▪ I. riposte, n.
(rɪˈpəʊst, rɪˈpɒst)
Also 7 risposte, 9 ripost (cf. repost n.).
[a. F. riposte, earlier risposte, ad. It. risposta response, reply.]
1. Fencing. A quick thrust given after parrying a lunge; a return thrust. Also attrib.
| 1707 Sir W. Hope New Method Fencing iv. 85 For the Risposte, it is impossible for a Man to give it, until his Adversary..offers to launch in a Thrust. Ibid. vi. 171 To defend himself well from his Adversary's Risposte Thrusts, or Blows. 1809 Roland Fencing (1823) 104 The party standing on the defensive, is not allowed to make any riposte. Ibid. 142 By not fearing the riposte upon you, it will render your mode of attack more precise. 1893 Fencing (Badminton Libr.) (ed. 3) iv. 82 To meet this riposte: parry second or septime while rising. |
2. transf. A counterstroke; an effective reply by word or act.
| 1865 Pall Mall G. 19 June 1 The thrust..was an ugly one, but the ripost which he has succeeded in planting is uglier still. 1877 Morley Crit. Misc. Ser. ii. 107 The Feast of the Supreme Being..was designed as a triumphant ripost to the Feast of Reason. 1886 N. L. Walford Parl. Gen. Civil War 74 To us the ‘riposte’ of Charles appears to have been a fair one. |
▪ II. riposte, v.
(rɪˈpəʊst, rɪˈpɒst)
Also 8 risposte, 9 ripost (cf. repost v.1).
[ad. F. riposter, earlier risposter: see prec.]
1. Fencing. To make a riposte. Also trans. with personal object.
| 1707 Sir W. Hope New Method Fencing iv. 96 Nothing can be more dangerous, because of the Opportunity it gives a Man's Adversary to Risposte him. 1809 Roland Fencing (1823) 115 B. Parries Tierce smartly, and ripostes straight over the arm. 1885 New Bk. Sports 121 Smartly raising the knee..and riposting with a quick downward movement. |
2. transf. To reply or retaliate; to answer (one). Also with direct speech as obj.
| 1851 Kingsley Lett. & Mem. (1877) I. 267 If you do not think our mutual ‘honour’ satisfied.., you will riposte at the first opportunity. 1871 Meredith H. Richmond xlviii, Riposte me—have you too many? 1883 Wingfield Abigel Rowe I. iii. 57 The other side dared not ripost with the real report. 1893 Lang St. Andrews v. 128 The Cardinal riposted by an interdict. 1898 J. M. Cobban Angel of Covenant xiii. 147 ‘Had I not taken pains with the foolish old man,’ riposted Maudlin, blushing high, ‘we should yet be sitting at mumchance.’ 1958 Observer 6 Dec. 864/1 The western powers might logically riposte by offering to discuss a free and neutral status..for all Berlin. 1972 Daily Tel. 27 May 12 ‘But I'm David Broome,’ says the show jumper. ‘I don't care if you are Basil Brush,’ ripostes the sergeant-major. 1977 T. Heald Just Desserts 191 ‘But what do we have to show for it?’ ‘We have unlimited access to the former Scoff network,’ riposted Bognor. |
Hence riˈposted, riˈposting ppl. adjs.
| 1707 Sir W. Hope New Method Fencing iv. 96 To come off safe, from an Exchanged and Risposted Thrust. Ibid. vi. 173 Give him a Risposted Blow. 1893 Fencing (Badminton Libr.) (ed. 3) iv. 83 The riposting fencer must..deliver his thrust with the hand inclined towards pronation. |