▪ I. stand, n.1
(stænd)
Also 4–5 stonde, 6 arch. stond, 7 stande.
[f. stand v.
OE. had stǫnd masc., stǫndo (? fem.), delay (only once, see sense 1); equivalent formations, with the general sense ‘standing, station, state’, are LG., Du. stand masc. (in MLG. neut.), OHG. -stand in compounds (MHG., mod.G. stand masc.), Da., Norw., Icel. stand, Sw. stånd neut.).]
I. Action or condition of standing.
† 1. A pause, delay. (OE. rare—1.)
c 950 Lindisf. Gosp. Mark vi. 35 Miððy..stando moniᵹo wæs [L. cum..mora (bad reading for hora) multa fieret]. c 975 Rushw. Gosp. ibid., Miððy..stondas moniᵹe werun [L. cum horæ multæ fierent]. |
2. a. The action or an act of standing or coming to a position of rest; a pause, halt, esp. in the phrases to make a stand (rarely to make stand). † fight of stand, a hand-to-hand encounter (nonce-use: cf. stand-fight in 31 b). Now rare or Obs. (cf. 4).
1592 Shakes. Rom. & Jul. i. v. 52 The measure done, Ile watch her place of stand. 1596 ― Merch. V. ii. vi. 2 This is the penthouse vnder which Lorenzo Desired vs to make a stand. 1602 Marston Ant. & Mel. i, Beeing entred, they make a stand in divided foyles. 1606 Shakes. Tr. & Cr. iii. iii. 252 Why he stalkes vp and downe like a Peacock, a stride and a stand. c 1611 Chapman Iliad xiii. 290 Teucer..is great in fights of stand [Gr. ἐν σταδίῃ ὑσµίνῃ]. 1622 Fletcher Beggars Bush iv. v, Why dost thou make These often stands? thou saidst thou knewst the way. 1622 F. Markham Bk. War v. iii. §4. 171 To make stands (which some call Altoes or Hallts)..whereby the souldier may be refresht. 1633 P. Fletcher Purple Isl. v. lvii, The idle Sunne stood still.., And pale-fac'd Cynthia at her word made stand. 1700 Dryden Pal. & Arc. 191 At ev'ry Turn she made a little Stand, And thrust among the Thorns her Lilly hand To draw the Rose. 1787 Burns Death & Dr. Hornbook viii, It seem'd to mak a kind o' stan', But naething spak. 1807–8 Wordsw. White Doe vi. 29 He..made a sudden stand. 1827 D. Johnson Ind. Field Sports 208 He made a stand at one of them, and appeared to deposit something. |
b. fig. A stop or pause (in speech, action, etc.).
1595 Shakes. John iv. ii. 39 And we are all well pleas'd, Since all, and euery part of what we would Doth make a stand, at what your Highnesse will. a 1641 Bp. R. Montagu Acts & Mon. (1642) 536 Had these narrators made a stand here,..they had found nor contradiction nor discommendation. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 33 ¶7 But by Heaven, and all that's Sacred! If you could ―. Here he made a full Stand. 1726 Butler Serm. Rolls Chapel vii. 127 He run on headlong in Vice and Folly, without ever making a stand to ask himself what he was doing. |
† c. ? A stage in a statement or argument. Obs.
1616 Bp. Andrewes Serm. Holy Ghost ix. Serm. (1629) 689, I proceed now to the second Combination, of breath, and the Holy Ghost... (I make two stands of it:) Breath and the Spirit: Christ's breath and the Holy Spirit. 1674 [see tew n.2 2]. |
† d. = epode 2. Obs. rare—1.
a 1637 B. Jonson Pindaric Ode Mem. Sir L. Cary, The Turne... The Counter turne... The Stand. |
e. Theatr. Each of the halts made on a tour to give performances; the place at which a halt is made; the performance itself; transf., esp. in one-night stand: see one numeral a., pron., etc. 33.
1895 N.Y. Dramatic News 19 Oct. 11/1 Denver was the second stand of the week. 1896 Peterson Mag. N.S. VI. 273/2 Her managers, only depend on the one-night ‘stands’ to recoup their losses in the larger towns. One-night-stand audiences are not critical. 1900 Free Lance 6 Oct. 20, 1 (Farmer) This year I'm going with Grady—north and south—right through the big two week stands. 1910 Stage Year Bk. 49 In New Zealand, it may here be mentioned, the actor must be prepared for a number of one-night stands. 1931 Amer. Speech VI. 336 Stand, n., a town or city where a show stops to give performances. 1938 D. Baker Young Man with Horn iii. 149 He'd been making stands at moving-picture houses all over the country. 1959 Times 16 Dec. 3/2 A number of travelling road-shows do one or two-night stands at such unlikely places as the Constitution Hall. 1964 Mrs. L. B. Johnson White House Diary 22 Apr. (1970) 115 Mrs. Eisenhower invited them in 1953, and had entertained around four thousand guests, about a four-hour stand. 1973 G. Beare Snake on Grave ii. 12 When the Sands in Vegas offered her a stand she took Latch with her to play for her. |
f. The mean sea-level at a given epoch in the past; also, the level of the sea at high or low tide.
1934 Webster, Stand, the state of the tide at high or low water when there is no vertical movement. 1966 Gloss. Oceanogr. Terms (U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office) (ed. 2) 156/1 Where a double tide occurs, the stand may last for several hours even with a large range of tide. 1972 Science 13 Oct. 190/3 On Barbados, sedimentological considerations suggest that the high stand associated with the last interglacial (terrace III. 124,000 years ago) lasted no longer than about 5,000 years. 1978 Nature 18 May 185/3 At that time [sc. 22,000 years ago], sea-level was about 300 foot below its present stand because so much of the Earth's water was locked in glaciers. |
† 3. A standing in ambush or in cover. Obs.
1593 Shakes. 3 Hen. VI, iii. i. 3 For through this Laund anon the Deere will come, And in this couert will we make our Stand. 1616 B. Jonson Poetaster Apol. Dial., Thefts, notable As Ocean pyracies, or high-way stands. 1621 Markham Fowling 66 Now for these deade Engines [such as trees, bushes, hedges] which carry not the shape of any liuing creature, they are not altogether so necessary for the Stalke as the Stand. Ibid., You must be carefull not to mooue them at all but to lye at the stand watching behinde them. |
4. a. A holding one's ground against an opponent or enemy; a halt (of moving troops) to give battle or repel an attack; esp. in the phrase to make a (or one's) stand.
1590 Spenser F.Q. ii. xi. 15 On th'other side, th'assieged Castles ward Their steadfast stonds did mightily maintaine. 1607 Shakes. Cor. i. vi. 2 Wel fought, we are come off, Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands, Nor Cowardly in retyre. 1609 Holland Amm. Marcell. xviii. xi. 118 We..made a stand, and cast our selves into a round ring, as thinking it our safest way, neither to flye..nor to joyne battaile with them. 1736 Milit. Hist. Pr. Eugene & Marlborough I. 85 Instead of making any Stand they retreated continually. 1790 Beatson Nav. & Mil. Mem. I. 269 He had raised a breast-work at a narrow pass, behind which he resolved to make his stand. 1817 Jas. Mill Brit. India II. v. vii. 613 After a slight stand at the outer intrenchment, the enemy fled through the fort. 1839 Thirlwall Greece VI. xlvii. 115 The besieged made a short stand in the market⁓place. 1869 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) III. xii. 239 His last stand was made at Dinan. |
b. transf. and fig.
1602 Marston Ant. & Mel. i, Take spirit;..make a firme stand. 1749 Chesterfield Let. 12 Dec. (1870) 158 Mr. Hampden, to whose brave stand against the illegal demand of ship⁓money, we owe our present liberties. 1815 F. Burney Diary (1876) IV. lxiii. 286 He hoped a stand would be made against any obstinate revolt. 1833 H. Martineau Brooke Farm i. 13 We at once determined to make a stand against oppression. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. x. II. 668 Now, if ever, we ought to be able to appreciate the whole importance of the stand which was made by our forefathers against the House of Stuart. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educ. IV. 13/1 Endeavouring..to make a public stand against it. |
c. Sporting. A prolonged resistance. In Cricket, a prolonged stay at the wicket; now spec. a partnership between two batsmen at the crease.
1812 Sporting Mag. XXXIX. 187 [The pugilist] having made some good stands against first-raters. 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field x. 189 Then comes the time when your great gun tumbles down his men: and that is the time that some sure, judgmatic batsman..comes calmly and composedly to the wicket and makes a stand. 1884 Lillywhite's Cricket Ann. 60 The longest stand ever made by two batsmen. 1912 P. F. Warner Eng. v. Austral. iv. 29 Barnes and Strudwick made a capital last wicket stand. 1980 Wisden Cricket Monthly Mar. 6/3 Charlie Davis..was then joined by..Garfield Sobers, in a stand of 254 in 363 minutes. |
5. a. A state of checked or arrested movement; a standstill; spec., the rigid attitude assumed by a dog on finding game. Chiefly in the phrases to be at a stand, to come to a stand, to bring or put to a stand.
1618 W. Lawson New Orch. & Garden (1623) 20 At the fal of the leafe..about that time is y⊇ greatest stand (but not descent) of sap. 1649 Cromwell in Carlyle Lett. & Sp. (1850) II. 243 He could reach them with nothing but his horse, hoping to put them to a stand until his foot came up. 1698 Fryer Acc. E. India & P. 10 The Winds shrank upon us from off the Coast of Ginea..and had left us at a stand. a 1774 Goldsm. Hist. Greece I. 139 Nor could he ever be persuaded to believe..that at the first pass he came to, his whole army would be put to a stand. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. II. iv. vii, For five-and-thirty minutes..the Berline is at a dead stand. 1856 Stonehenge Brit. Rural Sports i. i. iii. 33 By increasing the encouragement in proportion to the increased length of stand, the dog becomes hourly improved. 1857 Livingstone Trav. xvii. 310 We were..brought to a stand on this very plain by severe fever. 1883 Century Mag. Aug. 492 On our approach to the field, the dogs quartered it, but they did not come to a stand. |
b. Hunting phr. U.S.
1885 T. Roosevelt Hunting Trips 274 (Cent.) Occasionally these panic fits..make them [buffalo] run together and stand still in a stupid, frightened manner... When they are made to act thus it is called in hunters' parlance getting a stand on them. |
c. (The performance of) a stallion or bull at stud. Also, a stud or stud-farm. U.S.
1797 E. Chambers Let. 29 Nov. in J. Steele Papers (1924) I. 151 As a covering horse I am of Opinion he would make a very good Stand. 1836 Russellville (Kentucky) Weekly Advertiser 21 Jan. 3/3 (Advt.), Merlin is now at this stand in Elkton... Books are opened for those who may wish to enter their mares. 1959 W. Faulkner Mansion i. 9 He had to lead the cow the three miles back..to claim a second stand from the bull. |
d. = erection 4. slang.
1867, etc. [see cock-stand s.v. cock n.1 23]. 1868 Index Expurgatorius of Martial 88 Maevius who while sleeping only gets A piss-proud stand that melts away on waking. 1903 Farmer & Henley Slang VI. 346/1 Stand,..(venery).—1. An erectio penis. |
6. A state of being unable to proceed in thought, speech, or action; a state of perplexity or nonplus. Nearly always in the phrases to be at a stand, to put to a stand, † to set (a person) in a stand (rare—1).
1599 Sandys Europæ Spec. (1632) 71 Friers..being men of great marke..drew theyr Convents..with them; and thereby set the rest in such an amazement and stand, that the Pope grew in a generall great jealousie of them all. 1625 Bacon Ess., Truth (Arb.) 499 One of the later Schoole of the Grecians, examineth the matter, and is at a stand, to thinke what should be in it, that men should loue Lies. 1652 G. Herbert Priest to Temple xxii. (1671) 73 The Countrey Parson being to administer the Sacraments, is at a stand with himself, how or what behaviour to assume for so holy things. 1657 E. D'Oyley in Thurloe Papers VI. 834 The prints telling me, that the heads of their people are..accounted conspirators..hath put me to some stand how to carry myself towards them. 1734 tr. Rollin's Anc. Hist. IV. ix. 321 There is one point however that puts me to a stand. 1790 Burke Fr. Rev. Sel. Wks. 1898 II. 276 It remains only to consider the proofs of financial ability... Here I am a little at a stand; for credit, properly speaking, they have none. 1821 Scott Kenilw. xii, He is very ill at ease. The leeches are at a stand, and many of his household suspect foul practice. 1821 Shelley Boat on Serchio 85 With a bottle in one hand, As if his very soul were at a stand, Lionel stood. |
7. A state of arrested progress (of affairs, institutions, natural processes or the like). Chiefly in the phrases to be at a stand, to come to a stand; also † to put (a hawk) unto a stand (rare—1). Cf. stond n.
1614 Latham Falconry i. xi. 41 You shall find it wil suddenly put the soundest hawke that is vnto a stand, and by this onlie meanes, surfetted and spoiled manie a hawke. 1625 Bacon Ess., Of Usury (Arb.) 543 The Greatest Part of Trade, is driuen by Young Merchants, vpon Borrowing at Interest: So as if the Vsurer, either call in, or keepe backe his Money, there will ensue presently a great Stand of Trade. c 1645 Howell Lett. (1650) I. 385 Nor did the pure Latin tongue continue long at a stand of perfection in Rome..but she received changes and corruption. 1664 R. Flecknoe Discourse Engl. Stage G 4 b, We began before them [the French], and if since they seem to have out-stript us, 'tis because our Stage ha's stood at a stand this many years. a 1722 Lisle Husb. (1757) 141 My wheat, for want of rain, was at a stand in it's growth. 1789 Ann. Reg., Hist. 10 Public business was at a stand. 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. I. 324 The effect [of attempting by law to regulate prices] was, a momentary apparent stand in the price of articles. 1814 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 255 In the northern winter, not only vegetable life, but likewise vegetable decay must be at a stand. 1833 J. Nyren Yng. Cricketer's Tutor (1902) 107 Then there was a dead stand for some time, and no runs were made. 1842 Hawthorne Amer. Note-bks. (1868) II. 143 Vegetation has quite come to a stand. |
8. Manner of standing (of a thing). Now only technical.
a 1700 Evelyn Diary 23 July 1679, The stande [of the house], somewhat like Frascati as to its front. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educ. IV. 190/1 To ensure the correct ‘stand’ of the timbers in relation to the keel. |
9. A standing or upright posture (as distinguished from a crouching attitude). rare.
1893 Outing May 154/1 In the present season, scarcely a sprinter is to be found who runs from a stand. 1956 Kunzle & Thomas Freestanding i. 26 Also try jumps from stand, both from half knee bend and with very little knee bend. 1964 G. C. Kunzle Parallel Bars ii. 50 Push away from the bars with the left hand to land in side stand. |
10. Leather-manuf. (See quot.)
1883 R. Haldane Workshop Rec. Ser. ii. 372/1 The leather may have the quality known as Stand, that is to say, may be strongly stretched in either length or breadth without springing back. |
II. Place of standing.
11. a. A place of standing, position, station; also in phr. to take one's stand, poet. to take stand.
a 1300 Cursor M. 1694 Siþen efter alþernest hand þe meke beistes sal haue þair stand. c 1450 Mirk's Festial 249 Come now wyth me, and stond on ȝondyr stonde befor þe and loke downeward. 1513 Douglas æneis v. 56 The stand thei [sc. competitors in a foot-race] leif, and flaw furth with a crak As windis blast. 1592 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 697/1 Cum arca anguillarum et loco ejusdem (lie eill-ark and stand thairoff). 1599 Daniel Musophilus 212 As if themselues had fortunately found Some stand from off the earth beyond our sight. 1601 Shakes. Jul. C. ii. iv. 25 Por. Is Cæsar yet gone to the Capitoll? Sooth. Madam, not yet, I go to take my stand, To see him passe. 1603 ― Meas. for M. iv. vi. 10 Come, I haue found you out a stand most fit, Where you may haue such vantage on the Duke He shall not passe you. 1667 Milton P.L. iv. 395 Then from his loftie stand on that high Tree Down he alights. 1697 Dryden Virg. Georg. i. 498 Watchful Herons leave their watry Stand. 1704 Pope Windsor Forest 137 Beneath the quivering shade,..The patient fisher takes his silent stand. 1714 T. Parkyns Inn-Play (ed. 2) 48 Shift your stand a little towards your Left. 1781 Cowper Retirem. 434 [He] Begins a long look-out for distant land, Nor quits, till ev'ning watch, his giddy stand. 1827 J. F. Cooper Prairie i, The low stands of the spectators exaggerated the distances. 1827 Scott Surg. Dau. iii, He saw from his lofty stand all the dumb show of gallantry. 1885–94 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche Mar. xxiii, She pass'd, and taking stand Upon its taper horn of furthest land, Lookt left and right. |
b. fig.
1595 S. Daniel Civ. Wars iii. cxxv. 66 Nay father since your fortune did attaine So hye a stand: I meane not to descend, Replyes the Prince. 1648 G. Daniel Ode vpon Liricke Poesie of G. Herbert 32 Wks. (Grosart) I. 214 This Stand, of Lirecks, Hee, the vtmost Fame Has gain'd. 1819 Sir J. Mackintosh Sp. Ho. Comm. 2 Mar., in Hansard Parl. Deb. 782 Accepting..the noble lord's concession,..here I might take my stand, and challenge him to drive me from this ground. 1850 Tait's Mag. XVII. 428/2 Their opponents take their stand on a quibble. 1874 Green Short Hist. vii. §4. 375 He [Philip] was preparing..to take a new political stand as the patron of Catholicism throughout the world. |
† c. through lands and stands: through many countries. Obs.
1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 27 Þei schulen go þoru liȝt of þin arrowis þat is, of þi þurlinge wordis, þoru londis and stondis. |
d. The resting place of a salmon.
1886 Q. Rev. Oct. 359 note, A salmon is said to be swimming when he is moving up the river from pool to pool. At other times he is usually resting in his ‘stand’ or ‘lie’. |
† e. A degree of proficiency measured by achievement in school-work; a mark or grade awarded in assessment. U.S. Educ. Obs.
1900 Dialect Notes II. 64 Stand, degree of proficiency in college studies, as evidenced by marks and honors. 1904 N.Y. Even. Post 17 Mar. 7 The highest stand man of the non-elective scholastic period was Dean Wright of 1868, who attained a stand of 3·71 on a scale of 4·00. 1921 R. D. Paine Comrades of Rolling Ocean i. 11, I had a rotten stand in your course. |
12. a. The post or station of a soldier, sentinel, watchman, or the like.
1513 Douglas æneis ix. xi. 1 Endlang the wallis kyrnellis euery stand, The bruyt and clamour rais fra hand to hand. 1593 Shakes. 3 Hen. VI, iv. iii. 1, 1 Watch. Come on my Masters, each man take his stand. 1624 Capt. Smith Virginia ii. 37 At every halfe houre one from the Corps du gard doth hollow..; vnto whom every Sentinell doth answer round from his stand. 1760 Johnson Idler No. 95 ¶12 He..comes home..with such thunders at the door as have more than once brought the watchmen from their stands. |
b. The post or station of a sheep-shearer. Austral. and N.Z.
1893 S. Newland Paving Way ii. xviii. 339 As applicants for a ‘stand’ on the shearing-floor began to camp about, his audiences became more numerous. 1901 ‘R. Boldrewood’ In Bad Company 21 It's hard on a chap, when he comes to a shed..to be told that all the stands is took up. 1922 C. G. Turner Happy Wanderer 143 Four hundred men might answer the roll-call where only one hundred could ‘get a stand’—i.e. a chance to shear. 1933 Bulletin (Sydney) 6 Sept. 20/2 They run a record long shearing, six stands being considered sufficient to cope with 60,000 sheep. 1949 D. Walker We went to Australia 97 We watched them [sc. shearers] in the ‘eight-stand’ shed at Nareeb. 1956 G. Bowen Wool Away! (ed. 2) x. 110, I have set out the plan of a three⁓stand shed..which should meet the needs of a large cross-section of sheep farmers. |
13. The standing-place from which a hunter or sportsman may shoot game; also in phr. to take a or one's stand.
c 1400 Master of Game (MS. Digby 182) xxxv, And þanne þe mayster forster or parker oweth to shewe hym þe kynges stonde. 1588 Shakes. L.L.L. iv. i. 10 For. Hereby vpon the edge of yonder Coppice, A Stand where you may make the fairest shoote. 1611 ― Cymb. iii. iv. 111 Why hast thou gone so farre To be vn-bent? when thou hast tane thy stand, Th' elected Deere before thee? 1639 Fuller Holy War iii. xxii. (1640) 148 Using Gods cause as hunters do a stand, in it the more covertly to shoot at what game they please. 1679 Blount Anc. Tenures 165 Ad stabliamentum pro venatione capienda. For driving Deer to a stand in order to shooting them. 1720 De Foe Capt. Singleton xv. (1840) 257 Like an old decayed oak.., where the keepers in England take a stand, as they call it, to shoot a deer. 1791 W. Gilpin Forest Scenery II. 24 Here too, he had a banquetting-room built, like a stand, in a large tree. 1876 Field 9 Dec. in Greener Breech-Loader (1892) 270 My usual practice in grouse driving is to take two guns into the ‘stands’ (called by some butts). 1913 Times 12 Sept. 12/6 Equalization of sport by the drawing of numbers for each gun's stand. |
† 14. Hawking. An elevated resting place of a hawk; spec. as a ‘fault’, a position of rest from flight, esp. in the phrases to take stand, go to stand, to settle. Obs.
