. lvi. 161. The prosecutors brought Demosthenes to trial first.

135 1865.  Dickens, Mut. Fr., III. xv. I’ll bring this young man to book.

136 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 430. There is no greater pleasure than to have Socrates brought to my recollection.

137 1882.  Stevenson, Men & Bks. (1886), 58. Jean was brought to bed of twins.

138   d.  with under, upon:

139   as to bring under the hand of, under foot; upon one’s knees, etc.

140 1535.  Coverdale, Judg. iii. 30. Thus were the Moabites broughte vnder the hande of the children of Israel.

141 1552.  Huloet, Bryng vnder obeysaunce or subiection.

142 1618.  Bolton, Florus (1636), 121. For Antiochus thus brought under-foot.

143 1652.  Proc. Parliament, No. 34. 2078. I hope a short time will bring them all upon their knees.

144   e.  with adjs. and their equivalents:

145   as to bring acquainted, low; formerly also at one, clean, faulty, etc.

146 c. 1386.  Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 253. Oure lynage … That is so lowe y-brought by, tyrannye.

147 a. 1400[?].  Morte Arth., 1093. I … was of blysse i-browghte alle bare.

148 1523.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. xii. 11. To the entent that he shuld bryng hym on that case fauty. Ibid. (c. 1530), Arth. Lyt. Bryt. (1814), 365. He brought aslepe who so ever he touched. Ibid. (1534), Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1546), Gg vj b. I shall bryng thee at one with the Senate.

149 1668.  Shadwell, Sullen Lov., I. i. I’ll … bring you acquainted with this Lady.

150 1677.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc. (1703), 202. If you have not at first brought your Work clean.

151 1681.  R. Knox, Hist. Ceylon, Pref. He will bring you acquainted with the Inhabitants.

152 1703.  Savage, Lett. Antients, xlv. 110. The Distemper … which brought you so low.

153 1870.  Lowell, Study Wind., 93. Bringing men acquainted with every humor of fortune.

154   f.  with subord. clause (obs.) or infinitive:

155   as to bring to be, bear, boil, to bring to pass (= bring about, cause to happen).

156 c. 1175.  Lamb. Hom., 17. Bide for him … þet crist hine bringe þet he icherre from þan uuelnesse.

157 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 1578. Was nan þam moght bring to reclaim.

158 1535.  Coverdale, Wisd. x. ii. Wyszdome … brought to passe the thinges that he wente aboute.

159 1583.  Stubbes, Anat. Abus., II. 100. If it could be brought to passe.

160 1690.  Luttrell, Brief Rel. (1857), II. 70. Our men brought some of our guns to bear.

161 1719.  De Foe, Crusoe (1840), I. viii. 136. I brought the plank to be about three inches thick.

162 1756.  C. Lucas, Ess. Waters, I. 85. It is … harder to bring the heavy acid of vitriol to boil.

163   9.  To cause (a person or oneself) to come (to a certain course of action, etc.); to induce, persuade, prevail upon.

164 1611.  Bible, Pref., 1. Certaine … could not be brought for a long time to give way to good Letters.

165 1666.  Pepys, Diary (1879), IV. 29. All children love fruit, and none brought to flesh, but against their wills at first.

166 1701.  W. Wotton, Hist. Rome, Commod. i. 196. She could not bring her self to give Crispina the Precedence.

167 1839.  Thirlwall, Greece, I. 209. They could not bring themselves to believe, that the divine bard [Homer] … should have been ignorant of things [etc].

168 1846.  D. Jerrold, Chron. Clovernook, Wks. 1864, IV. 412. A woman may be brought to forgive bigamy, but not a joke.

169   10.  Naut. To cause to come or go into a certain position or direction; chiefly in phrases: To bring by the board (see BOARD sb. 12 b); by the lee (see LEE); to the wind (see WIND).

170 1695.  Luttrell, Brief Rel. (1857), III. 437. The French … had his main mast brought by the board before he struck.

171 1719.  De Foe, Crusoe (1858), 200. Her main-mast and fore-mast were brought by the board, that is to say, broken short off.

