▪ I. opportune, a. (adv.)
(ɒpəˈtjuːn, ˈɒpətjuːn)
Also 5–6 opor-.
[a. F. opportun, -une seasonable, timely; formerly also, exposed, liable (14–15th c. in Hatz.-Darm.) = It., Pg. opportuno, Sp. oportuno, ad. L. opportūn-us fit, suitable, convenient, seasonable; advantageous, serviceable; adapted; exposed, liable, f. ob- (ob-): cf. Portūnus the protecting god of harbours, f. portu-s harbour, port. The same stem is found in importūn-us importune.]
1. Adapted to an end or purpose or the circumstances of the case; fit, suitable, appropriate; convenient. a. Of a time.
| 1412–20 Lydg. Chron. Troy i. v. (MS. Cott. Aug. IV) lf. 13 b/2 Whan sche cauȝte opportune space, To hir desire..Toward Jason anoon sche gan hir dresse. c 1430 ― Reason & Sens. 1840 Whan I espyed by her chere Tyme opportune and best leysere. 1568 Grafton Chron. II. 395 When time oportune will serve, ye shall doe well to advertise him therof. 1676 G. Towerson Decalogue 464 That part of the day..is the most opportune for business. 1780 Burke Lett., to T. Burgh Wks. 1842 II. 411 There never seemed a more opportune time for the relief of Ireland than that moment. 1868 E. Edwards Ralegh I. xxiv. 568 He had the unfortunate quality of showing his teeth before the opportune moment for using them. |
† b. Of a place. Obs.
| a 1548 Hall Chron., Rich. III, 49 b, That his adversaries in no wise should have any place apte or oportune easely to take lande. 1610 Shakes. Temp. iv. i. 26 The murkiest den, The most opportune place..shall neuer melt Mine honor into lust. 1665 Boyle Occas. Refl. ii. xiii. (1848) 137 The great mistake of those that think a Death-bed the fittest and opportunest place to begin Repentance in. 1796 Burke Lett. Regic. Peace iii. Wks. VIII. 301 We know that they meditated the very same invasion..upon this kingdom; and, had the coast been as opportune, would have effected it. |
2. Of an event, action, or thing: Fitting in regard to time or circumstances, seasonable; now chiefly in more restricted sense, Meeting the requirements of the time or occasion, timely, well-timed.
| c 1425 [implied in opportunely]. a 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VII, 40 b, With all diligence prepared oportune remedies to resist and withstand. 1611 Shakes. Wint. T. iv. iv. 511 Most opportune to her neede, I haue A Vessell rides fast by. 1670 Milton Hist. Brit. ii. Wks. (1847) 485/2 The Romans now over-matched and terrified, Cæsar with opportune aid appears. 1784 Cowper Task vi. 470 Prophet as he was, he might not strike The blameless animal..Her opportune offence Saved him. 1837 Landor Pentameron iv. Wks. 1853 II. 337/1 These are better thoughts and opportuner than such lonely places formerly supplied us with. 1856 Max Müller Chips (1880) III. vii. 184 The opportune death of Philip alone prevented the breaking out of a rebellion. |
† 3. Advantageous, serviceable, useful. Obs.
| 1432–50 tr. Higden (Rolls) II. 231 Thei were religious men, and oportune exhibicion was ȝiffen to theyme. ? c 1470 G. Ashby Active Policy 357 Kepe secretnesse as a secretarye,..But vnto suche persones oportune As may be furthering to youre fortune. c 1510 Barclay Mirr. Gd. Manners (1570) G j, Despise thou no person although thou purer be Of clothing, of cunning..or ought els oportune then is he. 1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriot. Ep. Ded., It is opportune to look back upon old Times, and contemplate our Forefathers. |
† 4. Conveniently exposed; liable or open (to attack or injury). Obs.
| c 1450 tr. De Imitatione iii. lxiv. 149, I may fully truste in noon þat may helpe me in oportune necessities, but allone in þe, my god. 1667 Milton P.L. ix. 481 Behold alone The Woman opportune to all attempts. |
5. Adopted with a view to present expediency: cf. opportunism. rare.
| 1851 Thackeray Eng. Hum. iii, Marlborough's..opportune fidelity and treason. |
† B. quasi-adv. = Opportunely. Obs.
| 1667 Milton P.L. ix. 85 [He] Consider'd every Creature, which of all Most opportune might serve his Wiles. 1760–72 H. Brooke Fool of Qual. (1809) IV. 151 How opportune has our Jesus sent you to us on this occasion! |
▪ II. † opporˈtune, v. Obs. rare.
[f. prec.]
1. trans. To be well adapted or convenient to; to suit, accommodate.
| a 1637 R. Clerke Serm. 483 The Pronoune opportunes us. Some Copies have vobis; but the most and best, have Nobis. |
2. intr. ? To have opportunity, to get the chance.
| 1606 Warner Alb. Eng. xv. xcviii. 390 Not sticking cautilously the hier of Filthinesse to purse, For, may she opportune for Pence, liues not like lurching Blaine. |