1579 Lyly Euphues (Arb.) 80 Lucilla..fearing he would take stand if the lure were not cast out, toke him by the hand, and..began thus to comfort him. 1611 Markham Country Contentm. i. viii. (1615) 93 If your long-winged hawke flying..in champaine fields vse to take stand which is a foule fault you shal..shunne flying neere trees or couert:..when the hawke offers to goe to the stand, let him which is next her cast out his traine. Ibid., margin, Helps for faults in long winged hawkes, and first of the stand. 1678 Ray Willughby's Ornithol. 409. |
15. a. A stall or booth.
1508 Extracts Burgh Rec. Edin. (1869) I. 114 [The fleshers] sall haif thair stall and standis weill tentit with fair canves. 1568 Sat. Poems Reform. xlviii. 88 To pay my buth maill and my stand. 1845 Disraeli Sybil v. vi, The gas was beginning to glare in shops..and the paper lanterns to adorn the stall and the stand. 1867 J. K. Hunter Retrospect Artist's Life xxxi. (1912) 333 The shoe stands being erected in the Kirkyard. |
b. A street-vendor's habitual station or pitch.
1742 Richardson Pamela III. 361 If I see them [beggars] often..and so much in the same Place, as if they were as tenacious of their Stand, as others of their Freehold. 1929 [see meet n. 1 b.]. |
16. a. U.S. A position, site or building for a business.
1787 Maryland Jrnl. 25 Dec. (Thornton Amer. Gloss.), A Bargain will be given in that excellent stand now occupied by Mr. Mark Pringle. 1788 Ibid. 25 July (Ibid.), [Notice] to those who would wish for the best Stand for a Dry or Wet Store. 1856 Emerson Eng. Traits, Land Wks. (Bohn) II. 17 The shopkeeping nation, to use a shop word, has a good stand. 1867 Lowell Study Wind., Gt. Publ. Char. (1871) 64 Their historians..have succeeded to the good-will as well as to the long-established stand, of the shop of glory. |
b. S. Afr. A plot of land, a site (see quot. 1896).
1895 Westm. Gaz. 6 Sept. 6/1 It is announced by the British South Africa Company that the annual sale of stands in Rhodesia has now been completed. Township stands..realised a total of {pstlg}204,280. 1896 Méliot Eng.-Fr. Dict. Terms Finance, etc. 222 In the Transvaal, a stand is a portion of any land measuring 150 × 150 feet, sold or let. 1914 19th Cent. Sept. 592 As far back as the year 1886 a township was surveyed and laid out in stands by the Government of that day. |
17. A station for a row of vehicles plying for hire; also, the row of vehicles occupying a station.
1692 Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) II. 411 A lieutenant of the marine regiment quarrelling with a coachman in the stand. 1768 Act 8 Geo. III, c. 21 §25 It shall..be lawful..for the said [Paving] Commissioners..to direct..how many Coaches shall be plied at each Stand. 1820 Shelley Let. Maria Gisborne 265 But what see you beside?—a shabby stand Of Hackney coaches. 1833 Act 3 & 4 Will. IV, c. 46 §113 Rules..regulating the said hackney coaches..and for fixing and altering their stands. 1841 Dickens Barn. Rudge xvi, Long stands of hackney-chairs and groups of chairmen..obstructed the way. 1865 Ruskin Arrows of Chase (1880) II. 81 The just price of a cab at a stand involves an allowance to the cabman for having stood there. |
18. A raised platform for spectators at open-air sports as race-meetings, football matches and the like, or for a company of musicians or performers. band stand: see band n.3 7. grand stand: see as main entry.
1615 in W. Sheardown Doncaster Races, Hist. Notices (1861) 4 It is agreed that the stand and the stoopes shall be pulled upp and imploied to some better purpose, and the race to be discontinued. a 1700 Evelyn Diary 20 July, 1654, Neere this is a pergola or stand, built to view the sports. 1842 Niles' Reg. 15 Oct. LXIII. 103/3 From a stand erected on Main Cross street, Mr. Clay..reviewed a part of the procession. 1876 O. W. Holmes How old Horse won the Bet 110 As..The old horse nears the judges' stand. 1884 Yates Recoll. x. II. 47 Her Majesty then took up her station in the royal stand,..and the entire mass of Volunteers marched past. 1885 Daily Tel. 11 Nov. 3/7 Many changes have taken place at Aintree, and, if the weather had permitted, the new stands would have been finished off. 1902 Daily Mail 7 Apr. 5/1 (heading) Stand collapses at a football match. 1977 Evening Post (Nottingham) 27 Jan. 20/4 There will be other rises with best seats in the stands going up to {pstlg}1.40. |
19. An elevated platform or standing place for a speaker; a rostrum, pulpit; U.S. the place where a witness stands to testify in court, more fully witness-stand.
1840 Niles' Reg. 26 Sept. LIX. 56/2 Upon the stand, general Harrison was welcomed to Dayton, on behalf of the citizens..by judge Crane. 1843 Ibid. 18 Nov. LXV. 184/2 Dr. Davis then again took the stand [at a barbecue in Indiana], and stated that [etc.]. 1865 Lowell Study Wind., Thoreau (1871) 156 He had watched Nature like a detective who is to go upon the stand. 1885 W. Wilson Congressional Govt. ii. 128 Members [of the French Chamber] do not speak from their seats,..but from the ‘tribune’..a box-like stand. |
† 20. The landing of a staircase. Obs. rare—1.
1709 Steele & Addison Tatler No. 86 ¶3 The simple Esquire made a sudden start to follow; but the Justice of the Quorum whipp'd between upon the Stand of the Stairs. |
III. An appliance to stand something on.
21. a. A base, bracket, stool or the like upon which a utensil, ornament, or exhibit may be set; the base upon which an instrument is set up for use.
1664 in Verney Mem. (1907) II. 211 Be pleased to by a tabel and stands of the same coler. 1686 tr. Chardin's Coronat. Solyman 39 As we set our Candlesticks upon Tables or Stands. 1688 Holme Armoury iii. 316/1 An Oven..having..a stay or stand on the left side of it, to rest or set any thing out of the Oven thereon. Ibid. 346/1 He beareth Sable on a round foot or stand of two heights Argent, a pair of Broad Yarringle Blades. 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Stand,..a Frame to set a Candle-stick on, or a Vessel in a Cellar, &c. 1727 De Foe Eng. Tradesm. (1841) I. xxii. 207, 12 large high stands of rings, to place small dishes for tarts, jellies, at a feast. 1797 Ht. Lee Canterb. T., Frenchm. T. (1799) I. 229 Stands for flowers were fixed on each side the dressing table. 1827 Faraday Chem. Manip. xiii. (1842) 295 Stands of common earthenware are sold with crucibles; or the stand may be a small crucible about one inch and a half high, turned upside down. 1851 Butler, Wine-dealer etc. 9 In storing wine, the casks should be placed on stands. 1855 Poultry Chron. III. 206 Hives last several years; the same of covers and stands. 1878 Abney Photogr. xxx. 220 The essentials of a stand for landscape work consist of rigidity, lightness, and compactness when folded up. 1884 Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl., Stand, 1. For holding materials for drawing or painting... 2. (Microscopy.) The framework of a microscope, usually implying all save the object glasses and the accessory apparatus. |
b. dial. (See quot.)
1854 A. E. Baker Northampt. Gloss., Stand, a small round pillar-and-claw table. 1862 C. C. Robinson Dial. Leeds 420. |
22. A frame or piece of furniture upon which to stand or hang articles.
1692 Dryden Cleomenes Life 10 After Supper, a Stand was brought in with a brass Vessel full of Wine, two silver Pots,..a few silver Cups. 1822 [M. A. Kelty] Osmond I. 256 Ornamented..with stands of flowers and plants. 1823 J. Badcock Dom. Amusem. 100 A wooden stand, which has several ribs across to sustain the tobacco. 1839 Dickens Nich. Nick. x, Some dresses, were arranged on stands. 1867 A. J. Wilson Vashti xviii, She slowly descended the stairs, and took her hat from the stand in the hall. 1869 Dickens Mut. Fr. iii. iv, There were shelves and stands of books. 1875 Southward Dict. Typogr., Stand, otherwise frame. 1882 C. Pebody Eng. Journalism xxii. 167 The Times..and the Daily Telegraph are..read at a stand in a club. |
IV. Something which stands.
23. A complete set (of things). a. Sc. (and Anglo-Irish). A set (of vestments, armour, or utensils); a suit (of clothes).
c 1450 Reg. Vestments etc. St. Andrews in Maitland Club Misc. III. 195 Of haill standis. Item in the fyrst of rede claith of gold, 1 stand. Ibid. 196 Of syngyll standis. Ibid. Item for lentryn iij singell standis of fustian. 1471 in Acta Audit. (1839) 12/2 The compleite stand of harnes quhilk he borrowit. 1516 in 3rd Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. 418/2 All the haill stand of the Mess except the Book. 1534 Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot. VI. 185 To ane stand of bellis for the Kingis son, xx s. 1535 Stewart Cron. Scot. (Rolls) II. 425 And vestimentis of mony sindrie stand. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.) I. 367 He..gart cheise out money standis of harneise that was dowbill ower⁓gilt. 1597 Compt Buik D. Wedderburne (S.H.S.) 164, 42 stand of gad iron. 1615 in Reg. Privy Seal, Scot. LXXXV. fol. 124 in Proc. Soc. Ant. Scot. (1896) XXX. 56 Ane honest stand of Cleithing ȝeirlie. 1642 in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. i. 51 And trewli for the present we hau not on stand of good curtteins. 1827 Scott Chron. Canongate vi, A full stand, as it is called in Scotland, of garments of a dark colour. 1880 Antrim & Down Gloss. s.v., Four knitting needles are a stand. 1896 Crockett Grey Man xvi. 122, I judged he wore a stand of chain mail underneath. 1898 J. Paton Castlebraes 302 They wummilt a staun' o' new Cairt rapes aneath his oxters, an' pooed him oot. |
b. Mil. A set (of arms, colours).
Sometimes unchanged in plural (after numerals).
1721 De Foe Mem. Cavalier (1840) 160 He had..not a stand of arms. 1746 M. Hughes Jrnl. Late Rebell. 14 They came riding into Edinburgh with the Stands of Cope's colours flying. 1794 Ld. Hood in Nicolas Disp. (1845) I. 401 note, By the first Ship..I shall have the honour of sending the several stand of colours taken at Bastia. 1800 Wellington in Gurw. Desp. (1837) I. 84, I will write to the Military Board, and recommend that I may be permitted to issue to Purneal 1000 stand of the repairable arms. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. i. i, Beaumarchais..has commissioned sixty thousand stand of good arms out of Holland. 1876 Voyle & Stevenson Milit. Dict., Stand of Arms, a single rifle or musket with bayonet complete. 1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 389 Long lines of waggons brought to the consuls..two hundred thousand stands of arms. |
c. Metallurgy. A set of rolls and their auxiliary fittings which during any one pass provide one gap for the metal being rolled.
1874 Jrnl. Iron & Steel Inst. I. 349 Space is left at the end of the train for two stands of merchant roughing and finishing rolls. 1958 A. D. Merriman Dict. Metallurgy 338/2 A stand is usually..described as 2-high, 3-high, [etc.].. A rolling-mill may consist of a single stand or of several stands in series. 1973 G. F. Bryant Automation of Tandem Mills ix. 160 In 1968, a fifth stand was added to the BSC Abbey Works tandem cold-rolling mill. |
d. Oil Industry. A number of lengths of drill pipe (usually from one to four) joined together, esp. when being unscrewed from a string or racked in a derrick.
1913 B. Redwood Petroleum (ed. 3) I. v. 317 The casing with which it is desired to shut off the water must admit of being moved quite freely in the bore-hole, so that it may be raised or lowered the full length of a ‘stand’, that is, for a distance of, say, three lengths or joints. 1949 [see rack v.2 4 a]. 1960 C. Gatlin Petroleum Engin. v. 52/2 Only two or three joints per stand will be pulled when using shorter derricks. 1973 J. W. Jenner in Hobson & Pohl Mod. Petroleum Technol. (ed. 4) iv. 120 The drawworks then hauls the blocks up the derrick until a stand of three joints of drill pipe is above the rotary table. |
24. stand of pikes: a compact group of pikemen. Obs. exc. Hist.
1598 Barret Theor. Warres 69 Any troupe of shot, hauing no stand of pikes to succour them. 1647 Clarendon Hist. Reb. vii. §89 Major general Chudleigh..himself advanced, with a good stand of pikes, upon that party which was led by sir John Berkely. 1819 Scott Leg. Montrose xiv, And, comrade, you will be sure to keep your musketeers in advance of your stand of pikes. |
transf. 1598 Sylvester Du Bartas i. iii. 843 The seed, to shut the wastefull Sparrows out, (In Harvest) hath a stand of Pikes about. c 1650 Denham Of Old Age iii. 118 Drawn up in rancks, and files, the bearded spikes Guard it from birds as with a stand of pikes. |
25. A drove or stud (of horses). ? Obs.
1711 P. H. View 2 late Parlts. 256 A milk-white virgin Palfrey was chosen out of the best Stands, to mount this Undefiled Prophet on. |
26. Sporting. An assemblage or group (of certain game birds).
1851 W. Kelly Excursion to California I. v. 83 A stand of prairie plover most opportunely made their appearance as we pulled up. 1881 J. P. Mahaffy in Academy 20 Aug. 133/3 But the bird is then always solitary..and never in stands, as sports⁓men call them. 1882 Black Shandon Bells iii, Fitzgerald knew a great deal..about the habits of a ‘stand’ of golden plover. |
† 27. slang. A thief's assistant who stands on watch. Obs.
1591 Greene Conny Catching ii. Wks. (Grosart) X. 128 The Black Arte is picking of Lockes, and to this busie trade two persons are required, the Charme and the Stand: the Charm is he that doth the feate, and the Stand is he that watcheth. Ibid. iii. 157 A game, qd. he to his fellows, marke the stand. 1622 J. Taylor (Water P.) Water-Cormorant D 2 b, He..Liues like a Gentleman, by sleight of hand; Can play the Foist, the Nip, the Stale, the Stand. |
28. A young tree left standing for timber.
1787 W. H. Marshall Norfolk (1795) II. 389 Stands. Young Timber-trees under six inches timber girt, or twenty⁓four inches in circumference. 1823 E. Moor Suffolk Words, Stand is also a young tree, unpolled. |
29. orig. U.S. A standing growth or crop (of wheat, cotton, etc.); spec. one of trees. Also applied to natural assemblages of plants, esp. when only one species is present or considered.
1868 Rep. U.S. Commissioner Agric. (1869) 414 In the gullies and clayey places the stand [of wheat] was injured. 1887 Century Mag. Nov. 111/2 By the middle of April there should be a good ‘stand’ of the young sprouts [of sugar cane]. 1904 Daily Record & Mail 11 May 5 Reports of poor stands in the early planted cotton continue. 1905 Terms Forestry & Logging (U.S. Dept. Agric. Bureau Forestry) 22 Stand, all growing trees in a forest or in part of a forest. Syn.: growing stock. 1912 Hawley & Hawes Forestry in New England i. 8 The term ‘stand’ is the unit of description applied to any definite portion of a forest having a definite distinguishing characteristic. Thus in a certain type we may have a stand of young growth; a stand of diseased and damaged trees; a stand of exceptionally tall specimens, etc. These stands may be extensive, covering many acres or they may be confined each to a small part of an acre. 1947 K. Tennant Lost Haven xvii. 284 Nice stand of trees, brushwood, coach⁓wood, white soapy box. 1967 M. J. Coe Ecol. Alpine Zone Mt. Kenya 28 All the genera cited..are..obvious components of the alpine zone, with the megaphytic Senecios and Alchemilla scrub forming almost pure stands under suitable conditions. 1975 P. Lively Going Back i. 8 Old wooden chicken-houses half-submerged in grass and cow-parsley and stands of nettles. 1979 H. W. Hocker Introd. Forest Biol. iv. 99 The stand is a basic unit of management and is important to planning silvicultural operations... In the terminology of plant ecology, a forest stand would be designated as a community, or an ecosystem... Foresters use the term stand to designate the tree portion of the ecosystem. |
† 30. A standing water. Obs. rare—1.
[Possibly an error for, or etymologizing corruption of, stang, stank n.]
1612 Benvenuto's Passenger i. ii. 201 Not corrupted by the fogs, nor vapours of lakes, stands, marrishes [It. laghi, stagni, e paludi], caues, durt, nor dust. |
31. attrib. and Comb.: a. simple attrib., as standholder, stand man, stand stairs, stand ticket.
1887 Daily News 29 June 2/7 The London Grocery and Provision Exchange... There are already 140 *standholders. |
1860 Mayne Reid Hunters' Feast xxiii, The ‘*stand men’ remain quiet, with their guns in readiness. |
1852 R. S. Surtees Sponge's Sp. Tour (1893) 375 He swung down the *stand stairs, rushed to his horse, and..struck across country. |
1874 J. A. Thomson Remin. (1904) II. iv. 105 As to the stand at Ascot..you can have the satisfaction of giving me a *stand-ticket. |
b. Special comb., some of which may be combinations of the verb-stem: † stand bed, = standing bed (see standing ppl. a.); † stand board Sc., a standing table, as opposed to a folding one (Jam.); stand camera, a camera for use on a tripod or other stand, as distinguished from a hand camera; stand cask U.S. , a cask for spirits to be set up and drawn from on the premises of a liquor dealer (Funk's Stand. Dict. 1895); stand cock = stand-pipe; stand development Photogr. (see quot.); † stand-fight (nonce-wd.), a hand-to-hand encounter (cf. fight of stand in sense 1 above); stand-hand, in the card-game of Napoleon, the player who ‘stands’ (see stand v. 13) or declares how many tricks he will play for; stand hawk dial. (see quot.); stand-heck Sc. and north. = heck n.1 3; stand-house, the grand stand of a race-course with the buildings attached to it; † stand ladder, a step ladder; † stand mail Sc., rent paid for a stand in a market; † stand measure Sc., standard measure; stand-rest (see quot.); † stand watch, a guard of sentries. Also stand-pipe.
1489 Acta Audit. (1839) 132/1 For the w{supt}haldin fra him of a hors & harnes, .a *stand bed, a pot [etc.]. 1658 Knaresb. Wills (Surtees) II. 243, 1 stand bed which I lye in. |
1580 Reg. Privy Council Scot. III. 320 In the hall, thre *stand burdis sett on brandirs with thair furmes. |
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 280 Hand cameras..have appeared in battalions, although there is but little change to report in *stand cameras. |
1844 Civil Engin. & Arch. Jrnl. VII. 86/1 The first experiment took place..by having lengths of..hose..attached to 6 *standcocks, placed into plugs. |
1906 Westm. Gaz. 30 June 14/2 *Stand development, a method by which, say, a dozen plates may be developed together. Stand development is usually associated with the use of very dilute solutions, and subjecting the plates to these for an increased time. |
c 1611 Chapman Iliad iii. 258 Castor, the skilfull knight on horse, and Pollux, vncontrold For all *stand fights, and force of hand. |
1884 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 229/1 If the *stand-hand succeeds in making at least the number of tricks he stood for he wins. |
1885 Swainson Provinc. Names Birds 140 Kestrel (Tinnunculus alaudarius)... From its well-known habit of..hovering and poising itself over a particular spot, are derived the names *Stand hawk (West Riding) [etc.]. |
1570 Richmond Wills (Surtees) 229 One *stand hecke. 1576 Ibid. (Surtees) 260, ij stand hecks. 1620 [see heck n.1 3]. 1731 Inventory of G. Bamforth, Sheffield, Stand hecks. 1856 Morton Cycl. Agric. II. 726/1 Stand-heck (Yorks.), a rack for straw in a farm-yard. |
1859 Lever Dav. Dunn lvi, You must be declared winner at the *stand-house before you have been seen on the ground. 1902 Daily Chron. 29 Apr. 7/1 Charles II..built a stand house, or what we should now call a grand stand [at Newmarket]. |
1721 Mortimer Husb. (ed. 2) I. 194 If they [hop-binds] forsake the Poles, a *Stand-Ladder is very useful in tying them up again. |
1603 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 515/1 With..*standmaillis baith of the land mercat, meill merket and clayth merket, with all uther custumes. 1654 Extracts Rec. Convent. Burghs Scot. (1878) III. 388 For ilk stand maill of ane daill length one thair weiklie mercat dayes, tuelue penyes. |
1586 Ibid. (1882) IV. 475 As agreand to the awld and greitt *stand mesoure of this burgh. |
1882 Ogilvie, *Stand-rest, a kind of stool which supports a person behind while standing almost in an upright position at a desk, an easel, &c. |
1579 Digges Stratioticos 100 It were requisite that a *stande watch be maintayned within and about the Ordinance. |
▪ II. stand, n.2 Obs. exc. dial.