172 1836.  Marryat, Midsh. Easy, xix. Gascoigne went to the helm, brought the boat up to the wind.

173 1858.  Merc. Mar. Mag., V. 293. I was awoke by the ship being brought to the wind.

174   III.  Combined with adverbs. (See also sense 1, and the adverbs, for the non-specialized combinations.)

175   11.  Bring about.

176   a.  To cause to happen, bring to pass, occasion, accomplish, effect.

177 c. 1450.  Merlin, i. 7. The deuell was right gladde that he hadde brought this a-bouten.

178 1480.  Caxton, Chron. Eng., cciv. 186. Yf that thyng myght be brought aboute.

179 1530.  Palsgr., 466/1. I bringe aboute my purpose.

180 1641.  J. Jackson, True Evang. T., I. 12. To bring his ends, and designes about.

181 1753.  World, No. 20. 107. Another proof of what people of fashion may bring about.

182 1848.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., I. 239. He … had borne a chief part in bringing about the marriage.

183 1876.  J. H. Newman, Hist. Sk., I. I. iii. 139. The atrocities of the Greeks brought about a retaliation from the Latins.

184   † b.  To cause to come round or make a complete revolution; to complete. Obs.

185 1588.  Shaks., L. L. L., V. ii. 808. There stay vntill the twelue Celestiall Signes Haue brought about their annuall reckoning. Ibid. (1593), 3 Hen. VI., II. v. 27. How many Houres brings about the Day.

186   c.  To turn round; also fig. to reverse, convert.

187 1677.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc. (1703), 181. A thin String … would not so well bring heavy Work about.

188 1694.  Echard, Plautus, 152. He [Jove] knows each man that’s perjur’d, or bribes his Judge to gain his cause; upon which, he brings it about i’ th’ upper Court.

189 a. 1745.  Swift, Excell. New Song. Now my new benefactors have brought me about.

190 1841.  Catlin, N. Amer. Ind. (1844), II. liii. 152. I had brought it [a canoe] about with a master hand.

191   d.  To restore to consciousness, or to health, = bring round, a.

192 1854.  Dickens, Hard Times (Tauchn.), 66. That will bring him about or nothing will.

193   12.  Bring again.

194   a.  See sense 1 and AGAIN.

195   † b.  To restore to consciousness. Obs. Cf. to bring about, round, to.

196 1636.  Ariana, 177. The rest … laboured to bring mee againe, and by force of remedies I opened my eyes. Ibid., 320. They brought her againe with water they threw upon her.

197   13.  Bring away.

198   a.  See sense 1 and AWAY.

199   † b.  To extricate, detach, free, deliver. Obs.

200 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 16246. For þi stat þou aght to spek: to bring þi self a-wai.

201   14.  Bring back.

202   To cause to return (to a place or state); to restore, recover, recall.

203 1662.  Bk. Com. Prayer, Chas. Martyr. Yet didst thou … at length by a wonderful providence bring him back.

204 1861.  Earl Stanhope, Life W. Pitt, I. i. 42. I trust the country air will bring back her strength.

205 1864.  Longf., Wayside Inn, Interl. to Torquem. This brings back to me a tale.

206 1886.  Burton, trans. Arab. Nts. (abr. ed.), I. 286. I … went out after him, and brought him back secretly to the city.

207   15.  Bring down.

208   a.  To cause to fall to the ground; to overthrow; to kill or wound (a flying bird, or other animal).

209 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 63. Ar he sua brathly don be broght.

210 1535.  Coverdale, Baruch v. 7. God is purposed to brynge downe all stoute mountaynes.

211 1798.  Miller, in Nicolas, Disp. Nelson (1846), VII. p. clv. Zealous … raked the Guerrier, brought down her foremast.

212   b.  To cause (punishment, judgments, etc.) to alight on, upon.

213 1662.  Bk. Com. Prayer, Chas. Martyr. The crying sins of this Nation, which brought down this heavy judgement upon us.

214 1865.  Times, 2 Jan., 8/3. To bring down on themselves the hostility of the most powerful maritime State in the world.

