a-tilt, advb. phr.
(əˈtɪlt)
[a prep.1 (in sense 2, perh. at prep.) + tilt.]
1. Tilted up, set on tilt, in such a position that it is just ready to fall over. Also fig.
| 1562 J. Heywood Prov. & Epigr. (1867) 194 We apply the spigot, till tubbe stande a tilte. 1735 Pope Donne Sat. iv. 176 In that nice moment, as another lye Stood just a-tilt. 1881 Payn Grape fr. Thorn xiv, Sitting with his chair atilt. |
2. In phr. to run (or ride) a-tilt: i.e. in an encounter on horseback with the thrust of a lance. Now usually fig. of controversial encounters. Const. at, with, against. [The origin of a- is here uncertain.]
| 1591 Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, iii. ii. 51 Breake a Launce, and runne a-Tilt at Death. 1608 2nd Pt. Def. Reas. Refus. Subscript. 52 [He] taketh heart to run at Tilt a fresh. 1702 S. Parker Tully's De Fin. 31 Impetuously as they run atilt against other people. 1862 Sir H. Taylor St. Clem. Eve iii. iii. Wks. 1864 III. 149 He rode a-tilt and smote the scaly Dragon. 1873 Burton Hist. Scot. V. lv. 94 A paper in defense of queen Mary's honour, in which he ran atilt with Buchanan. |