(stænd)
Also 3–5 stonde, 4–5 stoond(e, 6 stande (6 pl. stannes).
[a. or cognate with (M)LG. stande, Flem. stande (16th c. in Kilian; mod.WFlem. in De Bo) = OHG. stanta, standa wk. fem. (MHG., mod.G. dial. stande fem.); f. the root of stand v.]
1. An open tub; a barrel set on end.
c 1250 Death 110 in O.E. Misc. 174 Hwer is þi bred and þin ale, þi tunne and þine stonde. a 1390 Wyclif Jer. lii. 19 Stoondis [1382 stenes, 1388 watir pottis, Vulg. hydrias]. c 1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 1051 Or make an hyue of boordis lyk a stonde [L. more cuparum]. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 477/1 Stonde vessel (v.rr. ston vessel, stoonde vessel), futula, cumula [etc.]. c 1490 5th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. 445/2 Two stondys full of ale each of them conteyning 13 galons. 1559 in Nichols Progr. Eliz. (1823) I. 71 Item, for a stande of small ale 2s. od. 1582 Inventory R. Best in Best's Farm. Bks. (Surtees) 172 One gialfatte, 3 stannes 3 s. 1588 Marprel. Epist. (Arb.) 38 At length sir Jefferie bethought him of a feat whereby he might both visit the alestond and also keepe his othe. 1594 Lyly Mother Bombie ii. v, My wag-halter..shall learne the oddes betweene a stand and a hogs-head. 1603 Dekker Wonderf. Yeare Wks. (Grosart) I. 124 The Tapster..rapping out fiue or sixe plaine Country oathes, that hee would drowne himselfe in a most villanous Stand of Ale. 1673 Shadwell Epsom-Wells i. 8, I have the rarest stand of Ale to drink out in the afternoon, with three or four honest Country fellows. 1679 Lett. Gentl. Romish Rel. to his Brother 28 That he may have leave to meet some few Neighbours to dust a stand of Ale. 1775 Adair Amer. Ind. 395 All his war store of provisions consisted in three stands of barbicued venison. a 1791 Tom Line xxxiv. in Child Ballads I. 344 First dip me in a stand o milk, And then a stand o water. 1854 A. E. Baker Northampt. Gloss., Stand, a large barrel set on end under a spout for the purpose of receiving rain-water. 1899 Dickenson & Prevost Cumbld. Gloss., Stand, the large washing tub in which the dolly is worked. |
b. Comb.: † standfat = prec.
1593 Wills & Inv. N.C. (Surtees) II. 229 In the new house. One leade, ij standfattes, j troughe. |
2. A certain weight (of pitch, coal).
1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Stand of Burgundy-Pitch, (in Merchandize) a quantity from two and a half to three Hundred Weight. 1729 Swift Lett. Irish Coal 4 Aug., Wks. 1824 VII. 222 The common rate of the Kilkenny coal, at the pits, is sixteen pence the stand; the stand is five hundred, one quarter weight. 1858 Simmonds Dict. Trade, Stond,..a weight for pitch of 2½ to 3 cwt. |
▪ III. stand, v.
(stænd)
Forms: see below.
[A Com. Teut. strong verb, in most of the Teut. langs. more or less defective, certain parts being supplied by a synonymous defective verb from the same ultimate root (see below). The OE. standan (stǫndan), pa. tense stód, stódon, pa. pple. ᵹestanden, corresponds to OFris. stônda, pa. tense pl. stôdon, pa. pple. stenden; OS. standan, pa. tense stôd (stuod), stôdun (stuodun), pa. pple. -standan; MLG. imp. stant, pa. tense stôt, stôden, also nasalized stunt, stunden (mod.LG. pa. tense stund, stunden); MDu. standen, pa. tense stond, stonden, Flem. stoet, stoeden, pa. pple. † gestanden (mod.Du. pa. tense stond, stonden); OHG. stantan, pa. tense stuont, pl. stuondum, -stuotun, pa. pple. -stantan (MHG. inf. rare standen, pa. tense stuont, pa. pple. gestanden; mod.G. imp. † stand, pa. tense stand, pl. standen, earlier † stund(e etc., pl. † stunden etc., pa. pple. gestanden); ON. standa, pa. tense stóþ, pl. stóþom, pa. pple. staþenn (Norw. standa, pa. tense stod, pa. pple. stadet, stande etc.; MSw. standa, pa. tense stóþ, pl. stóþo, pa. pple. standin, also staþin; mod.Sw. pa. tense stod, pl. stodo, pa. pple. stånden; Da. † stande, stonde, pa. tense stod, pl. stode, pa. pple. † standet); Goth. standan, pa. tense stōþ, pl. stōþum (pa. pple. unrecorded).
In OTeut. the forms of the verb were probably as follows: pres.-stem stand-, perfect sing. stōþ-, pl. stōđ-; formed, with suffix -nd- (:—pre-Teut. -nt-) in the present-stem, and -þ-, đ (:—pre-Teut. -t-) in the perfect stem, on the root *sta-: stō-:—Indogermanic *st(h)ə-: st(h)ā-, found in all branches of the family exc. Armenian and Albanian with the senses ‘to stand’, ‘to cause to stand’: cf. Skr. sthā (pres. ind. tišṭhati, inf. sthātum), Avestic hištaiti, Gr. ἱστάναι, L. stāre, sistĕre, Lith. stojů-s I set myself, OSl. stojati, stati, OIrish táu, tó I am (:—OCeltic *stāō).
In Ger. and Du. the n of the present stem has within historical times passed into the pa. tense. The pa. pple., which this vb. prob. did not possess in OTeut., has been variously supplied in the different langs.: the type *stađono-, which conforms to the general rule of the a, ō conjugation, is represented in ON., Norw., MSw.; the other Teut. langs., so far as they do not take their pa. pple. from the shorter form of the verb (see below) have a formation based on the present stem, as in OE. (ᵹe)standen. In English the regular form of the pa. pple., standen (with the variants stande, etc.) continued until the 16th c., when its place was taken by stood from the pa. tense. A few examples of a weak form standed occur in writings of the 16th c.; in compounds (understanded, withstanded) this formation was less rare, and survived into the 17th c.
In all the Teut. langs. exc. English, Gothic, and Old Norse, the present stem has a shorter form, the OTeut. type of which varies between *stai- and *stǣ- (WGer. *stā-); in some of the langs. this is used exclusively, and in others along with the longer form *stand-. In some of the languages the earlier form of pa. pple. has been wholly or partially superseded by a new formation from the shorter present stem. The dialectal range of the shorter type will appear from the following list of typical forms (minor variations being omitted): OS. inf. stân (rare; MLG. inf. stân, pa. pple. gestân; mod.LG. inf. staan, pa. pple. staan), OLow Frankish inf. stân (MDu. inf. staen, 3 pres. ind. staet, steet, pa. pple. gestaen; mod.Du. inf. staan, pa. pple. gestaan); OFris. inf. stân, stên, 3 pres. ind. steet, pa. pple. stên (WFris. inf., 1 pres. ind. stean); OHG. inf. stân, stên (MHG. inf. stân, stên, mod.G. stehen, stehn); MSw. inf. stâ (mod.Sw. stå, pa. pple. weak stådd); Da. inf. staa, pa. pple. staaet; Norw. inf. staa, pres. staar, stær.
The remarkable parallel between the verbal stems *stǣ-, stai-, stand- and *gǣ-, gai-, gang- (see go, gang vbs.) strongly suggests that one of the two series has been assimilated to the other. The relation between the two, however, and the precise mode of formation of the shorter verbal stems from the roots, is very uncertain. For an outline of the different views, with references, see Deutsches Wb. (‘Grimm’) X. ii. 1433.]
A. Illustration of Forms.
1. inf. (and present stem). (α) 1–2 standan, 3 Orm. stanndenn, 3–5 (7 arch.) standen, 4 stan, standd, 4–6 stande, (mod. dial. stan), 4– stand.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxxvi. §3 Her ic wille nu standan fæste. c 1220 Bestiary 655 Hopeð he sal him don ut standen. a 1300 Cursor M. 10956 He..sagh an angel be him stand [Gött. standd]. Ibid. 23043 Þe formast rau sal stan him nere. 1642 H. More Song of Soul ii. i. iii. 20 What things decay and cannot standen sure. |
(β) 1 stondan, 2–5 stonden, (4–5 -yn), 2–6 stonde, 4–5 stonnd(e, stoond(en, 5 ston, stone, 4–7 stond.
c 825 Vesp. Psalter xvii. 39 Ne hie maᵹun stondan. c 1220 Bestiary 621 In water ȝe sal stonden. 1382 Wyclif Gen. xxi. 29 The which thow hast maad stoond [1388 stonde] asyde. a 1400–50 Wars Alexander 681 (Dubl.) As he by hym stonndes. c 1449 Pecock Repr. iii. xvii. 394 Alle the peple..stoonden in caas of the firste trouthe. 1468 Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) I. 329 The wiche [covenants] shall stone ferme and stable. 1469 Yatton Church-w. Acc. (Somerset Rec. Soc.) 105 Received of a chapman to ston in the porche, ob. 1543 Star Chamber Cases (Selden Soc.) II. 261 Others..dyd refuse to stond to part of the covenauntes. 1642 H. More Song of Soul ii. App. 54 A peck of peasen rudely poured out..To sight do in as seemly order stond. |
2. pres. ind. (special forms). a. 2nd sing. 3 stonst, stondes, 4 standes, 6 Sc. (erron.) stant.
a 1225 Ancr. R. 236 Iðet tentaciun þet tu stonst aȝean. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 2782 Ðu stondes seli stede up-on. a 1300 Cursor M. 903 And þou, womman, þat standes her. 1500–20 Dunbar Poems lxxxviii. 11 Imperiall as thou stant [rime Troynouaunt]. |
b. 3rd sing. (contr.). 1–5 stent, 1, 3–5 stond, 2–4 stand, 2–5 stont, 3 stænt, stend, steond, stunt, 3–6 stant, (3 Orm. stannt), 4 standt, 4–5 stante, stande, stonte, stonde, 6 standth.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxxix. §2 Sio unsælð stent on yfelra monna ᵹeearnunga. c 1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 32 Stond heo wið attre. c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 175 He..ne stont neure on one stede. c 1205 Lay. 4330 Nu stond [c 1275 steond] al þis muchele lond a Bailenes aȝere hond. Ibid. 15623 stunt. Ibid. 18850 stænt. c 1220 Bestiary 1 Ðe leun stant on hille. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. x. 129 Þorw wedlac þe world stont. 1382 Wyclif Numb. v. 18 Whanne the womman stondith [v.rr. stonte, stonde] in the siȝt of the Lord. 1390 Gower Conf. II. 302 Or elles time com noght yit, Which standt upon thi destine. c 1420 Chron. Vilod. 3548 Ryȝt as hit stonte ȝet in-to þis same day. 1426 Lydg. De Guil. Pilgr. 4956 In the corner that stent lowe. 1471 Caxton Recuyell (Sommer) 177 In the place where now stante the capytole of rome. c 1557 Abp. Parker Ps. xlv. 132 As mete it stant. 1562 J. Heywood Prov. & Epigr. (1867) 184 He standth well in his owne conceyte. |
3. pa. ind. a. sing. 1 stód, 2–5 stod, 3 stot, 4 stoed, 4–6 stode, stoode, 5 stodde, 6 stoade, stoud, 3– stood; north. and Sc. 4–9 stud(e, 5–9 stuid, 6 studd, stuide.
Beowulf 1570 Leoht inne stod. c 1200 Ormin 3340 Þatt enngell comm & stod hemm bi. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 432 Wið dead him stood hinke and aȝe. a 1300 Cursor M. 1852 Þe streme it stud [Gött. stod, stode] ai still in-an. c 1386 Chaucer Prol. 555 A werte, and ther on stood a toft of herys. a 1400 St. Alexius 439 (Laud 463) Out of his mouþ þer stoed a leom. c 1420 Chron. Vilod. 2160 Hurre modur stodde stylle. 1503 Dunbar Thistle & Rose 97 On feild of gold he stude full mychtely. 1576 Lambarde Peramb. Kent. 92 While Priams state, and kingdome vpright stoade. 1595 in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ. V. 289 [He] stoud to it manfully. 1611 Sir W. Mure Misc. Poems ii. 11, I stuid astonisch'd. 1789 Burns Laddies by Banks o' Nith ii, The day he stude his country's friend. |
b. pl. 1 stódun, -on, 1–2 -an, 2–5 stoden, 3 Orm. stodenn, 3–6 stode, 4–5 stodyn, stooden, stod, 4–6 stoude, 4–7 stoode, 7 stowed (sense B. 36), 4– stood; north. and Sc. as sing.
Beowulf 328 Garas stodon. a 1000 Guthlac 696 Ᵹearwe stodun hæftas hearsume. a 1225 Leg. Kath. 2033 As ha stoden & seten þer abuten. 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls) 3622 Þe saxons in hor syde stode [v.r. stoden] euere aȝen vaste. 1375 Barbour Bruce xiv. 174 Thai stude with baneris all displayit. c 1386 Chaucer Clerk's T. 1049 Of hem þat stooden [v.rr. stoden, stodyn] hire bisyde. 1557 in Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. Var. Coll. IV. 223 The said writynges obligatorie wher in they stoude bounden. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.) I. 111 Thir men that stud about him. 1633 [see B. 36]. |
4. pres. pple. 1 standende, 1–4 stondende, 3 stondinde, 5 -and(e; north. and Sc. 4 stan(n)and, 4–5 standande, 4–6 standand, 5 standdand, 6 standant; 4–5 stondeynge, 5 -eng, 4–6 standyng(e, stonding, stondyng(e, 6 standeng, 4– standing.
c 900 Bæda's Hist. iv. iv. 571 Þa stondendan munecas þær. c 1000 Ags. Gosp. xx. 6 He..funde oþre standende. a 1225 Stondinde [see B 1]. a 1300 Cursor M. 4062 Hys breþer schaues he sagh lutand Til his allan þat was standand. c 1375 Sc. Leg. Saints ii. (Paul) 1034, & fand a multytud wele greit of Iowis, stanand at his yhat. 1382 Wyclif Ecclus. l. 13 And he stondende biside the auter. c 1440 Alphabet of Tales 389 He contynued iij yere in his prayers, and all-way standdand. 1549 Compl. Scot. i. 20 At this tyme ther is nocht ane stane standant on ane vthir. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.) I. 188 Thair they fand the doore standand oppin. |
5. pa. pple. 1–6 standen, 1–5 stonden, 2–5 istonde, 3 istonden, 3–5 ystonde, 4–5 istounde, standyn(e, 4–6 stand(e, stond(e, 5–6 stondyn; 6 standed, stoode, stode (Sc. and north. dial. stooden, studden), 6– stood.
a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 1070 In þære cyrce..þet ær hæfde standen fulle seofeniht for utan ælces cynnes riht. c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 47 Þa he hefede þer ane hwile istonde. a 1300 Cursor M. 9193 Þe tune o niniue..Þat standen [v.rr. stondyn, stonden] had..Fourten hundret yeir. c 1386 Chaucer Merch. T. 250, I haue stonden in ful greet degree. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 178 Hath standed & stedfastly perseuered therin. c 1530 Judic. Urines i. ii. 3 Whan it hath well rested & stondyn. 1535 Coverdale Ps. cv. 23 Had not Moses..stonde before him. 1577 Googe Heresbach's Husb. iv. (1586) 184 b, The waxe will be verie white after it hath stand in the sunne. 1579 Stode [see B. 72 d]. 1579 J. Field tr. Calvin's 4 Serm. i. 6 This article is much stoode vpon. 1596 Dalrymple tr. Leslie's Hist. Scot. I. vi. 310 Because stoutlie they had stande with him in his defence. |
B. Signification and uses. I. Of persons and animals, in lit. and fig. senses.
1. a. intr. To assume or maintain an erect attitude on one's feet (with distinction, expressed or understood, from sit, lie, kneel, etc.).
c 950 Lindisf. Gosp. John xx. 14 Videt Iesum stantem ᵹesæh ðone hælend stondende. c 1205 Lay. 5863 Lihteð of eowre blanken and stondeð on eowre sconken. a 1225 Ancr. R. 34 Siggeð stondinde þesne psalm. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 3149 Sod and girt, stondende, and staf on hond. c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 9276 Arthour, he seyd, þi kinde it nis To stond o fot. 1382 Wyclif 2 Kings xiii. 21 The man quyckened aȝeyn, and stode vpon his feet. c 1400 Rule St. Benet (Prose) 16 Standande alle for þe onur of the holy trinite. Ibid., Þan sal alle stande for þe reuerence. 1529 Rastell Pastyme (1811) 43 He ordeynid that men shuld stand while the gospell was reding. 1577 Googe Heresbach's Husb. 141 The shepheard..must be well ware in the driuing of them,..that they neyther lye, nor sitte: for yf they goe not forwarde, they must stand. 1594 Hooker Eccl. Pol. iv. xiii. §7 On all the Sundayes..their manner was to stand [sc. instead of kneeling] at prayer. 1610 Shakes. Temp. iii. ii. 47 Kneele, and repeate it, I will stand, and so shall Trinculo. 1629 Wadsworth Pilgr. iii. 16 When they have ended the meale, the Rector..stands and sayes Grace. 1830 Forrester II. 111 Sit down, Ellen..see, you are keeping Lord Borrodale and Mr. Beamish standing. 1862 C. Knight Pop. Hist. Eng. VIII. xvi. 299 He kept the two peers standing, contrary to usage, during their audience. |
b. said of the feet.
c 825 Vesp. Psalter cxxi. 2 Stondende werun foet ure in ceafurtunum ðinum. c 1391 Chaucer Astrol. ii. §42 a. 57 Whan þou seest þe top of þe tour, sett a prikke þere-as þi foot stont. c 1430 Prymer (1895) 45 We schulen worschipe in þe place where hise feet stoden. 1535 Coverdale Ps. cxxi. 2 Oure fete shal stonde in thy gates, O Jerusalem. |
c. to stand to, up to, † in to the knees (or other specified part): to stand in water, mud, etc. which reaches to the knees (or other part).
c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 5195 In blod he stode..Of hors & man in to þe anclowe. c 1425 Audelay Pains of Hell 68 in O.E. Misc. 212 Sum stod vp to þe kne, And sum to þe armes a lytil laȝghere, And sum to þe lippis moche deppere. 1590 Sir J. Smythe Disc. Weapons Ded. 10 b, Where their souldiors in their watches and centinels stoode to the mid legges in dirt and myre. |
d. With predicate: To be of a (specified) height when holding oneself upright. Said also of quadrupeds, etc.
1831 Youatt Horse ii. 10 The Dongola horses stand full sixteen hands high. 1835 Dickens Sk. Boz, Mr. Watkins Tottle i, He..stood four feet six inches and three-quarters in his socks. 1855 Tennyson Maud i. xiii. i. Six foot two, as I think, he stands. 1884 Graphic 30 Aug. 219/2 He [the elephant] only stands five feet high. 1889 F. C. Philips & Wills Fatal Phryne I. 4 He only stood five feet ten in his stockings. |
2. Used fig. in many phrases with literal wording; as to stand on one's own feet or legs, stand upon a (specified) † foot or footing, not to have a leg to stand on, to stand in a person's or one's own light (see light n. 1 g), stand in (another person's) shoes (see shoe n. 2 k), stand in the way (of a person or thing: see way n.).
c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 9271 Al þat in his way stode, He biheueded hem & lete hem blode. ? c 1450 Lydg. Fl. Courtesy 85 The whiche twayne ay stondeth in my wey Maliciously. a 1568 R. Ascham Scholem. i. (Arb.) 34 [They] stand by other mens feete, and not by their own. 1623 Massinger Dk. Milan ii. i, The Duke stands now on his owne legs, and needs No nurse to leade him. 1666, 1818 [see leg n. 2 c]. 1738 Swift Pol. Conversat. Introd. 66 Upon what Foot I stand with the present chief reigning Wits. 1767 [see shoe n. 2 k]. 1831 Scott Nigel Introd., The footing on which the bullies and thieves of the Sanctuary stood with their neighbours. 1872 H. Kingsley Hornby Mills, etc. l. 65 I cannot at present see that we have a leg to stand on. 1893 Law Jrnl. 4 Feb. 88/1 Courts of equity would not grant relief to under lessees unless they consented to stand in the shoes of the original lessees. 1893 Nat. Observer 7 Oct. 529/2 Cricket and football stand not upon the same footing. |
3. a. Of a horse: To be kept in a stable or stall. Phr. to stand at livery (see livery 1 c and fig.).