215   c.  fig. To lower, humble, abase.

216 1535.  Coverdale, Ps. xvii[i]. 27. Thou shalt … bringe downe the hye lokes of the proud.

217 1768.  Sterne, Sent. Journ. (1778), II. 21. I could not bring down my mind to think of it.

218 1875.  H. E. Manning, Mission H. Ghost, x. 279. Every thing that could be used to bring down his great constancy.

219   d.  To reduce, lessen, lower (price); to simplify.

220 1596.  Shaks., Merch. V., I. iii. 45. He lends out money gratis, and brings downe The rate of vsance here with vs in Venice.

221 1651.  Proc. Parliament, No. 94. 1450. Which I hope will bring down the price of corn there.

222 1719.  Swift, To Yng. Clergyman, Wks. 1755, II. II. 5. Terms brought down to the capacity of the hearer.

223 1748.  Smollett, Rod. Rand., xii. 27. At last however she was brought down to five, which he paid.

224   e.  To continue (information, etc.) to a later date (cf. Bring up k).

225 1881.  Daily Tel., 27 Dec., 2/8. The annual abstract of the Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India has just been issued. It brings down the information to June, 1881.

226 1885.  Bookseller, July, 648/2. Information accurate and brought down to date.

227   f.  To bring down the house, gallery, etc.: to evoke such demonstrative applause as threatens or suggests the downfall of the building.

228 1754.  World, II. No. 76. 125. His apprehension that your statues will bring the house down.

229 1870.  Lowell, Study Wind., 384. Every sentence brought down the house, as I never saw one brought down before.

230 1884.  Symonds, Shaks. Predecessors, x. § x. 403. The interview … must have brought down the gallery.

231   16.  Bring forth.

232   a.  To produce, give birth to bring into being, bear, yield (offspring; fruit, flowers, etc.; natural products; products, effects, results).

233 c. 1200.  Ormin, 1937. Þær brohhte ȝho þatt wasstme forþ Off all unnwemmedd wambe.

234 a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 134. Bringen vorð briddes.

235 1388.  Wyclif, Ps. ciii. 14. And thou bringist forth hei to beestis.

236 c. 1440.  Gesta Rom. (1878), 233. He had weddid to wyf a yonge gentilwoman, the whiche conseyuid, and browte forthe a faire sone.

237 c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 51. Brynge forthe frute, fructifico.

238 1526.  Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 47 b. Ye tree neuer bryngeth forth floures ne fruytes, but fyrst it has borne & brought forth leues.

239 1535.  Coverdale, Wisd. xix. 10. The grounde brought forth flyes in steade of catell.

240 1553.  Eden, Treat. New Ind. (Arb.), 8. Places most apte to bring forth gold, spices, and precious stones.

241 c. 1600.  Shaks., Sonn., xxxviii. Let him bring forth Eternal numbers to outlive long date. Ibid. (1605), Macb., I. vii. 72. Bring forth Men-Children onely.

242 1615–68.  W. Lawson, New Orchard, 49. Young Heifers bring not forth Calves so fair … as when they be come to be old kine.

243 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), V. 123. He never thought of what the future might bring forth.

244   † b.  To bring up, rear, breed (animals). Obs.

245 c. 1305.  St. Kenelm, 135, in E. E. P. (1862), 51. His norice þat him hadde ifed, & mid hire mulc forth ibroȝt.

246 c. 1400.  Maundev., 72. The Sarazines bryngen forthe no Pigges.

247 c. 1430.  Syr Gener., 879. From a childe she him forth broght.

248   † c.  To utter, express; to put forth, adduce, advance. Obs.

249 a. 1300.  Cursor M., 12138. To bring forth sli talking.

250 1382.  Wyclif, Ecclus. xx. 29. A wys man in wrdis shal bringe forth hymself.

251 c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 51. Bryngyn forthe or shewyn forthe, profero.

252 1532.  More, Confut. Tindale, Wks. 475/2. The places of Scripture whiche Helvidius broughte furth for the contrarye.

