ˈsand-pit
Also as one word.
[f. sand n.1 + pit n.1]
1. A pit from which sand is excavated.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 464/2 Sond hylle, or pytte, sorica. 1530 Palsgr. 265/1 Sandepytt, sabloniere. 1565 Cooper Thesaurus, Arenarius.., one that kepeth sande pittes. 1726 Leoni Alberti's Archit. I. 35/2 There is no want of Sand-pits. 1862 Chamb. Encycl. IV. 823/1 (Golf), The ground is diversified by knolls, sand-pits, and other hazards. 1876 Buckley Short Hist. Nat. Sci. xxxix. 418 Tools were found in..the sandpits of Abbeville. |
2. Founding. (See quot.)
| 1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. s.v. Foundry Pit, Foundry pits are either sand pits or open pits... Sand pits are so termed because the mould is of so weak a character as to require the support of sand rammed around in the space between it and the walls of the pit. |
3. A space in a garden or park enclosed by low walls and filled with sand in which children may play.
| 1898 G. B. Shaw Candida i. 80 A park..containing..a sandpit..imported from the seaside for the delight of children. 1908 G. Jekyll Children & Gardens xi. 90 You will find out endless ways of playing with the sand-pit. 1937 T. Adams Playparks 49 Sandpits are not desirable in crowded playgrounds of large towns. 1959 Oxf. Mail 11 Mar. 6/4 Nurseries featuring merry-go-rounds, sand-pits, and attendants dressed as clowns are supplied free of charge. 1960 F. G. Lennhoff Exceptional Children vii. 138 He found some release through child-like games..including sandpits and mud. 1976 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Nanny Bird ix. 118 Grover..was given half an Italian Easter egg and was sick in the sandpit. |