1465 Paston Lett. II. 254 As touching a stabil, Sir John Sparham and I have gote yow on ther your hors stode the last tyme ye were in this town. 1482 Cely Papers (Camden) 122 Lette hym [a horse] ron in a parke tyll Hallowtyd and then take hym wpe and ser hym and lette hym stand in the dede of whyntter. 1538 Elyot Dict., Stabulo, to stande as cattayle dothe in a stable. 1577 Googe Heresbach's Husb. 120 Laying fresh litter, so as they stand hard. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 374 Bring him into the stable, and ther let him stand on the bit..the space of two houres. 1676 Lond. Gaz. No. 1072/4 Gentlemens Accompts, for Horses standing in the Kings Head near Charing-cross. 1828 Darvill Race Horse I. x. 240 The race-course, at Richmond..is the most convenient for horses which stand in the town to sweat over. 1892 Field 2 April 469/3 A horse standing at livery would always have the best of food. |
b. Of a stallion: to be available as a stud-horse to serve mares (esp. at a certain place). Also, to stand at stud (cf. stud n.2). orig. U.S.
1766 Virginia Gaz. 4 Apr. 3/3 Merry Tom Stands at my house, and covers mares at a guinea the leap. 1788 W. Lenoir in N. E. Eliason Tarheel Talk (1956) 297 Whirligig will stand this season..& will cover Mares at Forty Shillings per season Twenty Shillings per cover. 1846 Spirit of Times 18 Apr. 94/1 Young Dread will stand this season at Watertown, Jefferson County, N.Y. 1891 J. L. Kipling Beast & Man in India viii. 207 Importing English thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Norfolk trotters who stand as sires at the service of farmers. 1959 Times 31 Aug. 13/5 (heading) Shantung to stand in England. 1974 D. Francis Knock Down xiv. 171 Nestegg is standing at stud in Ireland. 1974 New Yorker 29 Apr. 102/2 Go Man Go stands at stud at Buena Suerte Ranch. Ibid. 102/3 Tony B Deck's father, who stood in Perry, Oklahoma, was murdered in his stall. 1977 N.Z. Herald 5 Jan. 1–12/5 Aristoi is by Sir Gaylord from Attlea, by Mt Trouble from Athenia, by Pharamond II, and stands at the Preston Farm Stud. |
4. a. To remain motionless on one's feet; to cease walking or moving on. More explicitly to stand fast, stand still, etc.: see esp. still adv.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxxv. §7 Wildu dior ðær woldon to irnan & stondan swilce hi tamu wæren. Ibid. xxxvi. §3 Her ic wille nu standan fæste; nelle ic nu næfre hionon. a 1300 Cursor M. 17131 Duell a quile and fond to stan, Bihald mi fote, bi-hald mi hand. c 1300 K. Horn 745 (Laud MS.) Ne stod he nowt to longe And ȝyede forþ ricte To reymyld þe bricte. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. iv. 143 [They] stareden for studiing and stooden as Bestes. c 1475 Rauf Coilȝear 121 Quhen thay come to the dure, the King begouth to stand. 1611 Bible Ezek. i. 21, 24 When those went, these went, and when those stood, these stood. 1615 Chapman Odyss. vi. 202 All but Nausicaa fled; but she fast stood. 1842 Browning Pied Piper xiii, The Mayor was dumb, and the Council stood As if they were changed into blocks of wood, Unable to move a step. |
b. In imper., a command to come to a halt, e.g. as a sentry's challenge, a command to a horse, a highwayman's order to his victim (also stand and deliver!).
1513 Douglas æneis viii. iii. 38 To tham he callis: Stand, ȝing men, How! 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. iv. i. 3 Stand sir, and throw vs that you haue about'ye. 1592 ― Ven. & Ad. 284 What recketh he his riders angrie sturre, His flattering holla, or his stand, I say? 1598 Barret Theor. Warres iv. i. 103 Neither Captaine, Alferes, nor any other officer to passe the word, stand..vnlesse the necessitie be so vrgent [etc.]. 1635 Long Meg of Westminster ix. (1816) 17 One of the theeues with a good sword and buckler stept before, and said, Stand. 1714 A. Smith Lives Highwaymen (ed. 2) I. 38 He order'd him to Stand and Deliver. 1727 H. Bland Milit. Discipl. xii. 175 The Centinel..when he is answer'd by the Sergeant who attends the Round..is to say, Stand Round... No Round is to advance after the Centinel has Challeng'd and order'd them to stand. 1810 Scott Lady of L. v. xviii, ‘Stand, Bayard, stand!’—the steed obeyed. 1821 ― Kenilw. xxiv, Are we commanded to stand and deliver on the King's highway? 1897 Encycl. Sport I. 610/1 (Lacrosse) The ball is dead when the referee calls ‘stand’. |
c. Hunting. Of a dog: To point. Const. upon (game).
1823 ‘Jon Bee’ Dict. Turf s.v., To Stand is also the position of pointers when they perceive their game. 1858 Lewis in Youatt's Dog (N.Y.) ii. 53 He [the dog] might have been tutored..even sufficiently well to stand upon game. |
5. a. With predicative extension: To remain erect on one's feet in a specified place, occupation, position, condition, etc.
For many phrases, e.g. stand at attention, at ease, at gaze, on one's own bottom, (on) tiptoe, perdu, upright, see the various words.
c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Matt. xx. 3 He ᵹeseah oþre on stræte idele standan. c 1200 Ormin 141 & al þe follc þær ute stod Þatt while onn heore bene. 1297 R. Glouc. 6816 A witesoneday as seint edward at is masse stod. 1390 Gower Conf. III. 297 A Fisshere..sih a man ther naked stonde. 1530 Palsgr. 732/2, I Stande a strydlyng with my legges abrode. 1554 Machyn Diary (Camden) 75 The xxiij day of November was a man and a woman stode on the pelery. 1678 J. S. Unerrable Church 327 When you stand with one foot in the grave. 1711 N. Blundell Diary (1895) 93, I saw Peter Slinhead stand in y⊇ Pillery at Leverp[ool]. 1786 tr. Beckford's Vathek (1883) 118 The woodmen..stood aghast at the command of Carathis to set forward. 1878 Browning La Saisiaz 5 At last I stand upon the summit. |
b. With inf. expressing the purposed or accompanying action.
c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Mark xi. 25 Þonne ᵹe standað eow to ᵹebiddenne. c 1200 Ormin 3894 Enngless stanndenn aȝȝ occ aȝȝ To lofenn Godd & wurrþenn. 1591 Nashe Prognost. D 2, Diuerse spirites in white sheetes shall stand in Poules..to make their confessions. 1630 in Binnell Descr. Thames (1758) 72 No Trinck shall stand to fish above nine Tides in the Week. 1643 in Fasti Aberd. (1854) 422 [The college porter] shall suffer no children..to stand neir the yeat to mack urine. 1742 Gray Eton 58 Ah, shew them where in ambush stand To seize their prey the murth'rous band! 1813 Scott Trierm. i. xiii, Upon the watch-towers airy round No warder stood his horn to sound. 1850 ‘Bat’ Cricket Man. 44 Long Leg..usually stands to save four runs. 1891 Hardy Tess lii, While the horses stood to stale and breathe themselves. |
c. The accompanying action is often expressed by a verb in co-ordination, to stand and (do something).
So in many Bible passages, rendered literally from the Vulgate or the original.
c 1000 ælfric Exod. xiv. 13 Standað and ᵹeseoð drihtnes mærða. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 1019 Abraham stod and quamede hem wel. 1426 Lydg. De Guil. Pilgr. 4407 As a chaumberere, The syxte gate I stonde & kepe. 1601 Shakes. Jul. C. iv. iii. 249 So please you, we will stand, And watch your pleasure. c 1655 Milton Sonn. xvi, They also serve who only stand and waite. 1842 Tennyson St. Sim. Styl. 34, I..sometimes saw An angel stand and watch me, as I sang. 1905 R. Bagot Passport ii. 7 Don Agostino stood and gazed. |
d. With pres. pple. as predicate.
a 1225 Leg. Kath. 743 Heo stod hercnende. 1470–85 Malory Arthur ix. xxvii. 381 They stode thus talkynge at a bay wyndowe. 1566 Pasquine in Traunce 83 After I had stande a whyle diligently beholding such as entred in. 1697 Dryden Virg. Past. viii. 4 The salvage Linxes listning stood. 1737 [S. Berington] G. de Lucca's Mem. (1738) 32 It was a Shame to stand all Day firing at five Men. 1842 Macaulay Horatius lx, Friends and foes in dumb surprise..Stood gazing where he sank. |
e. With n. as predicate. e.g. to stand sentinel, stand sentry (see sentinel n. 1, sentry n.1 2), stand umpire. to stand model, to pose to artists. to stand pad: see pad n.2
1866 Routledge's Ev. Boy's Ann. 322 [He] had consented to stand umpire. 1890 Cornhill Mag. Sept. 253 She has stood model to her mother's lodgers. 1890 Universal Rev. 15 Nov. 452 I've stood model in all the studios worth naming in London. 1898 J. A. Gibbs Cotswold Village xi. 229 His eldest son, Tom..generally stands umpire. |
6. In various specific uses, contextual or arising from ellipsis: a. To take up a position for fishing (for). In full, to stand to fish (cf. 5 b).
1630 in Binnell Descr. Thames (1758) 72 No Trincker shall stand for Smelts till the 21st Day of October... In Lent Time, they may stand every Day. |
b. Cricket and other games: To act as umpire in the field. (Cf. 5 e.)
1846 W. Denison Sk. Players Ded. 5 In almost every [cricket] match..where the Mary-le-bone, or equally..impartial umpires do not stand. 1906 A. E. Knight Compl. Cricketer vi. 195 No umpire who is the nominee of a particular county is eligible to stand in a game in which that county figures. |
c. Of the penis: to become or remain erect.
? 1508 Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen sig. b ii, And a stif standand thing staiffis in mi neiff. c 1593 Nashe Choise of Valentines (1899) 12 ‘Unhappie me,’ quoth shee, ‘and wilt' not stand? Com, lett me rubb and chafe it with my hand!’ 1762 T. Bridges Homer Travestie I. iv. 189 She guides his weapon where she list;..a touch of her soft hand, If fallen down, will make him stand. 1868 Index Expurgatorius of Martial 82 That's the way to make your Martial stand. 1903 Farmer & Henley Slang VI. 346/2 Also (proverbial) ‘Stand always, as the girl said.’ |
7. With an adverb or advb. phr. implying change of place, distance, or the like, there often enters in the notion of movement as a preliminary to the static position; e.g. in to stand aside, stand back, stand down, stand forward, stand off, stand out of, stand up (see branch VII). Also to stand from under: see under adv. 4 c.
c 1520 Skelton Magnyf. 763 Gyue this gentylman rome, syrs, stonde vtter! 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iv. iv. 116 Stand from him, giue him ayre. 1691 Humble Addr. Publicans New Eng. in Andros Tracts (1869) II. 236 [At end of Proem] Stand clear, here comes the Address. 1731–8 Swift Pol. Conversat. 39 Come, pray, stand out of my spitting Place. a 1814 Fam. Politics v. iii. in New Brit. Theatre II. 247 Stand out of the way, Miss. 1852 Burn Nav. & Milit. Dict. ii. s.v., Stand clear of the cable! 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Stand from under! a notice given to those below to keep out of the way of anything being lowered down, or let fall from above. |
8. to stand on one's head: to take up an acrobatic position, with the crown of the head on the ground and heels in air; also fig. (to be ready) to do this as a sign of extreme delight. not to know whether one is standing on one's head or one's heels: to be in a state of utter bewilderment.
1617 Moryson Itin. i. 22 A Tumbler came in, and..stood upon his head. 1816 M. G. Lewis Jrnl. W. Ind. (1834) 127 Cubina..having never heard a harsh word from me before, scarcely knew whether he stood upon his head or his heels. 1833 J. Nyren Yng. Cricketer's Tutor (1902) 58 The glory of this reward made me scarcely to know whether I stood on my head or my heels. 1886 R. Broughton Dr. Cupid II. iv. 103 Two years ago he would have stood on his head with joy at having the chance of going. |
9. a. To remain firm or steady in an upright position, to support oneself erect on one's feet. Often in negative contexts. Also with adj. or adv., as fast, firm, stiff.
c 825 Vesp. Psalter xvii. 39 Ic swencu hio ne hie maᵹun stondan. a 1300 Cursor M. 24618 On fote vnethes moght i stand, sua lam in lime and lith. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. v. 196 He hedde no strengþe to stonde til he his staf hedde. Ibid. A. ix. 28 For stonde he neuere so stif he stumbleþ in þe waggyng [of the boat]. 1470–85 Malory Arthur x. xxxvi. 472 This Malgryne..wounded hym wonderly sore that it was merueylle that euer he myghte stande. 1530 Palsgr. 733/1 Stande fast, for and you fall you ar but gone. 1592 in J. Morris Troubles Cath. Forefathers Ser. iii. (1877) 17 The old man..by cold taken at that being in the hole, was never after able to go or stand. 1681 Prideaux Lett. (Camden) 102 When they came unto him for their answer he could scarce speake or stand. 1897 A. E. Houghton Gilbert Murray xiv. 230 His feet touched the floor before he knew, and to his amazement he found that he could stand. |
b. fig. To remain stedfast, firm, secure, or the like. Also with adj. or adv.
c 1200 Moral Ode 316 in Trin. Coll. Hom. 229 For hit is strong te stonde longe and liht hit is to falle. a 1225 Leg. Kath. 1861 Beo stalewurðe & stond wel. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. ix. 42 He strengþeþ þe to stonde, he stureþ þi soule. c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 345 Þes monkes stoden awhile, and turneden souner to coveitise. c 1421 26 Pol. Poems xxi. 67 In goddis dome he stondis stable, Þat wrekiþ not all his owen wronges. 1552 Huloet, Stande stiffe or wilfull in opinion, obstinare. c 1588 in J. Morris Troubles Cath. Forefathers Ser. ii. (1875) 318 Having heard much of the present..persecution of England and martyrdoms of such as have stood. 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. i. iii. §6 If they stand in seditions and violent alterations. 1657 N. Billingsley Brachy-Martyrol. xi. 35 Though some thus fell away, others stood fast, Remaining glorious Martyrs to the last. 1667 Milton P.L. iii. 99, I made him just and right, Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall. 1697 Dryden Ded. æneid (e) 4 They had great success at their first appearance; but, not being of God (as a Wit said formerly), they cou'd not stand. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xvii. IV. 53 If it had seemed certain that William would stand, they would all have been for William. 1888 Times (weekly ed.) 29 June 8/1 They had stood true to the honour of Ireland. 1890 T. F. Tout Hist. Eng. fr. 1689, 164 Eldon exhorted the king to stand firm. |
c. to stand or fall: often used fig. of a person or thing, to indicate that his or its fate is contingent on the fate of another person or thing, or must be governed by some event or rule. Const. with (a person or thing), together, also by (a rule, an uncertain event).
1683 D. A. Art Converse Pref., It shall stand or fall by your Verdict. 1743 Bulkeley & Cummins Voy. S. Seas 87 To be governed by the Rules of the Navy, and to stand or fall by them. 1771 Junius Lett. lix. 308, I know we must stand or fall together. 1818 Cruise Digest Tit. xxxviii. vi. §37 The original and duplicate being but one will, they must stand or fall together. 1832 Examiner 82/1 We have Lord Grey's pledge to stand or fall with the bill. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 402 The pre-existence of the soul stands or falls with the doctrine of ideas. 1885 Law Times Rep. LIII. 481/2 In my opinion..the solicitors must stand or fall by the bills they have sent in. |
10. To take up an offensive or defensive position against an enemy; to present a firm front; to await an onset and keep one's ground without budging. Of soldiers: To be drawn up in battle array.
Chiefly contextual or with predicative extension, as to stand and fight; to stand fast, stand firm, † stand adversar; to stand at bay, stand at defiance, stand in the breach, stand in, († at, † on) defence, stand on or upon one's guard, stand on or upon the defensive or offensive. See also stand against (67), stand before (69).
971 Blickl. Hom. 225 Ic mid þinum wæpnum ᵹetrymed on þinum feþan fæste stande. c 1205 Lay. 1601 Nes þer nan swa stæðeli þat lengore mihte stonden. 13.. Guy Warw. 6751 Þer he [the boar] stod at a bay. c 1386 Chaucer Clerk's T. 1139 Ye Archiwyues, stondeth at defense. c 1470 Gol. & Gaw. 575 Thoght thai war astonait, in that stour stithly thai stude. 1530 Palsgr. 732/2 Let them come, I shall stande at my defence. 1533 Bellenden Livy ii. xx. (S.T.S.) I. 210 Incontinent þir twa fabis ruschit fordwart on þe first man þat stude aduersare to þame. 1577, 1610 [see guard n. 5 a]. 1587 Golding De Mornay i. (1592) 11 Whosoeuer shoulde tell thee to the contrary, thou wouldest stand at defiance against him. 1611 [see breach n. 7 c]. 1634 Sir T. Herbert Trav. 32 [Queen Normall] immediately put into Battaglia, and stood in her owne defence. a 1700 Evelyn Diary 24 June 1690, It seemes the Irish in K. James's army would not stand, but the English-Irish and French made greate resistance. 1759 Ann. Reg. 52 M. Conflans had two choices, either to fly, or to stand and fight it out. 1793 R. Hall Apol. Freedom Press 43 They stood firm against a host of opponents. 1816 Scott Old Mort. xliii, Bidding foemen on the farther side stand at defiance. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. I. v. v, Hearing of which the Felons at the Châtelet..stand on the offensive. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 92 The Lacedaemonians..are said not to have been willing to stand and fight, and to have fled. 1890 T. F. Tout Hist. Eng. fr. 1689, 8 The last Irish army stood at bay at Limerick. |
11. a. to stand upon one's trial, † to stand in doom or judgement: to submit to judicial trial or sentence. See also stand at 68 a, stand to 76 a. to stand to the bar: of an accused person, to stand up and come forward to hear the verdict of the court.
a 1300 Cursor M. 9492 Ne in na curt aght thral be herd, Ne stand in dom to be ansuerd. 1390 Gower Conf. I. 91 How so thou be to wyte Of Branchus deth, men schal respite As now to take vengement, Be so thou stonde in juggement Upon certein condicioun. 14.. Burgh Lawis xxxi. in Anc. Laws Scot. (Burgh Rec. Soc.) 16 Ilke spousyt man may ansuer for his spousyt wyff and stande in iugement [et stare in iudicio] and do for hir all thyng at the court demys hym. a 1596 Sir T. More i. ii. 158 Lifter, stand to the barre: The jurie haue returnd thee guiltie. 1771 E. Long in Hone's Everyday Bk. II. 202 The prisoner..stands upon his trial. |
† b. to stand (in judgement), said of the judge or court: To hold session. Obs.
1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 7 b, That he [God] stand not in judgement agaynst us lest we be damned. c 1800 Laird o Logie xiv. in Child Ballads III. 453 The morn the Justice Court's to stand. |
12. a. To appear as a candidate, to offer oneself as a candidate. Const. for (a post, office, † university degree); † to be (an office-holder); against (a rival candidate). † In early use to stand for the election (of), to stand in election (for), stand to be elected; also to stand candidate.
1551 Robinson tr. More's Utopia ii. iii. (1895) 136 Owte of the .iiii. quarters of the citie there be .iiii. chosen..to stande for the election. 1562 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxford (1880) 291 The two fyrste persons..shall stonde..for the eleccyon of the Mayer. 1607 Shakes. Cor. ii. i. 248 Were he to stand for Consull. Ibid. ii. ii. 2 How many stand for Consulships? 1631 Weever Anc. Funeral Mon. 540 Who stood in election for the Popedome. a 1635 Naunton Fragm. Reg. (Arb.) 54 None durst appear to stand for the place. 1674 Wood Life (O.H.S.) II. 279 Thomas Thyn chose burgher for Oxon... Sir Ch. Wren stood against him. Ibid. Sir Georg Croke stood but he had very few votes. 1678 Walton Life Sanderson b 1 b, In the year 1614. he stood to be elected one of the Proctors... They perswaded him, that if he would but stand for Proctor,..he would infallibly carry it against any Opposers. 1690 Locke 3rd Let. Toleration i. (1692) 25 Had you stood to be Constable of your Parish. 1705 Hearne Collect. 6 Oct. (O.H.S.) I. 52 Mr. Ellison stands Candidate for Fellow. Ibid. 17 Nov. 85 Dr. Hudson stood to be Library-Keeper. 1709 Ibid. 27 Oct. II. 293 [He] stood for ye Degree of Master of Arts. 1720 Ozell Vertot's Rom. Rep. II. xiii. 278 Those that stood Candidates brought their money openly to the Place of Election. 1803 Gradus ad Cantabr. 131 To stand for an honour. 1879 Froude Cæsar iv. 39 Marius began to be spoken of as a possible candidate. Marius consented to stand. 1890 Blackw. Mag. CXLVIII. 589/2 He did not stand for a fellowship. |
b. to stand for a constituency or stand for Parliament : to offer oneself for election as the representative of a constituency in the House of Commons; originally † to stand for burgess, etc. (obs.). † to stand double: of two candidates, to contest an election (obs.).