253 1606.  Shaks., Tr. & Cr., I. iii. 242. If that he prais’d himselfe, bring the praise forth.

254 1611.  Bible, Isa. xli. 21. Bring foorth your strong reasons.

255   † d.  To bring to light, or public view. Obs.

256 a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 144. Euerich idel word bið þer ibrouht forð.

257 1599.  Shaks., Hen. V., Prol. 10. On this vnworthy Scaffold to bring forth So great an Obiect. Ibid. (1601), All’s Well, V. iii. 151. To bring forth this discou’rie. Ibid. (1605), Macb., III. iv. 125. Augures and vnderstood Relations haue … brought forth The secret’st man of Blood. Ibid. (1606), Ant. & Cl., V. ii. 219. The quicke Comedians Extemporally will stage vs … Anthony Shall be brought drunken forth.

258   17.  Bring forward.

259   a.  See sense 1 and FORWARD.

260   b.  Building. See quot.

261 1823.  P. Nicholson, Pract. Build., 417. Bringing forward is a term applied to priming and painting new wood added to old work, or old work which has been repaired, so that the whole shall appear alike when finished.

262   c.  Book-keeping. To carry on a sum from the bottom of one folio to the top of another where the account is continued.

263 Mod.  A clerkly error in the amount brought forward.

264   18.  Bring in. a. See sense 1 and IN adv.

265   b.  To introduce (customs, etc.).

266 c. 1384.  Wyclif, De Eccl., Sel. Wks. III. 345. To assente wiþ suche falseheed bringiþ in ofte heresies.

267 1611.  Bible, 2 Peter ii. 1. False teachers … who priuily shall bring in damnable heresies.

268 1690.  Locke, Govt., I. vi. § 58. Manners, brought in and continued amongst them.

269 1753.  World, No. 10. Near two years ago the popish calendar was brought in.

270   c.  To bring (money) into the purse or pocket.

271 1538.  Bale, Thre Lawes, 1199. Thys crede wyll brynge in moneye.

272 1676.  South, 12 Serm. (1692), 446 (J.). The sole measure of all his Courtesies is, what return they will make him, and what Revenue they will bring him in.

273 1814.  Lett. fr. England, II. xxxviii. 165. And by the time they are seven or eight years old bring in money.

274 1855.  D. Costello, Stories fr. Screen, 85. ‘What does it bring you in?’ says she.

275   † d.  To introduce, place (a person) in a position or station. Obs.

276 1604.  Shaks., Oth., III. i. 53. He … needs no other Suitor, but his likings to bring you in againe.

277 1676.  Hatton Corr. (1878), 123. If his designe had succeeded of bringing in Sr Edward Deering.

278 1709.  Tatler, No. 81, ¶ 9 (J.). Since he could not have a Seat among them himself, he would bring in one who alone had more Merit than their whole Assembly.

279   e.  To introduce (an action into a court of law or a bill into Parliament).

280 1602.  Manningham, Diary, 16 Dec. I brought in a moot with John Bramston.

281 1652.  Proc. Parliament, No. 144. 2266. A day was appointed to bring in the Act.

282 1848.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 121. He learned that a law, such as he wished to see passed, would not even be brought in.

283 1876.  Trevelyan, Macaulay, II. ix. 133. Sergeant Talfourd brought in a measure devised with the object of extending the term of Copyright in a book to sixty years.

284   f.  To introduce (into consideration, discussion); to adduce (by way of illustration, argument, etc.).

285 1602.  Shaks., Lear, III. vi. 37. I’ll see their trial first. Bring in the evidence.

286 1631.  Weever, Anc. Fun. Mon., 122. I will bring in for example the Bells of the Parish Church of Winington.

287 1720.  Swift, Lett. Yng. Clergym., Wks. 1735, I. 225 (J.). As to Quotations from antient Fathers, I think they are best brought in, to confirm some Opinion controverted by those who differ from us.

288 1847.  L. Hunt, Men, Women, & Bks., I. iv. 87. Providence is … to be brought in, humbly, when man comes to the end of his own humble endeavours.

