concuss, v.
(kənˈkʌs)
[f. L. concuss-, ppl. stem of concutĕre to dash together, shake violently; in the jurists ‘to terrify by threats in order to extort money’; f. con- + quatĕre to shake, strike, dash, etc. Cf. It. concussare (of freq. form) to shake.]
1. trans. To shake violently; to agitate, disturb. Chiefly fig.
| 1597 [see concussed 1]. 1603 Daniel Epist. Wks. (1717) 342 Concussed with uncertainty. 1796 Campaigns 1793–4, II. ix. 64 The clouds overloaded concus'd by the sound. 1863 Wynter Subtle Brains 290 Being twice bumped or concussed across the South Downs. |
2. To injure (the brain, etc.) by concussion.
| 1689 Moyle Sea Chyrurg. ii. vii. 50 'Tis a sign that the brain is concussed. 1865 J. Payn Married beneath him I. 34 Mr. Merrick, by getting his [brain] concussed, silenced the voice of detraction. |
3. To force by threats (into, or to do, something).
From Roman Law, and used chiefly by Sc. writers.
| 1839 Alison Hist. Europe (1849) I. iii. §53. 306 Louis..had been literally concussed..into this..ruinous step. 1843 Fraser's Mag. XXVII. 519 She concussed Donald to move his heels. 1880 Knight Scotch Serm. 102 Every party..ought to tolerate a dissentient minority, and not concuss it into acquiescence. |
b. To overawe or influence by threats; to subject to undue coercive influence.
| 1849 Tait's Mag. XVI. 267/1 The Times has endeavoured to concuss country gentlemen. 1864 Mrs. Oliphant Perpetual Curate II. 43 Frank..was no longer to be coerced and concussed. 1885 Manch. Exam. 23 June 57 Without supposing that he is absolutely concussed by the Crown. |