1676 Ld. Roos in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. v. 35 My uncle Mr. John Grey standing for Burgess for Leicester. 1690 Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) II. 16 We hear from all parts the great contests that are about the election of parliament men, that there is hardly any county or town but they stand double. 1713 Guardian No. 58 ¶5, I design to stand for our Borough the next Election. 1714 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. to W. Montagu (1887) I. 89, I agree with you of the necessity of your standing this Parliament. 1844 Disraeli Coningsby iv. xi, Tadpole wants me to stand for Birmingham. 1867 Trollope Last Chron. Barset I. viii. 68 Dr. Thorne intended to stand for the county on the next vacancy. 1890 Sat. Rev. 3 May 526/2 Sir Charles..had never stood for Parliament. |
13. Card-playing. To be willing, or announce one's willingness, to play with one's hand as dealt. Opposed to pass.
1824 Mactaggart Gallovid. Encycl. 36 When one of the gamblers stands, that is to say, will play. 1879 H. Jones (‘Cavendish’) Card Ess. 58 [In the game of Prime,] Each then examined his hand and either stood or passed. |
14. Chiefly U.S. to stand pat: (a) [Cf. prec. and pat hand s.v. pat adv. and a. 3 b.] In Poker, to play, or declare one's intention of playing, one's hand just as it has been dealt, without drawing other cards. (b) transf. To adhere to an existing state of things or to an avowed policy (esp. a high tariff), refusing to consider proposals for change or reform. Hence stand-pat n. and a.; stand-patter, stand-pattism.
1882 Poker; how to play it 12 The gentleman..failed to better his hand. The other stood pat. 1890 Stock Grower & Farmer 29 Mar. 7/1 When it came to them two accomplishments he stood pat. 1903 M. A. Hanna Sp. at Akron, Ohio, Now I say, Stand pat; you are not on the defensive. 1903 Public Opin. (U.S.) 8 Oct. 451/2 The Republican platform is principally noteworthy for the vehemence with which its framers ‘stand pat’ upon the tariff. The father of ‘stand pattism’ himself could not find fault with the declaration that no revision is needed now. 1904 Evening Transcript (Boston, Mass.) 16 Feb. 11/2 He..was an avowed stand-patter on the tariff. 1910 Ibid. 18 Aug. 10/5 The standpats in Iowa have been licked, and hereafter will either vote with the standpat Democrats or change their views. 1920 W. A. White Let. 4 Feb. (1947) 204 He also has on [the Republican Platform Committee]..a lot of old high-binder standpatters who haven't had an idea since the fall of Babylon. 1922 Nation 18 Nov. 271/1 The Bonar Law Government..remains in power, but probably on a minority vote..This deprives it of the right to pursue the standpat Toryism on which it made the elections. 1952 W. D. Jacobs William Barnes v. 79 A sobering realization is that a certain antagonism to a new credo of language is plain stand-pattism. 1975 G. V. Higgins City on Hill vii. 202 The mood of the country may be such that a stand-patter is the only candidate who can be elected. 1977 Daily Tel. 17 Feb. 14/7 He is highly critical of stand-pat, counter-reformation Catholicism. |
15. Uses in which the force of the verb is weakened and approaches that of a copula, the stress being on the complement or predicative extension. a. With n. as complement: To take or hold the office, position, responsibility, etc. indicated by the n.; to act as; e.g. to stand security, stand surety; † formerly, to stand captain, stand king, stand officer, etc. Also, to be ranked or regarded as, to have legal status as. Occas. with as before the n.
1429 in Cal. Pat. Rolls 8 Hen. VI, 31 Non of the xxiiij aldermen xal..concentyn to be chosen er standen as an arbitrour..aghens any of the said xxiiij aldermen. 1442 in Proc. King's Council Irel. (Rolls) 275 For the tyme that they haue stonde your officers there. 1455 Rolls of Parlt. V. 308/2 All the tyme that the seid Duke stode Capitayn. c 1470 Harding Chron. xxxi. vii, When he had stond so kyng by fourty yere. 1681 Dryden Abs. & Achit. 776 Then Kings are Slaves to those whom they command, And Tenants to their Peoples pleasure stand. a 1700 Evelyn Diary 1 May 1680, This yeare I would stand one of the collectors of their rents, to give example to others. 1713 Steele Englishman No. 5. 31 The Pretender stands in our Law a Traytor to this Nation. 1776 Trial of Nundocomar 22/1 If I can get any one else to stand my security. 1857 J. W. Donaldson Chr. Orthod. 116 Christianity stands surety for the divine origin of all that is spiritual in the creed of Moses. 1884 C. L. Pirkis Judith Wynne III. xx. 238 Oscar, in the event of Wolf's decease, stood next heir. 1894 H. Nisbet Bush Girl's Rom. 199 The future hope of standing an honest man. |
b. to stand godfather, stand godmother, stand sponsor; also to stand as or for godfather, etc.; also simply to stand = to act as sponsor (for a child).
Sometimes † to be proxy for another person as sponsor.
1676 Lady Chaworth in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. v. 28 Mr. Hide is going..to Poland to stand for our King at the King's child's cristening. 1706 N. Blundell Diary (1895) 44 My Doughter Frances was Christoned, Collo[nel] Butler stood Godfather for my Brother Lang. and Mrs. Mills stood for my Lady Gerard. 1709 Lond. Gaz. No. 4560/2 The King of Denmark and King Augustus stood as Godfathers to a Son of the Velt-Marshal. 1710–11 Swift Jrnl. to Stella 16 Jan., A girl..and died in a week..and was poor Stella forced to stand for godmother? 1742 Richardson Pamela IV. 142 The Earl and Countess of C―, and Lord and Lady Davers, are here, to stand in Person at the Christening. 1766 Goldsm. Vic. W. xx, To stand godfather to all the butler's children. 1809 Malkin Gil Blas xi. i. (Rtldg.) 392 The governor's lady..stood for Scipio's daughter. 1846 D. Jerrold Mrs. Caudle xvi, Then she'd no right to stand for the child. 1856 C. M. Yonge Daisy Chain i. viii, Richard hoped they would find sponsors by that time; and there Mrs. Taylor gave little hope;..there was no one she liked to ask to stand. 1877 ― Cameos Ser. iii. xv. 132 Edward..stood as the godfather. |
c. to stand one's friend, to act the part of a friend to another. † Formerly in other similar phrases, as to stand good prince (to), to stand (one's) good lord.
1461 Mem. Hexham (Surtees) I. Illustr. Docum. p. ci, Supposyng..that..Humfray hade stonde trew liegeman to Kyng Edward. 1483 in Acts Parlt. Scotl. (1875) XII. 32/1 That his hienez sal stand jn tyme tocum gude & graciouse prince to him. 1538 London in Lett. Suppress. Monasteries (Camden) 217 Doctor Baskerfelde, to whom I do humblie besek your lordeschippe to stonde gudde lorde. 1571 in Feuillerat Revels Q. Eliz. (1908) 408 May it please your honour..to stand my good Lorde for the obtayning of the sayd office. 1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence, Phormio v. iii, I pray thee stand my friend, and lend me a little mony once againe. 1605 Shakes. Lear ii. i. 42 Coniuring the Moone To stand auspicious Mistris. 1607 ― Cor. ii. iii. 198 Standing your friendly Lord. 1662 Hibbert Body Divinity ii. 7 He stood our friend without flinching. 1677 Dugdale in Hatton Corr. (Camden) 149 To intreate that you will please to stand my freind to his Ma{supt}{supi}⊇. 1714 Tyldesley Diary (1873) 148 But honest Dick and Ben stud my ffreind. 1890 T. F. Tout Hist. Eng. fr. 1689, 109 George II. and Queen Caroline stood his firm friends. 1890 Murray's Mag. Dec. 824 I'll stand your friend, and see you through it. |
d. With pa. pple. as complement: To be or remain in the specified condition; e.g. to stand committed, stand indebted, stand pledged. Also with adj. of state or condition, e.g. to stand free, to stand alone (in an opinion, a contest, course of action, etc.); to stand mute (see mute a. 1).
Usually with reference to a condition resulting from an engagement or a decision, or ascertained by survey of a situation. I stand corrected: I accept or acknowledge the correction; so I stand reproved.
c 1386 Chaucer Man of Law's T. 557 An emperoures doughter stant allone. 1390 Gower Conf. III. 317 Thus stant this lady justefied. c 1400 Beryn 2636 So stond I clene desperat, but ye con help ouȝt. 1442 Rolls of Parlt. V. 57/2 Tenementz that they stode enfeffed ynne. 1537 in Archæologia XXV. 506 A certen obligacyon wheryn my husband..stode bownde. 1590 Knaresb. Wills (Surtees) I. 168, 20 markes which he standethe indebted unto me. 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. i. iii. 60 And how stand you affected to his wish? a 1593 Marlowe Edw. II, iv. i, Stand gratious gloomie night to his deuice. 1643 H. Leslie Serm. St. Mary's, Oxford 9 Feb. 26 Of all these crimes they stand indited by the Prophets. 1668 Dryden Maiden Queen v. i, I stand corrected, and myself reprove. 1717 in Nairne Peerage Evid. (1874) 29 He had been and stood attainted of high treason. 1720 Waterland Eight Serm. 109 To Him the very Angels owe..whatever Excellencies and perfections they stand possess'd of. 1829 Examiner 756/1 We stand almost alone in this expression of taste. 1849 Grote Greece ii. lv. (1862) V. 30 Alkibiades stood distinguished for personal bravery. 1868 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) II. vii. 147 Let the meeting stand adjourned. 1877 C. M. Yonge Cameos Ser. iii. iv. 37 Gloucester seems to have stood free from all suspicion. 1881 Gardiner & Mullinger Study Eng. Hist. i. vi. 122 The Catholics stood alone in looking for direction to a head beyond the seas. 1891 Murray's Mag. Apr. 433 The delegates..stand pledged to a series of resolutions. |
e. With adv. or advb. phrase: To be, to continue or remain in a specified state, position, etc.
e.g. to stand in doubt, danger; to stand in a (certain) † office, relation; to stand well or stand high (= to be in high favour or esteem) with a person; to stand fair (= to be favourably situated, to have good chances) for something or to do something; how do you stand (financially)? For to stand in awe see 45.
c 1386 Chaucer Prol. 88 In hope to stonden in his lady grace. 1390 Gower Conf. I. 147 The more he caste his wit aboute, The more he stant therof in doute. c 1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 23 If hit be cleer and hool, stond out of fere. 1453 Cov. Leet Bk. 275 Dureng the tyme that ye stonde in the seide offices. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 20 b, Than the brother demaunded of hym in what case he stode. 1530 Palsgr. 733/1, I stande in dowt of a thyng, je me doubte. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.) I. 84 He stuide nocht lang in this credit. 1610 Holland Camden's Brit. (1637) 329 Hee never stood in feare of them. 1662 J. Davies tr. Mandelslo's Trav. 112 They stood faire to become Master of the Island. 1697 Collier Ess. Mor. Subj. ii. (1703) 117 Men naturally desire to stand fair in the opinion of others. 1723 Lond. Gaz. No. 6125/1 Baron Lagerberg..seems to stand fairest for that important Post. 1760–72 H. Brooke Fool of Qual. (1809) II. 128, I stood at a high rent. 1823 Byron Juan xiii. xxiv, Juan stood well, both with Ins and Outs. 1844 J. T. J. Hewlett Parsons & W. xxi, I stand remarkably well for the Derby. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair xxi, Old Osborne stood in secret terror of his son. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xi. III. 14 The relation in which the King stood to his Parliament and to his ministers. 1856 Titan Mag. Dec. 551/2, I stood very high with him; he was as fond of me as a son. 1890 Conan Doyle Firm of Girdlestone x. 78 How do you stand for money? 1893 Ludgate Monthly Jan. 244/2 Nobody quite knew how he stood financially; he might be rich or he might be poor. |
16. Various figurative uses with to and infinitive. † a. In a negative clause (or with if, etc.): To stay, stop, wait (in order to do something); to make a point of, insist upon (doing something).
1563 Homilies II. Passion ii. 199 b, A thousande such examples are to be founde in Scripture, yf a man woulde stande to seeke them out. 1597 Beard Theatre God's Judgem. (1612) 46 The truth of which storie, though I will not stand to auow, yet I doubt not but it might be true. 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. ii. xxii. §8 The reason whereof we cannot nowe stande to discusse. 1652 J. Wright tr. Camus' Nat. Paradox x. 261, I should swell this Volume too much, if I stood to relate the particulars. a 1676 Hale Contempl. i. 30, I do not stand to justifie this Opinion in all particulars. 1730 Let. to Sir W. Strickland rel. to Coal Trade 28 How rare a thing was it to hear of any body who stood to talk about the Price before-hand at all? 1766 Complete Farmer s.v. Surveying, Which we cannot stand here to treat of. 1854 A. E. Baker Northampt. Gloss. s.v., ‘I never stand to do it’: i.e. I do not take the trouble, I am not so particular. |
† b. In a negative clause: To hesitate, scruple, refuse, be slow (to do something). Obs. (chiefly Sc.).
1563 J. Davidson in Wodrow Soc. Misc. (1844) 211, I wyll nocht stand to give Mr. Quintine the First part of this reasone grantit. 1698 Season. Admon. Gen. Assembly (1699) 11 Mr. John Hepburn standeth not to say, that some of them make a mock of serious Persons. 1712 Caldwell Papers (Maitl. Club) I. 229 He promised, that..he would not stand to help him to purchase a place. 1728 Ramsay Lure 61 T' oblige ye, Friend, I winna stand. a 1800 Dk. Athole's Nurse xi. in Child Ballads IV. 152 And the curtains they neer stood to tear them. |
† c. To have opportunity (to do something). Said of persons and things. Obs.
1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie ii. i. (Arb.) 78 That all things stand by proportion, and that without it nothing could stand to be good or beautiful. 1605 Daniel Philotas i. i, Seeing your owne designes not stand to square With your desires. 1612 Brinsley Lud. Lit. x. (1627) 158 Orations..wherein Schollers stand to shew most art. |
d. In betting, commercial speculation, etc.: To be in the position of being reasonably certain to (win or lose something or a specified amount); to have to (win or lose a certain amount in a specified contingency).
1861 Temple Bar II. 150 He stands to lose twenty thousand. 1871 Punch 19 Aug. 67/1 So hedging your bets..that you stand to win sufficient gloves to last you the whole season. 1880 Mrs. E. Lynn Linton Rebel of Family i, She stood to lose all round. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 27 June 404/1 He stands to win either way. 1892 Ibid. 8 Oct. 648/1 If a man were reckless,..he stood to dismast his ship and hopelessly ruin his chances of a smart passage. |
II. Of things.
* To be set upright, to be in a definite position, etc.
17. a. To be in an upright position with the lower part resting on or fixed in the ground or other support; opposed to lie. Const. on, upon (the ground, a base, etc.). Cf. sense 1.
971 Blickl. Hom. 239 He þær ᵹeseah swer standan. c 1200 Ormin 14412 Þa sexe waterrfetless Þatt stodenn wiþþ þatt waterr þær. 1375 Barbour Bruce xvii. 135 Quhan thai the baner saw sympilly Swa standand. 1382 Wyclif 2 Kings vi. 31 Thes thingis do to me God, and thes thingis adde, ȝif the heued of Helisee, the sone of Saphath, schulde stonden vpon hym to day. [Similarly 1611, 1884; lit. from Hebrew.] c 1386 Chaucer Monk's T. 419 But litel out of Pize stant a tour. 1470–85 Malory Arthur i. xvii. 62 One of the castels that stondyn in the forest of Sherewood. 1513 Douglas æneis vi. x. 57 Thair speris stikking in the erd did stand. 1529 More Dyaloge ii. ix. 59/1 How longe that ymage had stande in that olde tabernacle that coulde no man tell. 1585 Higins Junius' Nomencl. 183/2 Textrina,..a weauers shop or workehouse where his loomes stand. 1594 Nashe Unfort. Trav. E 4 b, Wks. 1904 II. 256 Her house stood vppon vaultes. 1694 Acc. Sev. Late Voy. ii. 22 When the Skies are not very clear, the Mountains stand, to about the middle, in the Clouds. 1710 Hearne Collect. (O.H.S.) III. 42 It [a volume] stands 4to T. 14. Art. 1735 Johnson Lobo's Abyssinia Descr. x. 103 Two rows of sharp Teeth, standing wide from each other. 1750 Gray Long Story 2 In Britain's Isle, no matter where, An ancient pile of buildings stands. 1823 Scott Quentin D. v, A flagon of champagne stood before them. 1886 A. Sergeant No Saint I. i. 16 Behind the town-hall..stood the parish church. 1889 Century Mag. June 177/2 One of its [the prison's] longer sides stands flush with the line of the street. |
b. Of plants: To grow erect. Also with complement, to stand high, stand thick, stand thin, etc. Said esp. of grass, corn, etc. when left uncut to ripen.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxv. 57/21 Swa bið eac þam treowum þe him ᵹecynde bið up heah to standanne. c 1205 Lay. 26058 And sturte him biaften ane treo þe þer stod [c 1275 stot] aneouste. c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 18/598 A fair herbe, þat men cleopez letuse, heo i-saiȝ stonde bi þe weiȝe. 1382 Wyclif Exod. xxii. 6 If fyer..cacche..the corn stondynge in feeldis. 1573 Tusser Husb. (1878) 79 Such fewell as standing a late ye haue bought, now fell it. 1585 Higins Junius' Nomencl. 107/1 Seges,..corne standing and vncut downe. 1618 W. Lawson New Orch. & Gard. viii. (1623) 22, I haue seene many trees stand so thicke, that one could not thriue for the throng of his neighbours. 1700 Dryden Ovid's Met., Acis & Galatea 110 Red Strawberries, in shades, expecting stand. 1765 Museum Rust. IV. 216 If the corn on this good land stood thin, we may safely conclude, that it was sown thin. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. I. i. ii, The blossom of French Royalty..was still standing with all its petals. 1842 Loudon Suburban Hort. 313 If the tree is to stand four or more years. 1847 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. VIII. i. 75 White wheats should stand somewhat longer. 1858 Ibid. XIX. i. 189 A piece of clover which was first mown and then allowed to stand for seed. |
c. Hence, by hypallage, of land, to stand thick with or stand deep in: To be covered with a rich standing crop. (Cf. 27 b.)
1535 Coverdale Ps. lxiv. (lxv.) 13 The valleys stonde so thicke with corne [Luther stehen dick mit Korn] y{supt} they laugh and synge. 1641 J. Jackson True Evang. T. iii. 214 The lands stand thick with corn. 1899 Marg. Benson & Gourlay Temple of Mut i. 3 The fields..stand deep in corn. |
d. Of the hair: To grow stiff and erect like bristles. to stand on end, stand up, stand upright: to rise up on the head as a result of fright or astonishment.
c 1386 Chaucer Prol. 555 Ther on stood a toft of herys Reed as the brustles of a sowes erys. 1530 Palsgr. 733/2 Whan I passed by the churche yarde my heares stode upright for feare. 1547 Boorde Brev. Health (1870) 75 The .183. Chapitre dothe shewe of standyng vp of mannes heare. 1592 Greene Defence Conny-catching Wks. (Grosart) XI. 72 His mustachies..standing as stiffe as if he wore a Ruler in his mouth. c 1611 Chapman Iliad v. 593 This sight, when great Tydides saw, his haire stood vp on end. a 1691 Boyle Hist. Air (1692) 174 Their Horses Hair stood upright, like Bristles, with the vehement Cold. 1778 F. Burney Evelina (1791) I. xl. 200 As for the particulars, I'm sure they'd make your hair stand on end to hear them. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 249 When I speak of horrors, my hair stands on end. |
e. To project in relief. (Cf. stand out, 99 i.)