289   † g.  = Bring on; to lead to, cause. Obs.

290 1586.  Cogan, Haven Health (1636), 98. Which … sometime bringeth in fevers.

291   † h.  To reduce to allegiance, or submission. Obs.

292 1596.  Spenser, State Irel. (J.). Such a strong power of men, as should perforce bring in all that rebellious route and loose people.

293   i.  See quot.

294 1753.  Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., Bringing in a horse, in the manege, is the keeping down his nose, when he boars, and tosses it up to the wind. A horse is brought in by a strong hard branch.

295   j.  Of a jury: To bring in a verdict, hence colloq. to ‘find’ as ‘The jury brought him in guilty.’

296   19.  Bring off.

297   a.  To bring away from (a position or condition); esp. by boat from a ship, wreck, the shore.

298 1656.  H. More, Antid. Ath., II. ix. (1712), 68. That thence the atheist may be the more easily brought off to the acknowledgement of the existence of a God.

299 1676.  Hobbes, Iliad, II. 183. Thus he the People brings Off from their purpose.

300 1701.  Lond. Gaz., No. 3770/3. A Granadier … swam over the River and brought off a Ferryboat.

301 1840.  R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, xxv. 79. Going ashore … to bring off the Captain.

302   b.  To deliver, rescue, acquit. arch.

303 [1297.  R. Glouc. 379. Ȝyf God me wole grace sende, Vorto make my chyrchegon, & bringe me of þys bende.

304 c. 1300.  Harrow. Hell, 61. Y shal the bringe of helle pyne.]

305 1606.  Shaks., Tr. & Cr., V. vi. 25. Ile be tane too, Or bring him off.

306 1699.  Bentley, Phal., 237. It will not bring Phalaris off; unless his Advocate can shew, [etc.].

307 1715.  De Foe, Fam. Instruct., I. iv. (1841), I. 84. I cannot tell what you will say then to bring yourself off.

308 1751.  Chesterfield, Lett. (1792), III. cclxx. 237. But let us see if we cannot bring off the author.

309 1863.  Mrs. C. Clarke, Shaks. Char., xvi. 391. The injuring party … is brought off triumphantly.

310   † c.  To demonstrate, establish clearly. Obs.

311 1674.  N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., 37. To bring it but cleverly off, how ten thousand years between should not be time between.

312   20.  Bring on.

313   † a.  To lead forward or on, conduct; to cause to advance, advance the growth of. Obs.

314 c. 1230.  Hali Meid., 17. Þe stude & te time þat mahten bringe þe on mis for to donne.

315 1602.  Shaks., Ham., III. i. 9. When we would bring him on to some Confession of his true state. Ibid. (1606), Ant. & Cl., III. ii. 44. The Aprill’s in her eyes, it is Loues spring, And these the showers to bring it on.

316 1621.  Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. II. vi. (1651), 88. Voluntary idleness … gently brings on like a siren, a shooing horn, or some sphinx to this irrevocable gulf.

317 Mod.  We want a little more sun to bring the plants on.

318   b.  To produce, cause (illness, a state of things).

319 1671.  Milton, Samson, 373. These evils … I myself have brought them on.

320 1766.  Goldsm., Vic. W., xviii. This … might have brought on a relapse.

321 1814.  Wordsw., Excursion, I. 609. And poverty brought on a pettish mood And a sore temper.

322 1817.  Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. IV. v. 167. A battle was brought on.

323 Mod.  A cold which brought on influenza.

324   c.  To bring into formal consideration or discussion, introduce.

325 a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, II. 197. Why must an attainder be brought on?

326 1878.  Seeley, Stein, III. 322. Metternich announced his intention of bringing on the subject.

327   d.  techn. To fasten, fix, join, weld together.

328 1691.  T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., 22. The Workmen were bringing on an ordinary Straits-sheathing with Wood upon one of his small Ships.

329 1852.  A. Ryland, Assay Gold & S., 97. He found that the spoon and ladle were not made in one piece … but that the parts bearing the marks were ‘inserted,’ or ‘brought on.’

330   21.  Bring out. (See also sense 1 and OUT.)

331   † a.  To separate or detach (any one) from; to deprive, do (any one) out of. Obs.

332 c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 8633. And the lede with a launse out of lyue broght.

333 a. 1450.  Knt. de la Tour (1868), 65. To bringe hem oute of her good name.

334 1462.  Paston Lett., 456, II. 108. I have bought salt and other thyngs, whiche hathe brought me out of myche sylvir.

335 1623.  Lisle, Ælfric on O. & N. T., Pref. 11. To bring the people out of love with the … Bible.

336   † b.  To produce, yield. Obs.

337 1545.  Ascham, Toxoph. (Arb.), 93. The grounde is plentifull … whiche … bryngeth out corne.

338 1607.  Shaks., Timon, IV. iii. 188. Enseare thy Fertile and Conceptious wombe, Let it no more bring out ingratefull man.

339   c.  To express, utter.

340 1665.  Boyle, Occas. Refl., IV. xv. (1675), 257. Any thing, how contrary soever to Piety, or right Reason … if Men can bring it out … neatly wrapt up in Raillery.

341   d.  To bring into clearness, distinctness or prominence; to develop and display (talent).

342 1605.  Shaks., Lear, V. iii. 163. That haue I done, And more, much more, the time will bring it out.

343 1693.  Dryden, Juvenal, XIII. 288 (J.).        These shake his Soul, and, as they boldly press, Bring out his Crimes; and force him to confess.

344 1823.  J. Badcock, Dom. Amusem., 39. The exact kind of preparation which is calculated to bring out the writing.

345 1832.  Athenæum, 389/3. If the talent for high dramatic writing does exist in this country, such will be the only way to bring it out.

346 1874.  Helps, Soc. Press., i. 3. The moon … brought out the river and adjacent buildings resplendently.

347 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 76. The antagonism of the two characters is still more clearly brought out.

348   e.  To introduce (a young lady) formally into ‘society’; a company, a foreign loan, or the like, for public subscription.

349 1823.  Byron, Juan, XII. xxxi. [They] Begg’d to bring up the little girl, and ‘out,’ For that’s the phrase that settles all things now, Meaning a virgin’s first blush at a rout.

350 Mod.  That loan was brought out by Messrs. Baring in 1852.

351   f.  To produce before the public; to place upon the stage (a play or opera); to publish (a book).

352 1818.  Byron, in Moore’s Life (1838), 376. They have brought out Fazio with great and deserved success at Covent Garden.

353 1851.  Illustr. Lond. News, 354. ‘Robert le Diable’ was originally brought out by Meyerbeer.

354 1878.  Morley, Diderot, 164. It was resolved to bring out the ten volumes … in a single issue.

355 1882.  Pebody, Engl. Journalism, xx. 148. Proposed that he should bring out an evening paper.

356   g.  To exhibit, shew. (With complement.)

357 1705.  Arbuthnot, Coins, etc. (1727), 16 (L.). But those experiments bring out the Denarius heavier.

358   22.  Bring over. (See also sense 1 and OVER.)

359   To influence to come to one’s own side or party (from an opposite one); to convert.

360 1724–5.  Swift, Wks. (1841), II. 23. By these … means, he soon brought over both parties to him.

361 1771.  Goldsm., Hist. Eng., II. 221. The house of commons was brought over to second his request.

362 1848.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 347. Able to bring over a great body of his disciples to the royal side.

363 1878.  Bosw. Smith, Carthage, 283. In vain, however did he attempt … to bring over Cumæ, Naples, and Puteoli.

364   23.  Bring round. (See also sense 1 and ROUND.)

365   a.  To restore (a person) from a fainting-fit or an attack of illness.

366 1864.  Tennyson, En. Ard., 842. Dead!… I warrant, man, that we shall bring you round.

367   b.  To complete a set of changes in bell-ringing.

368 1883.  Birmingh. Daily Post, 19 Oct., 7. A peal of … grandsire majors which was successfully rung and brought round in capital style, in four hours and fifty-five minutes.