1683 Moxon Mech. Exerc., Printing xiii. ¶4 [He] Sculps out the Steel between the..Marks..on the Face of the Punch, and leaves the Marks standing on the Face. |
18. More loosely: To be set, placed or fixed; to rest, lie (with more or less notion of firmness and steadiness). Of a dish or its contents: To rest flat or on a flat base.
c 1200 Ormin 1030, & bi þatt allterr stodenn aȝȝ Þatt follkess haliȝdomess, Þatt wærenn inn an arrke þær Wel & wurrþlike ȝemmde. c 1420 ? Lydg. Assembly of Gods 357 A gymlot and a fauset theropon stood. 1459 Paston Lett. I. 490 Item, iij. pyllowes stondyng on the autre off rede felwet. 1551 Sir J. Williams Accompte (Abbotsf. Club) 24 Two collettes of golde, wherin standeth two course emeraldes. 1613 Purchas Pilgrimage (1614) 200 Milk must not stand on the table with flesh, nor touch it. 1681 Grew Musæum i. §5. i. 100 At the top of his Head, just under the Horn, stand his Eyes. 1818 Scott Hrt. Midl. xvii, Some food stood on the table. 1902 R. Bagot Donna Diana v. 42 On which [table] stood an inkstand. 1908 [Miss E. Fowler] Betw. Trent & Ancholme 24 A dial, of wood, stands upon an old hewn stone in the middle. |
19. Of a place, country, piece of ground, dwelling, etc.: To be situated in a specified position or aspect. Now chiefly of a town or village (? as consisting of erect edifices).
c 893 ælfred Oros. (1883) 19 He seᵹlode on fif daᵹan to þæm porte þe mon hæt æt Hæþum; se stent betuh Winedum & Seaxum & Angle. 971 Blickl. Hom. 77 Gaþ on þa wic þe beforan inc stondeð. c 1205 Lay. 125 Ful neh þan ilke stude þar Rome nou stondeð. 1297 R. Glouc. 3 Þe see geþ him al aboute, he [England] stond [v.rr. stont, stant] as in an yle. 13.. K. Alis. 3269 Theo cite upon the see stod. 1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 114 Þanne he farus to a feld..Þat stod on an hie stede. c 1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 28 Ek se thy londe Be fertile, and commodiously stonde. 1471 Caxton Recuyell (Sommer) 188 She and her susters soiourned in a cyte whiche stode on the ryuage. 1548 Hall Chron., Edw. IV, 233 b, The toune standeth lowe, and the Ryver passeth thorough. 1550 Crowley Epigr. 208 A Marchaunte..Returned to his contrey, whiche in Europe standes. 1607 W. S. Puritane iii. iv. 36 Put. O, it [a room] stands very pleasantly for a Scholler. 1612 R. Coverte Voy. 11 This place of our then ancoring standeth in the height of fiue Degrees and 20. minutes. a 1701 Maundrell Journ. Jerus. (1732) 7 The City stands Northerly. 1792 T. Twining Recreat. (1882) 160 The village stands pleasantly. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. iii. I. 336 Large as Bristol might then appear, it occupied but a very small portion of the area on which it now stands. 1852 Thackeray Esmond i. iii, A large pleasant green flat, where the village of Castlewood stood, and stands. |
20. a. With predicative extension or complement, indicating the manner or condition, the verb retaining more or less of its proper force (senses 17–19); e.g. to stand high, stand firm, stand open, stand ajar.
c 897 ælfred Gregory's Past. C. Pref. 5 Hu ða ciricean..stodon maðma & boca ᵹefyldæ. c 1205 Lay. 5352 Al þat liggende lond þat lið in to Rome..þe nu stonded riche. a 1250 Owl & Night. 623 Myn hus stont briht & grene. 1375 Barbour Bruce vi. 77 He saw the brayis hye standand. c 1400, a 1513, 1786 [see ajar adv.1]. 1477–9 Rec. St. Mary at Hill (1905) 84 A tenement..standyng void by the terme of Estir, Midsomer, and Mighelmasse. 1513 Douglas æneis vi. ii. 104 The blak ȝettis of Pluto, and that dirk way Standis evir oppyne and patent nycht and day. 1675 J. S[mith] Horolog. Dial. 35 Fasten it [the clock] with another nail or two, that it may stand firm and not shake. 1697 Dryden Virg. Georg. iii. 499 And open let thy Stacks all Winter stand. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 194 ¶5 The Gate stood open. 1735 Johnson Lobo's Abyssinia Descr. xi. 111 A large stone House..which had stood uninhabited so long, that great Numbers of red Ants had taken Possession of it. 1857 Ruskin Pol. Econ. Art ii. §77, I have seen the hail fall in Italy till the forest branches stood stripped and bare. 1866 ― Crown of Wild Olive §57 My eye caught the title of a book standing open in a bookseller's window. 1894 Amer. Dict. Printing, Stands high. In printing, type or blocks which are higher than other types or than the normal height. 1910 Hogarth in Encycl. Brit. I. 248/2 The main chamber..stands free, isolated from the rest of the plan by corridors. 1912 H. L. Cannon in Eng. Hist. Rev. Oct. 661 The ‘cog’.. was lightly laden, and so stood high out of the water. |
b. Of a house, etc., as it stands: with all its furniture, decoration, etc.
1527 in Test. Ebor. (Surtees) VI. 14, I will a house to my wif in Scrayngham, and hir chamer as it standis. 1668 in Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. Var. Coll. (1907) IV. 245 The bricke and materialls, or the house itselfe as it stands, to be solde. |
† c. To be fixed or set or turned in a specified direction. Obs.
1471 Caxton Recuyell (Sommer) 409 His sayll that stode ouer ende by force of the wynde, was smyten full of hooles. a 1637 B. Jonson Goodwife's Ale in Athenæum (1904) 1 Oct. 447/2 My mouth did stand awry, just as it were Labouring to whisper somewhat in mine Eare. 1687 A. Lovell tr. Thevenot's Trav. ii. 6 Its tail stands another way than the Tails of other fish which are forked upwards and downwards. 1694 Acc. Sev. Late Voy. ii. 150 All the other Longboats row out before, and take notice which way the Line doth stand. |
21. a. To be inscribed, drawn, painted, etc. (in a list, sheet, or the like). Hence of words or literary matter: To be set down, recorded, composed in a (specified) context or form.
871–889 Charter in O.E. Texts 452/43 Ðeos foresprec & þas ᵹewriotu þe herbeufan awreotene stondað. c 1200 Ormin 315 All iss þwerrt ut soþ..Þatt stanndeþþ o þe Godd⁓spellboc. Ibid. 4986 Þatt bocstaff..Þatt uppo Cristess name stannt Rihht allre nesst te firrste. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. i. 48 And he asked of hem, of whom spac þe lettre, And whom þe ymage was lyk þat þer-Inne stod. a 1400–50 Wars Alex. 279 In þe first compas..Stude þe xij vndirstandings stoutly engrauen. c 1450 Mirk's Festial 45 Then, for þe ȝere ys rewlet and gouernet by þe kalender, and þis day stondeth yn þe begynnyng þerof, hit ys callet ȝeres-day. 1583 [see rubric n. 3]. 1603 Shakes. Meas. for M. ii. ii. 40 To fine the faults, whose fine stands in record. 1605 ― Macb. iv. i. 134 Let this pernitious houre Stand aye accursed in the Kalender. 1754 Sherlock Disc. (1759) I. ix. 251 These Words stand towards the Close of St. John's Gospel. 1801 Strutt Sports & Past. ii. i. 44 The victories they obtained over their enemies..stand upon record in the histories of this country. 1824 Scott Redgauntlet ch. x, I will not say but my name may stand on the list. 1832 Examiner 370/2 Mr. E. L. Bulwer's motion..stands for Thursday next. 1890 Harper's Mag. June 44/2 Richard Garrard Fenwick—so his name stood on the club list. 1911 Jacques in 36th Prov. Mtg. Law Soc. 269 Her husband of course has no vote as the house does not stand in his name. |
b. esp. of numerical figures: To be set down or entered in a list, account, ledger, or the like. Hence of a sum, price, score; also of the game or player whose score is recorded. Const. at (a certain figure).
1537 N. Country Wills (Surtees) 153 That Roger Shawes sonne be forgiven the odde mony that standith in my boke more than lxvj s. viij d. 1579 Digges Stratiot. i. xvi. 26 Which all standeth thus 24/120. 1830 Examiner 538/2 At the close of the poll the numbers stood thus. 1878 R. H. Hutton Scott xv. 158 On the 17th of December, 1830, the liabilities stood at 54,000l. 1890 Illustr. Lond. News 26 Apr. 526/3 The prisoner had standing to his credit {pstlg}57. 1890 Field 10 May 672/3 Streatfield..played a very sound game, and stood at twenty-two when he lost his partner. Ibid. 673/1 The score standing at 123 for five wickets. 1892 Chamb. Jrnl. 1 Oct. 625/2 If a bank's shares stand at a good premium. 1913 Oxf. Univ. Gaz. 19 Feb. 493/2 The balance at the Bank stands..at {pstlg}50. |
c. Of an account: To show a (specified) position of the parties with regard to debit and credit. Also, to continue on the books unsettled. Also fig.
1710–11 Swift Jrnl. to Stella 16 Jan., Let me know how accounts stand, that you may have your money betimes. 1776 Pennsylv. Even. Post 10 Aug. 398/1 Those whose accounts have stood beyond the customary time of payment, will please to take notice, that unless they are speedily discharged, I shall sue for the same. 1825 Scott Betrothed xxx, I will not accept favours from him in prosperity, who, in adversity, refused me his hand—our account stands yet open. Mod. At present, the account stands greatly in my favour. |
d. Of a word, clause, etc.: To occupy a specified place in a verse or context, to be used in a specified inflexion or construction.
1693 Dryden Persius vi. note 8 But the word Empress wou'd not stand in that Verse: For which reason I Adjourn'd it to another. 1836 J. R. Major Guide Grk. Trag. 120 The rhythm is violated..when the three last syllables of a word, which are capable of standing in the verse as an anapæst, are divided between a dactyl and the following foot. 1860 Goodwin Grk. Moods & Tenses 287 The Participles of impersonal Verbs stand in the Accusative Absolute,..when other Participles would stand in the Genitive Absolute. 1861 Paley æschylus (ed. 2) Pers. 618 note, In fact, χεροῖν could not possibly stand in this place. |
22. Of water, etc.: To have the surface at a specified level. Of the mercury (or other liquid) in a thermometer, barometer, etc.: To reach to a certain height; hence said of the instrument itself.
c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 590 Fowerti dais and fowerti niȝt, So wex water wið maȝti miȝt..And oðer fowerti ðore-to, Dais and niȝtes stodet so. 1686 Halley in Phil. Trans. XVI. 104 The Barometer standing at 30 Inches. Ibid. 110 In calm frosty weather the Mercury generally stands high. 1715 Desaguliers Fires Impr. 47 The Thermometer stands at the same height in deep Cellars at both Seasons. 1853 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XIV. i. 165 The water in the sluice stands at 9 ft. 1890 Constance Smith Riddle of Haviland II. vi. iv. 241 The glass stood at set fair. 1891 National Rev. Jan. 656 The thermometer now stood at 20 Fah. |
** With the notion of permanence, stability, etc.
23. a. Of an edifice, or the like: To remain erect and entire; to resist destruction or decay. Also with predicative adj. or adv., as whole, sound, fast, stable.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xii, Ne mæᵹ hus naht lange standan on þam hean munte ᵹif hit full unᵹemetlic wind ᵹestent. a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 1009 & oft hi on þa burh Lund ne ᵹefuhton. Ac si Gode lof þet heo ᵹyt ᵹesund stent. c 1205 Lay. 15532 Þenne mihte he [the wall] stonde to þere worlde longe. c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 160/1889 Ich habbe a luytel Coffre þat stant hol and sount. a 1300 Cursor M. 10121 Þar þe castel standes stable. c 1400 Brut lx. 55 How Vortiger..biganne þere a castel, þat wolde nouȝt stande wiþouten morter temprede wiþ mannes blode. 1542 Udall Erasm. Apoph. 281 b, The trenches and bulwerkes of his enemies campe was standing whole. 1562 Pilkington Expos. Abdyas Pref. 8 The winds blow boustously, yet stand faste the low busshes when the great ookes are overthrowen. 1567 Gude & Godlie B. (S.T.S.) 211 Had not ȝour self begun the weiris, ȝour stepillis had bene standand ȝit. 1610 Holland Camden's Brit. (1637) 636 Faire walles, which are partly yet standing. 1758 Ann. Reg. 100 Her masts [are] very much wounded: it is surprizing how they stood home. 1794–5 in B. Ward Dawn Cath. Revival (1909) II. 119 The rigging was damaged; but the vessel stood. 1798 in Nicolas Disp. Nelson (1846) VII. p. clvi, She had only a foremast standing at day-light. 1857 Ruskin Pol. Econ. Art ii. §74 The marble would have stood its two thousand years as well in the polished statue as in the Parian cliff. 1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Eng. Hist. x. 93 In that climate buildings stand much longer than they do in England. 1883 Gresley Gloss. Coal-mining 237 Stand, does not break down or require timbering. A rock or coal roof generally stands better than one composed of shale or clay. |
fig. 1805 Wordsw. Prelude ii. 280 The props of my affections were removed, And yet the building stood, as if sustained By its own spirit! 1834 J. Wilson Noctes Ambr. xxxvii. Wks. 1856 IV. 198 The Church doesna deserve to staun when sic atrocities are rife beneath its shelter. |
b. Of the world: To exist; to remain stable, last.
Chiefly in phrase: cf. quot. 1526.
c 1205 Lay. 18850 Þe wile þe þis world stænt [c 1275 steond] ilæsten scal is worðmunt. a 1225 Leg. Kath. 1490 Of marbrestan a temple, þet schal aa stonden, hwil þet te world stont. 1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 587 Ȝe were alle..bred of þat modur Þat is stable to stonde. 1526 Tindale 1 Cor. viii. 13 Whill the worlde stondeth [So 1611; Gr. εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα]. 1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence, Adelphos i. ii, Neuer was there since the world stood, any thing more vnreasonable. |
c. Of any mechanism or contrivance: To hold together, resist wear or damage, keep its place.
1768 Sterne Sent. Journ., The Wig, But I fear, friend! said I, this buckle won't stand. |
24. Naut. to let all stand: to leave a ship fully rigged. all standing, i.e. without dismantling or unrigging; transf. with one's clothes on, dressed; also fig. to pay off, bring up all standing: see quot. 1867; to gybe all standing (see quot. 1976).
1669 Sturmy Mariner's Mag. i. 17 Shall we get down our Top-masts? No, let all stand. 1791 Smeaton Edystone L. (1793) §259 We began to heave in our ground chain,..and, it being nine p.m. concluded to let all stand till the next morning... Found all standing as we had left it. 1802 Naval Chron. VIII. 172 The Fisgard..was paid off all standing, directly recommissioned. 1837 Southern Lit. Messenger III. 178 This reflection brought me up, as the sailors say, ‘all standing’. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxxi. 231 The mate..turned in ‘all standing’, and was always on deck the moment he was called. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. s.v. All, To be brought up all standing, is to be suddenly checked or stopped, without any preparation. Paid off all standing, without unrigging or waiting to return stores; perhaps recommissioned the next day or hour. 1879 Hartigan & Walker Stray Leaves 2nd Ser. 198 [They] gained their respective domiciles, and turned in ‘regimental’, or, as Jack has it, ‘all standing’, for their..last night's rest in Old England. 1884 [see gybe n.2]. 1893 Dunmore Pamirs II. 62, I dined, and after smoking a pipe, turned in all standing for the night. 1903 A. Bennett Let. 27 Mar. (1966) 35 The close of the book, as it stands, will ‘bring him up all standing’. 1924 A. J. Small Frozen Gold i. 13 A spring..would take him from his chair, all-standing, sheer to the throat of the swaggering giant who held the gun. 1976 Oxf. Compan. Ships & Sea 365/2 To gybe without attending the runners, or to do so involuntarily, is known as to ‘gybe all-standing’, and is dangerous. |
25. Of a pigment or dye: To keep its colour; also, not to blot or run.
1811 Self Instructor 531 All these three colours stand. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 731 Vermilion... Stands tolerably well if perfectly pure. 1883 R. Haldane Workshop Rec. Ser. ii. 336 Most of the black Indian ink..blots when a damp brush is passed over it; or, as draughtsmen say, ‘it does not stand’. |
26. Farriery. Of the eye: To preserve its sight, to keep good sight.
1737 Bracken Farriery Impr. (1757) II. 13, I must return to a Description of the Eye that I think most likely to stand (as we term it). |
*** To be still or stationary.
27. a. Of liquids: To cease flowing; esp. of water, to collect and remain motionless, be stagnant (cf. standing ppl. a.). (See also still adv.)
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxxv. §7 Se hearpere [sc. Orpheus]..hearpode ðæt..þa ea stodon. 1382 Wyclif Luke viii. 44 And a non the flix of hir blood stood [v.r. ceesed]. 1538 Elyot Dict., Stagno, proprely of water is to stande and not to flowe. 1585 Higins Junius' Nomencl. 401/2 Lacuna,..a ditch wherein water standeth. 1697 Dryden æneid vii. 1093 Where Ufens glides along the lowly Lands, Or the black Water of Pomptina stands. 1852 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XIII. i. 80 The stagnant water being permitted year after year to stand on the surface during the winter. 1882 Unexpl. Baluchistan 41 The water appeared to stand here some time, judging by the presence of many water weeds. |
transf. 1899 Mrs. E. Cotes Path of Star xv. 160 The garden where heavy scents stood in the sun. |
fig. 1842 Tennyson Sir Galahad 10 When the tide of combat stands. |
b. Of land, a ditch, etc.: to stand with, to be full of (stagnant water). (Cf. 17 c.)
1601 Holland Pliny vi. xxvii. I. 138 The countrey Elemais is so fennie, and standeth with water so wet, that there is no way through it to Persis. 1718 Hearne Collect. (O.H.S.) VI. 229 The Ditch about the Camp stands with water, except in a dry time. 1848 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. IX. i. 242 It is not at all uncommon to see a clay pit stand with water. |
28. a. Of tears: To remain collected (in the eyes) without falling. Of a humour, esp. perspiration: To remain in drops (on the skin, etc.).
1530 Palsgr. 733/1 He dyd nat wepe that I sawe, but the water stode in his eyes. 1581 A. Hall Iliad vi. 119 She smiles therewith, yet in hir eyes the water ful doth stand. 1627 May Lucan vi. L 3, She..gathers poisonous filth, and slime that stands On the cold ioynts. 1675 H. Woolley Gentlew. Comp. 71 Do not venture to eat Spoon-meat so hot, that the tears stand in your eyes. 1719 De Foe Crusoe i. (Globe) 230 This he spoke so earnestly, that I saw Tears stand in his Eyes. 1841 Longfellow Excelsior v, A tear stood in his bright blue eye. 1849 Tait's Mag. XVI. 226/1 Cold drops stood on my brow. 1891 Strand Mag. II. 509/2 The sweat stood in beads on his forehead. |
† b. Of the eyes, to stand a-water: to be filled with tears. Obs.
1605 Chapman, etc. Eastw. Hoe ii. C 3 b, Gyr. Gods my dignitie! as I am a Lady, if he did not make me blush so that mine eyes stood a water. |
29. Of a liquid, etc.: To be kept in a vessel without shaking; of (a pot of) tea: to be left to draw.
c 1467 Noble Bk. Cookry (1882) 101 Sye it throughe a clothe and let yt stond and setelle. c 1550 Lloyd Treas. Health liii. R ij, Such thynges are neuer mynystred excepte they haue stonde [1585 N iij b, stoode] setteled a good, whyle after commixtion. 1675 H. Woolley Gentlew. Comp. 136 Strain it [the Jelly], and so let it stand for your use. 1827 Faraday Chem. Manip. xii. (1842) 275 The whole is to be closed up, and suffered to stand until cold. 1852 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XIII. i. 37 The first milk is set..to stand for cream. 1862 Miller Organ. Chem. (ed. 2) 165 The liquid portion is removed by pressure, and after standing over chloride of calcium is rectified. 1933 E. A. Robertson Ordinary Families vii. 162 Well, I'll get Olive to bring some fresh tea, then. This has been standing rather a long time. 1935 G. Santayana Last Puritan iii. v. 333 Don't keep this tea standing any longer... It will be poison. Make some fresh for the boys when they come down. 1976 L. Henderson Major Enquiry xii. 76 It will be ready soon. I like tea to stand properly, don't you? |
† 30. Of a mixture or confection: To be stiff, have a firm consistence. (Cf. standing ppl. a. 8 b.)
c 1450 Two Cookery-bks. 88 Loke that hit stonde well, with Gynger, Sugur. Ibid. 109. |
31. Of a star: To appear fixed in the heavens. Of the sun or a planet: To be seen apparently motionless at any point of its course.
1382 Wyclif Josh. x. 13 And the sunne and the mone stoden, to the tyme that [etc.]. 1398 Trevisa Barth. De P.R. viii. xxi. (1495) 331 Stelle ben callyd sterres and haue that name of stando, stondyng, for though they moue alwaye, alwaye it semyth that they stonde. 1577 Kendall Flowers of Epigr. 86 In heuen where starres do stand. 1629 Milton Nativity 70 The Stars with deep amaze Stand fixt in stedfast gaze. 1833 Tennyson Lotos-Eaters 7 Full-faced above the valley stood the moon. |
32. a. Of a piece of machinery, an implement, a vehicle, etc.: To remain still or motionless; not to move or be operated; to cease moving, working, turning, etc. Of a timepiece: To cease ‘going’, to have stopped. Now somewhat rare. Cf. to stand still: see still adv.
1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. vii. 105 At heiȝ prime perkyn lette þe plouȝ stonde. c 1386 Chaucer Friar's T. 243 Deepe was the wey, for which the Carte stood. c 1400 Anturs of Arth. 266 Maye no mane stere hym of strenghe, whilles þe whele standis. 1549 Latimer Ploughers (Arb.) 25 The ploughe standeth, there is no worke done. a 1696 P. Henry in M. Henry Life x. (1825) 247 When the weight is off, the clock stands. 1772 Foote Nabob i. (1778) 22, I..told him, the dog was mad, the parrot dead, and the clock stood. 1820 Scoresby Acc. Arctic Reg. II. 476 During an hour..the pumps were allowed to ‘stand’. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay viii, Before his astonished companion could reply he was beside the vehicle, which was still standing. |
b. Of a ship: To ride at anchor.
a 1300 K. Horn 1021 He let his schup stonde, & ȝede to londe. Ibid. 1437 His schup stod vnder ture. c 1350 Will. Palerne 2728 Þan hiȝed þei hem to þe hauen..þer stoden fele schippes. |
c. Of a vehicle: To remain in a customary place waiting for a fare or for the time to start.
1665 in Verney Mem. (1907) II. 241 The Black Swan in Holborn where the Alisbury and other coaches stand. 1676 in J. Playford Vade Mecum (1679) 197 All Merchants..may chuse what Carr they please, except such as stand for Wharf-work [etc.]..which are to be taken in turn. |
d. Of a mine, factory, etc., also of the men employed: To stop working; to be at a standstill.
1733 N. Riding Rec. VIII. 202 The Treasurer to pay {pstlg}22.15/ for the Milne standing tenn weeks. 1789 J. Williams Min. Kingd. I. 170 Several Cornish mines are now standing..because they cannot be carried on with profit while coal is so dear. 1892 Black & White 12 Mar. 331/1 If they [the colliers] ‘stand’ for a fortnight. 1892 Standard 28 Apr. 7/5 Works which stood all last week for holidays being now restarted. |
**** With some notion of motion or direction in a fixed or steady course.
† 33. Of light (also rarely of vapour): To issue in a beam or shaft. Obs.
Beowulf 726 Him of eaᵹum stod..leoht unfæᵹer. c 900 Bæda's Hist. v. xxiii. (1890) 476 Stod se leoma him of, swilce fyrenþecele. c 1000 ælfric Hom. (Th.) I. 86 Him stod stincende steam of ðam muðe. a 1300 Cursor M. 8160 A lem fra þe wandes stode. c 1300 Havelok 591 Of hise mouth it stod a stem, Als it were a sunnebem. c 1400 St. Alexius 439 (Laud 463) Out of his mouþ þer stoed a leom Brighter þan þe sonne beom. |
† 34. Of a weapon: To be fixed at or on the place to which it penetrates in wounding; to penetrate through, unto. Said also of the stroke or ‘dint’. Obs.
Beowulf 1434 Sumne Ᵹeata leod of flanboᵹan feores ᵹetwæfde,..þæt him on aldre stod herestræl hearda. a 1300 Cursor M. 11371 Þe suerd o soru thoru hir stode. Ibid. 24360 Þe nails þat him fest on rode, thoru mi hend and fete þai stode. 13.. King Alis. 3709 He smot anothir,..That he clef his basnet, At his chyn stod the dunt. c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 8134 King Malgar on þe heued he gert, Þat þe dent stode at þe hert. 1390 Gower Conf. III. 268 With his swerd droppende of blod, The which withinne his douhter stod. |
35. Of the wind: To blow from a quarter indicated; also simply, to blow favourably, to continue to blow. Similarly of the weather. ? Obs. (Cf. sit v. 13 d.)
c 1205 Lay. 1780 Wind stod on willen. Ibid. 25537 Weder stod on wille, wind wex an honde. c 1300 Cursor M. 24834 Forth þai floted on þat flod, For al to will þair bir þam stode. c 1300 K. Horn 784 (Laud MS.), Þe whyȝt him gan stonde And drof tyl hirelonde. 1338 R. Brunne Chron. (1810) 145 Þe next Marche folowand He suld take þat way, if wynde wild with him stand, At Marsile to aryue. 1412–20 Lydg. Chron. Troy i. 4392 Whan þei seye þat þe wedir stood, Þe wynde also at her lust þei hadde, Þei gan to saille. 1546 J. Heywood Prov. (1867) 56 If the winde stande in that doore, it standth awry. 1635 Brereton Trav. (Chetham Soc.) 77 The wind stood most easterly. 1669 Sturmy Mariner's Mag. i. ii. 16 The Wind is fair, though but little; he comes well, as if he would stand. 1699 W. Dampier Voy. II. i. 155 If the gale stood. 1708 Lond. Gaz. No. 4417/2 [They] will sail for the River, as soon as the Wind stands fair. |
36. a. Naut. Of a vessel (hence of the commander, sailors, etc.): To sail, steer, direct one's course (in a specified direction, to sea, into harbour, etc.).
See also stand along, away, etc. in branch VII; also stand for 71 k, stand with 79 d. (Note the pa. tense stowed in the 17th c., prob. due to misapprehension.)
1627 J. Taylor (Water P.) Famous Fight Wks. (1630) iii. 39/1 We gaue him a whole broad-side..tacking forthwith, and standing after him. 1633 T. James Voy. 18 Wee stowed alongst it [floating ice], hoping to weather it. 1633 T. Stafford Pac. Hib. ii. x. 189 The Spanish fleete..standing to the Northward. a 1700 Evelyn Diary 16 Oct. 1644, The weather being still so fowle that for two houres at least we durst not stand into the haven. 1707 Lond. Gaz. No. 4312/2 They stood to Sea. 1745 P. Thomas Jrnl. Anson's Voy. 280 We immediately..stood towards her, and I believe if she had..stood from us, we should have found it very difficult to have come up with her. 1748 Anson's Voy. iii. ix. 386 This entrance he proposed to stand through next day. 1769 Falconer Dict. Marine (1789) D 4 b, We discovered a fleet..standing athwart us, i.e. steering across our way. 1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. 2 We took sail, and stood into the river. a 1860 in Temple Bar LVI. 353 We passed the bank, stood round the light, and sailed away to sea. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Stand in Shore, to sail directly for the land. 1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 107 The Roman fleet..stood right across the Mediterranean to the nearest point of Africa. 1892 Black & White 16 Jan. 78/1 The whole fleet put on good speed, and stood nearly due west. |
With cognate object. 1705 tr. Bosman's Guinea 13 The Ship..being bound to..touch at Curacao before it stands its course homewards. |
b. transf. Of a person: To go, proceed (in a specified direction).
a 1300 K. Horn 1179 Ifond horn child stonde To schupeward in londe. 1829 J. Shipp Mem. II. 87 They bowed a hundred times..; then stood towards their village. |
37. Archery. Of an arrow (see quot.).
1801 T. Roberts Eng. Bowman 294 An arrow is said to stand (or to stand in) a bow, when it flies from it steadily, and without shaking or flirting. Ibid., To Stand in the wind, to stand across the wind. |
***** Of immaterial things.
38. a. With adv., advb. phr., or adj. predicate: To be or remain in a specified condition, relation, situation, etc.
a 1122 O.E. Chron. an. 1093 Þæt arceƀrice on Cantwarbyriᵹ, þe ær on his aᵹenre hand stod. c 1315 Shoreham Poems i. 231 For ȝef þat water his kende lest, Þat cristning stant te tealte. 14.. 26 Pol. Poems 20/194 A cheuenteyn may fyȝte o day, Þe victorye wiþ hym stande. c 1420 ? Lydg. Assembly of Gods 1887 Thy wytte stant a crooke. c 1470 Gol. & Gaw. 1056 Ane sair stonayand stour at thair hartis standis. 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. IV, 12 b, My life stoode in ieopardie. 1603 Shakes. Meas. for M. v. i. 108 His Integritie Stands without blemish. 1688 Lett. conc. Pres. State Italy 170 The greatest part of the Revenue of this State stands engaged for the Interest that they pay. 1870 Rogers Hist. Glean. Ser. ii. 102 No reputation stood higher than that of Selden. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) IV. 8 He cannot tell the relation in which abstract ideas stand to one another. 1891 Standard 16 June 3/2 Mr. Balfour's plan stands condemned in his eyes. |
b. With a relative or demonstrative adv. as predicate; e.g. the case stands thus, as things or matters stand (= under present circumstances). Also impersonally, as it stands well, † how stands?, how does it stand? (with, † by, † of a person or thing; † also with dat., him stands well).
a 1000 Boeth. Metr. i. 28 Stod þraᵹe on ðam. c 1300 Havelok 2983 Him stondes wel þat god child strenes. c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 346 And þus it stondiþ in þe Chirche of þes newe servauntis þat ben brouȝt in. c 1386 Chaucer Shipman's T. 114 It stant not so with me. c 1485 Digby Myst. (1882) iv. 1505 Sister! how standes with yow? a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. II. 25 The erle of glencairne returnit..to the erle of lennox and schew him how all studd. 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. ii. v. 21 Spee. Why then, how stands the matter with them? Lau. Marry thus, when it stands well with him, it stands well with her. 1600 Weakest goeth to Wall H 3, My Lord of Bulloigne, thus then stands my case. 1612 Benvenuto's Passenger i. ii. 137 Sure sir, if it stood with you as he pleased, you should be in an euill case. 1672 Petty Pol. Anat. (1691) 68 As things now stand. 1709 Berkeley Ess. Vision §45 The truth of the matter, I find, stands thus. 1826 Lamb Pop. Fallacies xi, A hare, as the law now stands, makes many friends. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. vii. viii, Ill stands it with me if I have spoken falsely. 1862 Temple Bar VI. 401 How does it stand with your..studies? 1898 ‘Merriman’ Roden's Corner vii. 75 People did not know how matters stood between Joan Ferriby and Tony Cornish. |
39. † a. With dative of person: To exist, be present (to one); e.g. me stondeþ rape = I am in haste. Chiefly in (me, etc.) stands awe, need: see 45, 46. Obs.
a 1300 K. Horn 554 For þi me stondeþ þe more rape. a 1300 Cursor M. 24220 Quen he þe sagh þis murning mak, sumthing to þe iwiss he spak if him stode ani steuen. |
† b. impers. To be the case (that). it cannot stand but, it cannot but be that... Obs.
1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xiv. 251 A strawe for þe stuwes! it stode nouȝt, I trowe, Had þei no þyng but of pore men, her houses were vntyled. 1561 Reg. Privy Council Scot. I. 173 It mycht stand that I had ressavit sum of the gudis libellit fra the thrid hand. 1644 Maxwell Prerog. Chr. Kings ix. 99 It cannot stand but..the like should hold. |
c. impers. To behove (a person) to do (something). rare.
? A cutting down, or confused recollection, of stand (one) in hand (see 47) or stand (one) upon (see 78 q).
1857 Trollope Barchester T. xlvi, He knew that it depended solely on his own wit whether or no he could throw the joke back upon the lady. He knew that it stood him to do so if he possibly could, but he had not a word. 1911 Webster s.v., 19. To concern; to be of interest or advantage (to); as, it stood him to leave the country for a time. |
40. Of a condition, process, or the like: To remain stationary or unchanged, neither progressing nor receding; to be at a standstill.
c 1386 Chaucer Merch. T. 519 (Harl.), Now wolde God that it were woxe night, And that the night wold stonden [v.r. lasten] evermo. 1436 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 202 For whiche they muste dresse hem to pease in haste, Or ellis there thrifte to standen and to waste. c 1530 Judic. Urines ii. xii. 40 But comynly in Homothena, the sekenes is stondyng tyll the seke man passe other to deth or to lyfe. 1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriot. v. 27 Every houre addes unto that current Arithmetique, which scarce stands one moment. 1723 Swift Poems, Pethox 52 And while his Fate is in thy Hands, The Bus'ness of the Nation stands. |
41. To endure, last; to continue unimpaired; to flourish.
c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Matt. xii. 26 Hu mæᵹ þonne hys rice standan. c 1200 Ormin 18190 Þatt ȝet ta stod stafflike witt Amang Judisskenn þede Off Moysæsess laȝheboc. a 1300 Cursor M. 9221 Þair kingrik..þat had four hundret yeir stand. 1399 Langl. Rich. Redeles iii. 249 Iche rewme..Sholde stable and stonde be þese þre degres. 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. (1580) 28 If in other thynges we should bee as negligente, this Realme could not long stande. 1865 M. Arnold Ess. Crit. ii. 60 Work done after men have reached this platform is classical; and that is the only work which, in the long run, can stand. Ibid. vii. 223 How little either of his poetry, or of his criticism, or of his philosophy, can we expect permanently to stand! |
42. a. To be or remain valid or of force, hold good.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxi, Þa ᵹesetennesse þa he læt standan þa hwile þe he wile. a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 656 Ic bidde ealle þa ða æfter me cumen.. þæt ure ᵹyfe mote standan. c 1275 Lay. 397 After þan heþene lawe þat stot in þan ilke dawe. c 1315 Shoreham Poems i. 238 For bote þat water his kende haue, Þat cristnynge may nauȝt stonde. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xv. 573 Owre lorde wrote it [the Law] hym-selue, In stone, for it stydfast was and stonde sholde eure. c 1400 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton) i. xxx. (1859) 34 Yf he byquethe al his good to his owne lord, standyth the testament? 1544 tr. Littleton's Tenures 39 The last deuyse and wyl made by him shal stande and abyde. 1568 Grafton Chron. II. 100 The yonger sort which had chosen Reignold their Subprior, would have that election to stande. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. I. 343 Gif all promeisis had stand quhilk was maid be the king of scotland. 1719 De Foe Crusoe ii. (Globe) 432 A written Contract..would stand. 1758 S. Hayward Serm. Introd. 19 The promise yet stands. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xii. III. 211 No English Parliament..would permit such laws as were now passing through the Irish Parliament to stand. 1879 Nature 20 Nov. 62/2 This result is so utterly opposed to fact that a theory which leads to it cannot stand for a moment. 1885 Law Times Rep. LII. 625/1, I think..that the nonsuit ought not to stand. 1894 Hall Caine Manxman iii. xiii. 172 It was taken for granted that the old relations would stand. |
b. With complement or predicative extension, as to stand good, stand in force, † stand (for) law, etc.
a 1300 Cursor M. 6746 Qua stelis scep, or ox, or cu..Oxen fiue for an he pai, For a scep four, it stand for lai. 1581 Allen Apol. 42 No statute then that stood in force. 1586 in J. Morris Troubles Cath. Forefathers Ser. iii. (1877) 87 Which common presumption always standeth good by their own law until the contrary be plainly and evidently proved. 1633 Bp. Hall Hard Texts, Rom. ix. 11 That the decree and purpose of God..might stand in force. 1667 Milton P.L. v. 602 Hear my Decree, which unrevok't shall stand. 1747 in Nairne Peerage Evid. (1874) 148 The said obligation was..to stand in full force and virtue. 1890 Chamb. Jrnl. 27 Dec. 826/1 That charge of murder will not stand law. 1893 Sat. Rev. 11 Feb. 164/1 The chapter on planting..stands good for all time. |
43. Of a ceremony: To be performed, take place. Sc. ? Obs.
1649 Lamont Diary (Maitl. Club) 5 The mariage feast stoode at the place of the Weyms in Fyfe. 1828 Burd Isabel ix. in Child Ballads IV. 420 Her kirking and her fair wedding Shall baith stand on ae day. a 1868 Earl of Errol i. ibid. V. 269 An they hae made a marrige o't, It stood at Earlstoon, O. |
III. 44. To cost. (Cf. L. stare, constare.) a. to stand (one) high, to cost a high price. (Cf. G. einem hoch zu stehen kommen.) rare.
1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. iii. 49 We han a wyndow in worching wol stonden [B. text sitten] vs ful heiȝe. 1864 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. xv. iii. IV. 41 His father and he have stood these Bavarian Countries very high. Ibid. xx. x. VI. 243 Carlos's War of ten months had stood him uncommonly high. |
† b. to stand (one) on, upon, to (a price). Obs.
c 1440 Jacob's Well 38 Þe seed stondyth þe on ij. s., þe rente stante þe on vj. d, þe gaderyng & þe repyng standyth þe on xij. d. 1471 Paston Lett. III. 31 The fense must stand yow over on xij. mark by the lest wey. 1641 Best Farm Bks. (Surtees) 76 Sheepe that are fedde all the summer longe in our closes stande us to three shillings..a peece. 1764 Museum Rust. III. 11 His stakes will not stand him, besides his labour, to more than half a farthing each. |
c. to stand (one) in (a price, etc.). Formerly the ordinary construction; subsequently restricted in currency, being partly fashionable slang, partly dialectal.
Also to stand (a person) in at (an amount).
c 1460 Fortescue Abs. & Lim. Mon. vi. (1885) 122 Yet his highnes shall þan haue therfore a bouute his persone..lordes, knyghtes, and sqviers..to his charges peraduentur also gretly, as his houshold well ruled was wonned to stonde hym inne. 1488–9 Act 4 Hen. VII, c. 9 Where an hatte standeth not theym in xvj d. they woll sell it for iij s. or xl d. 1544 in Lett. & Pap. Hen. VIII (1903) XIX. i. 445 Here they shall stand the King not in one penny. 1551 Robinson tr. More's Utopia ii. iv. (1895) 150 The same standeth them in muche lesse coste. 1625 in Cosin's Corr. (Surtees) i. 71 Boording and breakfest will stand him in 16li per annum. 1651 H. L'Estrange Answ. Mrq. Worcester Ep. Ded., It will be in some sort an Answer to God for the time it stood me in. 1713 Guardian No. 84 ¶2 It has not stood me in above a Button. 1772 F. Burney Early Diary (1889) I. 160 Do you know, it stands me in a hundred a year for chaises? 1837 Dickens Pickw. xli, It'll stand you in a pound a week. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair xiii, It stands me in eight shillings a bottle. 1875 M. E. Braddon Hostages to Fortune II. viii. 168 It only stands me in seven and six⁓pence. 1886 Mrs. Randolph Mostly Fools III. iv. 116 His town house..stood him in at fifteen hundred a year. |
d. With prep. as in b or c, but without indirect obj. of person. rare.
1457 Paston Lett. I. 414 That my maister shud be lerned whate hys housold standyth uppon yerlye. 1546 Johnson in Ellis Orig. Lett. Ser. ii. II. 174 Thay stond in above 4li sterling a peise. 1583 Stubbes Anat. Abus. i. (1877) 61, I haue knowen the very nedle work of some one payre of these bootehose to stand, some in iiij pound, vj. pound, and some in x. pound a peece. 1737 Bracken Farriery Impr. (1756) I. 167 This Ball would stand in five or six Shillings a Day. 1845 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. VI. ii. 526 This concern stands in 70l. |
e. Without prep. before the word which denotes the price or cost. rare.
1542 in J. H. Glover Kingsthorpiana (1883) 82 An acre of lande sown in reye stondeth the tenant in sowing vii shillings at the lest. 1671 Lamont Diary (Maitl. Club) 224 The new bake howse..stood in workmanship, dales, iyronworke, and nayls, above 300 merks Scots. 1710 Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) VI. 545 The company [were] ordered to bring in a modest computation of what their forts and castles have stood them. 1713 Lond. Gaz. No. 5137/10 The first..will stand the Importer near 9s. and 6d. the Gallon. 1801 Farmer's Mag. Jan. 110 Good soup is delivered out at 1d. per quart, which stands the subscribers 2½d. 1808 Jamieson, To Stand one, to cost; as, It stood me a groat, it cost fourpence. 1872 Schele de Vere Americanisms 552 This horse stands me two hundred dollars at least. |
IV. Phrases and idiomatic uses.
45. to stand in awe. † a. Orig. ‘awe’ was the nominative and the person affected in the dative: him (them, men, etc.) stands awe; const. of, also from, to, with (the object of dread). Occas. with some other n. of kindred meaning, as doubt. Obs.
c 1000 ælfric Hom. (Th.) I. 64 Swa micel eᵹe stod deoflum fram eow. c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 73 Þer hem stod eie, þer hem ne sholde, þat is of idele þing. c 1205, c 1250 [see awe n.1 4 a. α, β]. a 1300 Cursor M. 14805 Of him þam stod selcut gret agh. c 1320, c 1380 [see awe n.1 4 a. β, α]. |
13.. K. Alis. 3426 (Laud MS.), At þat half stant hem no doute Of Alisaunder ne al his route. c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 4341 Þat hem no stondeþ no doute Of þe payens no of her route. |
† b. By inversion of const. the dative of the person became the subject and ‘awe’ the object of the verb: to stand awe (of, also to do something). Similarly to stand dread. Obs.
c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 39 He þat is recheles and non eiȝe ne stand of louerde. Ibid. 139 And te king stod eie of him for his holinesse. a 1300 Cursor M. 12091 Þan suld þou sett him to sum scole, Þar he moght lere o man stand agh. 1330, c 1460 [see awe n.1 4 a. α, β]. c 1470 Henry Wallace ix. 851 The Scottis defens so sykkyr was and keyn, Sotheroun stud aw to enter thaim amang. 1535 Lyndesay Satyre 2520 Of na man we sould stand aw. 1597 Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 1053 Of vs ȝe stand na aw. |
14.. 26 Pol. Poems 19/140 Holy chirche stant of hem drede. |
c. The modern const., to stand in awe. Similarly to stand in dread, fear, etc.