369   24.  Bring through. (See sense 1 and THROUGH.)

370   spec. To treat successfully through the stages of an illness.

371 Mod.  The doctor hopes to be able to bring him through.

372   25.  Bring to.

373   a.  Naut. (trans.) To fasten, tie, bend.

374 1681.  Lond. Gaz., No. 1666/4. In the night they mended their Rigging, brought new Sails to the Yards.

375 1867.  Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Bring-to, to bend, as to bring-to a sail to the yard.

376   b.  To cause (a ship) to come to a standstill.

377 1753.  Scots Mag., Aug., 415/2. A guarda costa … fired a gun to bring them to.

378 1769.  Falconer, Dict. Marine (1789), To Bring to, in navigation, to check the course of a ship … by arranging the sails in such a manner that they shall counteract each other.

379 1803.  Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp. (1845), V. 81. At 6.30 brought to the Vrow Agneta, Dutch Brig.

380   c.  intr. (for refl. or absol.) Of a ship or her crew: To come to a standstill; transf. to stop, ‘pull up.’

381 1697.  Lond. Gaz., No. 3287/3. The 5 French brought to a Stern. Ibid. (1709), 4521/2. They came within Random shot, and then brought to.

382 1748.  Anson, Voy. (ed. 4), I. iv. 49. The Commodore made a signal for the ships to bring to.

383 1790.  Beatson, Nav. & Mil. Mem., 278. Near 3 in the afternoon, when she brought to.

384 1845.  Darwin, Voy. Nat., vii. (1879), 136. We brought to in a narrow arm of the river.

385 1861.  Hughes, Tom Brown at Oxf., II. i. 4. Here let us bring to … and try to get acquainted with the outside of the place before the good folk are about.

386   † d.  trans. To cause to acquiesce or be complaisant. Obs.

387 1748.  Richardson, Clarissa, xvi. I. 93. Proud spirits may be brought to.

388 1749.  Fielding, Tom Jones, XVIII. xii. I was forced to use a little fatherly authority to bring her to.

389   e.  To restore to consciousness or to health. Cf. 8 c. bring to oneself.

390 1789.  Burns, Ep. Dr. Blacklock. I ken’d it still your wee bit jauntie Wad bring ye to.

391 1844.  G. R. Gleig, Lt. Dragoon, I. v. 107. Our lieutenant … fainted…. The French guard brought him to by shaking.

392 1852.  Mrs. Stowe, Uncle Tom’s C., xxxiii. 299. ‘I’ll bring her to!’ said the driver with a brutal grin. ‘I’ll give her something better than camphire!’

393   Bring together: see sense 1 and TOGETHER.

394   26.  Bring under. To bring into subjection, subdue.

395 1563.  Homilies, II. Repentance, III. (1859), 548. Who will bring me under for my works?

396 1597.  Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. xlii. § 3. Either yielding through fear, or brought under with penury.

397 1618.  Bolton, Florus, I. xi. (1636), 31. Lucius Quinctius chiefly brought them under.

398 1705.  Stanhope, Paraphr., III. 40. That, which brought under the Reluctancies of Humane Nature.

399 a. 1834.  Moore, Minstrel Boy. The foeman’s chain Could not bring his proud soul under.

400   27.  Bring up.

401   a.  To bring into a higher position; to elevate, raise, rear, build up; to raise to a point or amount, etc. See senses of up.

402 1297.  R. Glouc., 369. Þe abbey of Came … he rerde in Normandye … He broȝte vp mony oþer hous of relygyon al so.

403 1477.  Earl Rivers (Caxton), Dictes, 142. Yf he see that fortune raise and bring up som other of lower degre.

404 1611.  Shaks., Wint. T., IV. iv. 544. Your discontenting Father, striue to qualifie And bring him vp to liking.

405 1677.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc. (1703), 141. The next Work the Carpenter has to do, is to bring up the Stairs. Ibid., 129. The Celler-Walls to be brought up by a Brick-layer with Brick.

406 1885.  Sir E. Kay, in Law Times’ Rep., LII. 370/1. The [amount] to which the undivided profit would be brought up.

407   b.  To rear from childhood; to educate, breed.

408 1483.  Caxton, G. de la Tour, F vij. The child whiche hadde be secretely nourisshed and brought up cam to his enherytaunce.

409 1511–2.  Act 3 Hen. VIII., iii. § 1. To enduce and lern theym and bryng them uppe in shotyng.

410 1588.  A. King, trans. Canisius’ Catech., 50. Fosterit, teachit, and brocht vp in continuall exercise.

411 1611.  Bible, Isa. i. 2. I haue nourished and brought vp children.

412 1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 105, ¶ 4. A Man who has been brought up among Books.

413 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), IV. 122. The doctrines in which he had been brought up.

414 1879.  Cassell’s Techn. Educ., IV. 70/1. The ordinary farmer brings up a lot of calves every year.

415   c.  To introduce to general notice; to bring into vogue. ? Obs.

416 1483.  Caxton, G. de la Tour, D vij b. To hasty in takynge ony newe thynges brought up.

417 1530.  Palsgr., 470/2. He hath brought up a newe custome … To bringe up newe lawes is a perlous worke.

418 1693.  W. Robertson, Phraseol. Gen., 284. She brings up a fashion grown out of use.

419 1741.  Richardson, Pamela, II. 20. The Torture is not used in England, and I hope you won’t bring it up.

420   † d.  To raise, originate, give utterance to (a report), etc. Obs.

421 1535.  Coverdale, Numb. xiii. 32. And of the lande that they had searched, they brought vp an euell reporte amonge the children of Israel. Ibid. (1611), xiv. 36. Bringing vp a slander vpon the land.

422   e.  To bring into the presence of authority; to bring before a tribunal, or for examination.

423 1823.  J. Badcock, Dom. Amusem., 64. Being brought up … to answer at Bow-street office.

424 1865.  Reader, 8 July, 30. Candidates would be expected to bring up so many books of Scott.

425 1885.  Law Times, LXXIX. 139/1. A writ of certiorari to bring up an order made by the justices.

426   f.  Naut. To bring to anchor, or to a standstill.

427 1820.  Blackw. Mag., VIII. 317/2. I was all at once obstructed, or, as the sailors say, brought up by an invisible fence.

428 1840.  R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, xxv. 80. They let go the other anchor … and brought the vessel up.

429   g.  intr. To come to anchor; hence, to come to a stand, to stop, ‘pull up.’

430 1769.  Falconer, Dict. Marine (1789). To Bring-up, a provincial phrase peculiar to the seamen in the coal-trade, signifying to anchor.

431 1790.  Beatson, Nav. & Mil. Mem., 321. The Rippon … brought up against the Morne Rouge Battery.

432 1856.  Kane, Arct. Expl., I. xxix. 386. At last the floe brought up against the rocks.

433 1858.  Sears, Athan., IV. 32. Expect when they die to … bring up at some good place.

434 1884.  Anstey, Giant’s Robe, vi. Mr. Lightowler brought up sharply opposite the end of an inclined covered staircase … where they left the dog-cart.

435   h.  To bring under notice or consideration; to recall to notice (a by-gone matter).

436 1875.  Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 212. If I had said anything last year, I suppose that you would bring that up…. Are you such an old fool … that you bring up now what I said at first?

437 Mod.  ‘I am glad the matter has been brought up.’

438   i.  To develop, produce.

439 1823.  J. Badcock, Dom. Amusem., 169. Chromate of potash … brings up a yellow colour.

440   j.  To vomit. (colloq.)

441   k.  To bring up arrears, lost ground, etc.

442 1788.  Dibdin, Mus. Tour, xii. 43. By way of clearing my ground, or, as the Sailors call it, bringing up lee-way.

443 1859.  Jephson, Brittany, viii. 131. The afternoon was spent in bringing up my arrears of correspondence.

444 1865.  E. Burritt, Walk to Land’s End, 445. Bringing up a long arrearage of writing.

445 Mod.  Has the narrative been brought up to date?

446   l.  Bring up the rear (arrear): see REAR.

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