1413 [see awe n.1 4 a. β]. a 1425 Cursor M. 12091 (Trin.) Þou most do sett him to þe scole For to lerne & stonde in awe. 1535 Coverdale Ps. xcvi. 9 Let the whole earth stonde in awe of him. 1581 A. Hall Iliad iv. 70 Of whom stand you in awe? 1771 Burke Corr. (1844) I. 325 He stood in some awe, though in no sort of fear of you. 1885 Mrs. E. Lynn Linton Christ. Kirkland I. x. 271, I stood in wholesome awe of him. |
14.. 26 Pol. Poems xiii. 6 Falsed stondis ay in drede. 1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome 302 The Brothers stood in fear of their Lives. 1885 J. Payn Luck of Darrells I. xiv. 246 His aunt stands rather in fear of him. |
46. to stand in need. † a. Orig. in the form (me, him, etc.) stands need = I (etc.) have need. Const. till, to (the thing required). (Corresponds to need is, is need: see need n. 4, 5.) Obs.
a 1300 Cursor M. 23983 Wede o welth wil i namar, Clething wil i me tak o care, Þar-til [Fairf. þer-to] me standes nede. a 1400 Sir Perc. 184 A maydene scho tuke hir withalle, That scho myȝte appone calle, Whenne that hir nede stode. |
b. In inverted const. (cf. 45 b), of a person, to stand need = to be in need (of, to do something). Obs. exc. dial.
1551 Crowley Pleas. & Payne Wks. 109 For aye, when I Stode nede of meate, ye gaue me fode. 1578 T. Lupton All for Money 699 If you stoode neede of me you should finde me your friende. 1627 R. Sibthorpe Apostol. Obed. 28 These, I say, and infinite others, neither will time permit, nor doth your experience stand need. 1657 J. Sergeant Schism Dispach't 260 Though we have better grounds then to stand need to build upon it. 1664 Marvell Corr. Wks. (Grosart) II. 180 If I stood need of witnesses, I would cite only Your own merits. 1877 N.W. Linc. Gloss., Stan' need, stand in need of, ought [to do something]. 1886 S.W. Linc. Gloss s.v., One stans need to tak' care of one's lasses now-a-days. |
c. Now (cf. 45 c), to stand in need. Const. of, † to do.
1530 Palsgr. 733/2 If you stande in nede of me you shall fynde I am your frende. 1597 Hooker Eccl. Pol. v. xlviii. §2 Petitionarie prayer belongeth only to such as..stand in need of reliefe from others. 1600 J. Pory tr. Leo's Africa vi. 277 Their fields stand in neede of continuall watering. 1630 W. T. Justif. Relig. now Professed ix. 66 Who themselues stand in neede to bee saued. 1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome i. 15 His Mind truly stood in need of Instruction. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. x. II. 658 A realm of which these were the fundamental laws stood in no need of a new constitution. 1887 Westall Capt. Trafalgar xix. 245, I felt very tired and stood much in need of sleep. |
47. to stand (one) in († on) hand. Now dial.
Cf. the phrases to lie (one) upon hand, in hand: see hand n. 32 a, quot. 1548, 29 d quot. 1627.
a. Of the wind: To be favourable. rare—1.
c 1205 Lay. 22313 Wind heom stod an honde. |
b. To behove, concern; to be needful or necessary to; to be of importance or advantage to. Chiefly impers. with it and inf.
c 1400 Beryn 3173, I take no reward of othir mennys case, But oonlich of myne own, that stont me most an hond. 1470 Paston Lett. II. 400 Look that ye spare for no cost to do serche for itt, for it wyll stand yow on hand. 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. ccxxii. 289 [They] fought valiantly, the which stode them well in hand to do, for y⊇ naueroyse had caused them somwhat to recule. 1587 Golding De Mornay i. 9 To lay forth the proofes..it would stand me in hand to ransacke the whole world. 1654 H. L'Estrange Chas. I (1656) 89 The King..conceived it stood him in hand to stand upon his guard. 1667 O. Heywood Heart-Treas. vii. 54 It stands us all in hand to try our selves. a 1825 Forby Voc. E. Anglia s.v., ‘To stand in hand’, to concern, behove, or interest. Ex. ‘It stands you in hand to look to that’. 1848 Bartlett Dict. Amer., To stand in hand, to concern, to behoove... This phrase is a colloquial one in New England. Ex. ‘It stands you in hand to attend to your business’. |
48. to stand in stead. † a. To be of use or advantage, to be serviceable or profitable. Also with adj. qualifying stead, to be of (little, no, good) avail or service. Obs.
a 1300 Cursor M. 26512 It sal stand in sted sumquar. 13.. Ibid. 4114 (Gött.) Lat vs do him to dreri dede, Loke quat his drem sal stand in-sted. 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 3648 His help thurgh hym-selfe standes in na stede, For he es als a lym þat es dede. 1399 Pol. Poems (Rolls) I. 365 The busch is bare and waxus sere, Hit may no lengur leves bere; now stont hit in no styde. c 1430 Freemasonry (Halliw. 1840) 679 They schul be told to stonde yn stede, When thou hast therto gret nede. 1544 Betham Precepts War i. cxci. l iv b, But yf we must warre in playne and champyon countryes, then horsemen be moost necessarye. For fotemen wyll stande in lytle steade and vse. c 1645 Howell Lett. (1650) III. 12 If Love be fire, to light this Indian weed, The Donor's Love of fire may stand in steed. 1659 Hammond On Ps. lxii. 9 It standeth in no stead, and so disappoints those that depend on it. 1772 Whitefield Serm. xxxii. Wks. VI. 11 Thy wealth and grandeur will stand in no stead. |
b. More usually with indirect obj. († rarely with to). to stand (one) in stead, stand in (good, etc.) stead: to be of service or benefit to; to help or avail. Now only with adj. (good, etc.), and that in literary rather than familiar use.
When without epithet, in stead was sometimes written or printed as one word.
1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) VII. 267 But for it stood hem but litel in stede [orig. sed quia parum profecerunt]. c 1440 Sir Gowther 658 He..stode poure men in stede. 1513 More in Grafton's Chron. (1568) II. 785 Suche as they thought..able to stande them in stead, eyther by power or by policie. 1577 Kendall Flowers of Epigr., Trifles 5 The weake may stand the strong in sted. 1603–26 Breton Poste Mad Lett. (Grosart) 39/1 Your kind promise vpon any urgent occasion to stand me instead. 1662 Gerbier Principles 1 Some Principles thereon, which may stand the lovers of it instead. 1730 Lett. to Sir W. Strickland rel. to Coal Trade 25 It will therefore stand them in stead to consider, whether they be likely to gain anything by the Exchange. 1802 M. Edgeworth Moral T., Forester (The Bet), That excuse sha'n't stand you in stead. 1826 Disraeli Viv. Grey iii. v, Your boasted knowledge of human nature shall not again stand you in stead. |
1338 R. Brunne Chron. (1810) 202 Better is holy bede of man þat right lyues, & standes vs in more stede, þan alle þe gode he gyues. 13.. Minor Poems fr. Vernon MS. 674/90 Strengþe stont vs in no stide. c 1449 Pecock Repr. v. vi. 514 If thilk gouernaunce..stondith to him in miche goostli stide. 1539 Wriothesley in St. Papers Hen. VIII, VIII. 160 Soo that his advise therein could stand them in small stede. 1577 Hanmer Anc. Eccl. Hist., Euseb. iii. ix. (1585) 44 Josephus him selfe, that hath stoode vs in so great stead, for the furnishing of this our present history. 1665 Extr. St. Papers rel. Friends Ser. iii. (1912) 241 Our good intentions stand us in little stead. 1749 Fielding Tom Jones v. viii, It is then he will find in what mighty stead that heathen goddess..will stand him. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair liv, A Johnson's Dictionary, which stood them in much stead. 1887 Westall Capt. Trafalgar i. 13 Continual practice stood me in better stead than whole volumes of theory. 1891 Temple Bar Oct. 177 His early training..stood him in good stead. |
† c. Similarly to stand (one) to (good) stead. Also without prep., to stand (one) stead. Obs. rare.
1549 Chaloner Erasm. Praise Folly B j, If ye aske me, what stede these stande me to? I aunsweare [etc.]. 1577 Stanyhurst Descr. Irel. 1/2 in Holinshed, Thersites..being in outwarde feature so deformed, and in inwarde conditions so crooked, as he seemed to stande to no better steede, then to leade Apes in hell. 1581 A. Hall Iliad v. 95 What stead canst thou the Troyans stand? |
† d. In various other phrases of like meaning, as to stand (a person) in force, stand in profit, stand in vail, stand at or to avail. to stand stall, stand in stall: see stall n.1 2 b. Obs.
c 1400 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton) i. xiii. (1859) 9 It maye hym stande nought in profite ne at none auaile. 1428 in Engl. Misc. (Surtees 1890) 7 For y{supt} yair praiers suld stand John Lyllyng to availl. c 1450 Mirk's Festial 76 What maner vertu þat a man haue, but yf he be yn charyte, hit stondys hym in no vayle. 1563 Homilies II. Passion ii. 201 b, So the death of Christ shall stande vs in no force, vnlesse we applye it to our selues in suche sort, as God hath appoynted. |
49. to stand in stead of, to take the place of, represent, do duty for; also stand instead of, stand in the stead of, stand in lieu of. Also with indirect object.
a 1500 Gest of Robyn Hode lxxxi. in Child Ballads III. 60 In a yeman's stede he may the stande, If thou greate nede haue. 1530 Palsgr. 733/2 Syns my lorde can nat be here him selfe to day, who shall stande in his stede. 1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus F iv b, Their banquet was ready..and Parmenio & Antigone stoode in steade of sewer and seruitours. 1612 Benvenuto's Passenger ii. i. 395 Will stands instead of power, where wee cannot performe. 1847 C. Brontë J. Eyre ii, To stand in the stead of a parent to a strange child she could not love. 1849 Tait's Mag. XVI. 58/1 Chemistry does not stand a man instead of dinner. 1870 Dickens E. Drood xvii, I have undergone some mental distress..which has stood me in the stead of illness. 1882 Stevenson Fam. Stud. 283 The rigidity of intricate metrical forms stood him in lieu of precise thought. 1893 Temple Bar XCIX. 68 A down-drawing of the corners of her mouth that stood her instead of a smile. |
50. to let{ddd}stand. a. lit. To leave (a person or thing) undisturbed in an erect position. b. fig. To leave for the time without notice or discussion; to leave in abeyance, let alone.
For other literal examples, see 29, 32 a, 32 b.
c 1205 Lay. 27159 An his riht honde he lette Lengres stonde. 1297 R. Glouc. 1276 Þe king þe wule londone bisegede uaste..Ac þo he hurde þat þe romeins icome were to þis londe, To hom he wende hasteliche & let londone stonde. a 1300 Cursor M. 19601 Lat we nu þe prechurs stand, For to spek of a warraiand. a 1300 Harrow. Hell 136 Ich lete hem [the gates of Hell] stonden and renne away. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xx. 101 Deth cam dryuende after and al to doust passhed..Lered ne lewed, he let no man stonde. c 1400 Beryn 157 Pese, quod the hoost of Southwork, let stond þe wyndow glasid. 1535 Coverdale 1 Sam. xxiii. 13 Whan it was tolde Saul that Dauid was escaped from Cegila, he let his iourney stonde. a 1810 Tannahill Poems (1846) 25 She has my vows, buy aye I let her stan', In hopes to win that bonnie lassie's han'. 1888 Times (weekly ed.) 22 June 13/3 To ask the Court to let the case stand. 1889 Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xi. 97 For my own claim, I let it stand for some time. 1898 H. Newbolt He fell among Thieves ii, Let the reckoning stand till day. |
† 51. The pres. pple. standing, placed before a n. with which it agrees, or before a clause, has been used in certain ‘absolute’ constructions (cf. during, pending). a. = While (so-and-so) subsists, is retained, remains what it was. Obs.
c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 115 He [Christ] becom man, stondynge his godhed, þat he myȝt not lese. c 1400 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton) i. xiii. (1859) 9 Yet ouer this will I [Satan] preue by reson, that standing this filthe and dishoneste of synne with whiche he is entachyd, this lauure rather causeth hym to be juged to oure company. c 1449 Pecock Repr. v. xiii. 554 Not eny yuel, which mai not eesili be remedied, stonding al the good which bifore is rehercid to come bi the same bildingis. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 205 b, For otherwyse (standynge the ordynate iustyce of god) he myght neuer haue..goten by meryt suche hye..dignitie. 1569 Abp. Parker in Corr. (1853) 353, I think he should do this thing..better cheap than they may be bought from beyond the seas, standing the paper and goodness of his print. |
b. = While (so-and-so) lasts; during. Obs.
c 1500 H. Medwall Nature i. 323 (Brandl) Standyng the nonage of thys gentylman. 1512 in Willis & Clark Cambridge (1886) I. 609 Duryng the contynuaunce of the seid werkes and standyng the lyff and helth of the said John Wastell. |
c. = When (so-and-so) is taken into account; considering, in view of. (The examples might be referred to a; but cf. d.) Obs.
c 1528 Wolsey in Burnet's Hist. Ref. (1679) I. Rec. ii. 52 Which I suppose neither his Holiness nor any true Christian Man can do, standing the manifest occasions, presumptions, and apparent evidences to the contrary. 1532 More Confut. Tindale Wks. 720/1, I can not..perceyue what counsayle Tyndall can geue any manne towarde saluacion, standyng his frantike heresies agaynst free will. |
d. As the first word of a clause (with or without that): The fact being that, considering that, since.
c 1450 Cov. Myst. 190 Stondynge that ȝe be so wytty and wyse, Can ȝe owth tellyn how this werde was wrought? Ibid. 218 Stondynge ȝe wyl not graunt me grace, But for my synne that I xal dye, I pray ȝow kylle me here in this place. 1513 More Rich. III Wks. 59/1 And y{supt} he could not well otherwise do, standing that y⊇ Earle of warwik had so far moued already. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 17 Thynkynge that it was impossyble for them to optayne and wynne the sayd lande, standynge that the people were so myghty and stronge. |
V. Transitive senses.
* Originating from the conversion of an indirect into a direct object, from the omission of a prep., or from intrans. uses with cognate object.
52. To confront, face, oppose, encounter; to resist, withstand, bear the brunt of. † a. an opponent. Obs.
c 1325 Chron. Eng. 72 (Ritson) Yef the word of the spronge That eny mon the stode so longe,..Al thyn honour were leid adoun. c 1435 Torr. Portugal 81 Full Euyll thow dourst hyme stond. c 1450 Holland Howlat 500 Was nane so stur in the steid micht stand him a start. 1470–85 Malory Arthur x. lxxiv. 543 There myghte none stande hym a stroke. 1591 Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, i. i. 123 Hundreds he sent to Hell, and none durst stand him. c 1611 Chapman Iliad xxi. 508 This last heart, made him bold, To stand Achilles. 1615 ― Odyss. vi. 205 All but Nausicaa fled; but she fast stood... And still she stood him, as resolued to know What man he was. 1719 De Foe Crusoe ii. (Globe) 393 They resolved to stand them there. 1770 Langhorne Plutarch, Crassus (Rtldg.) 385/2 The young man cried out, ‘They dare not stand us’, and followed at full speed. |
b. a blow or stroke, shot, attack, assault, siege, or the like; also laughter, raillery, indignation, etc.
c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 9282 Non no miȝt stond his dent. 15.. Adam Bel 145 There myght no man stand hys stroke. 1605 Shakes. Lear iii. vii. 54, I am tyed to' th' Stake, And I must stand the Course. 1625 Massinger New Way iv. i, I, that haue liu'd a Souldier, And stood the enemies violent charge vndaunted. a 1630 J. Taylor (Water P.) Dog of War B 2 b, He durst t'haue stood sterne Aiax frowne. 1670 Dryden 2nd Pt. Conq. Granada iii. i, The shock of such a curse I dare not stand. 1712 Tickell Spect. No. 410 ¶4 My good Friend could not well stand the Raillery which was rising upon him. 1748 Anson's Voy. ii. xiv. 286 Supposing that the troops..should..resolve to stand a general assault. 1803 Pic Nic No. 9 (1806) II. 87 Cecilia had stood a siege more than half as long as that of Troy. 1823 Byron Age of Bronze xi, What is the simple standing of a shot, To listening long, and interrupting not? 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. II. vi. i, He busy meanwhile training a few thousands to stand fire and be soldiers. 1890 Illustr. Lond. News 13 Sept. 331/1 These virgin walls have stood unmoved a hundred assaults. 1891 Murray's Mag. Sept. 382 She was ready to stand fire rather than retreat. |
† c. To be exposed to (stress of weather, or the like). Obs.
1583 Stubbes Anat. Abus. ii. 41 If the poore come to their houses, their gates be shut against them, where they standing frost and snow, haile, wind or raine whatsoeuer, are forced to tary two houres. 1607 Shakes. Cor. v. iii. 74 Like a great Sea-marke standing euery flaw. 1726 Leoni Alberti's Archit. I. 45 a, Those parts..which stand all the changes of Weather..very soon decay. |
53. a. To endure, undergo, be submitted to (a trial, test, ordeal, or the like). Usually (cf. sense 54), to come through or sustain successfully, (be able) to bear (a test, etc.). Said also of things.
1606 Shakes. Ant. & Cl. i. iii. 74 And giue true euidence to his Loue, which stands An honourable Triall. 1610 ― Temp. iv. i. 7 All thy vexations Were but my trials of thy loue, and thou Hast strangely stood the test. 1712 Addison Spect. No. 409 ¶4 The celebrated Works of Antiquity, which have stood the Test of so many different Ages and Countries. 1742 Blair Grave 666 Pure as Silver from the Crucible, That twice has stood the Torture of the Fire And Inquisition of the Forge. 1814 Mrs. J. West Alicia de Lacy IV. 217 ‘Of what shall we hereafter stand question’, said the Earl of Hereford. 1822 Lamb Elia Ser. i. Artif. Comedy (init.), The business of their dramatic characters will not stand the moral test. 1825 New Monthly Mag. XV. 201 He has stood the ordeal of a London audience. 1890 Blackw. Mag. CXLVIII. 749/1 It would not be easy to get up a grievance which would stand a rigid examination. |
b. spec. to stand one's trial: to be tried by a court for an offence. Also slang, in the same sense, to stand the patter. † to stand suit: to allow oneself to be sued.
1667 Pepys Diary 27 Aug., Desiring that he may stand his trial in Parliament, if they will accuse him of any thing. 1685 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 344 Hee..sayes, hee wil stand suit, which if he doe, I know who wil get the better. 1726 Swift Gulliver i. vii, I sometimes thought of standing my trial. 1812 [see patter n.1 1 b]. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 5 Sept. 571/1 He was obliged to stand his trial for forgery. |
c. To submit to, offer to abide by (a judgement, decision, vote); to expose oneself to the chances of (a contested election: cf. 12).
a 1700 Evelyn Diary 30 Nov. 1682, I was exceedingly indanger'd and importun'd to stand the election [for President of the R. S.]. 1713 Addison Cato ii. ii, Bid him..Submit his actions to the publick censure, And stand the judgment of a Roman Senate. 1754 A. Murphy Gray's Inn Jrnl. No. 86 ¶10 They would not be at a Loss for a proper Representative..whenever the Author of the Polymetis should be willing to stand the Poll. 1774 Johnson Let. to G. Steevens 21 Feb. in Boswell, I am desirous of nominating you, if you care to stand the ballot. 1789 Mrs. Piozzi Journ. France I. Pref. 5 [It] induces authors to venture forth, and stand a public decision. 1858 J. Martineau Stud. Chr. 122 He who claims by the law, must stand the judgment of the law. 1889 Gretton Memory's Harkback 244, I thought that the Prince Consort was lowering his position by standing a contest for the office. 1891 Blackw. Mag. CL. 147/1 All through his career he never stood a contested election. |
d. to stand one's chance: to take one's chance, submit to what may befall one.
1796–7 Jane Austen Pride & Prej. ii, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand their chance. |
† e. To abide by, obey, remain loyal to (an ordinance, etc.). Obs. rare.
c 1450 Merlin vi. 99 The wise men and the high barouns..a-corded to stonde the ordenaunce of the archebisshop. 1573 Reg. Privy Council Scot. II. 265 Obleissis thame to stand and fulfill the injunctionis and articles quhilk wer aggreit be thame. |
54. To face, encounter without flinching or retreating (an issue, hazard, etc.). Also in weaker sense, to be exposed or liable to (hazard, fortunes). (Cf. stand to 76 f.)
1594 Shakes. Rich. III v. iv. 10 Slaue, I haue set my life vpon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the Dye. 1607 ― Timon v. ii. 5 We stand much hazard, if they bring not Timon. a 1619 Fletcher Knt. Malta iv. ii, I am sorry ye are so poor, so weak a Gentleman, Able to stand no fortune. 1667 Pepys Diary 2 Sept., He that serves a Prince must expect, and be contented to stand, all fortunes. 1705 Collier Ess. Mor. Subj. iii. Pain 16 'Twas a noble Act of Faith to throw themselves upon Providence, to stand the Event, and face Death under the most frightful Form. 1792 C. Smith Desmond I. 255 A gallant fellow, who had been in the former wars with the English, and stood the hazards of many a bloody day. |
† 55. To withstand, disobey, hold out against (a command). Obs. rare.
1605 Shakes. Lear iv. i. 71 (Qo.) The superfluous and lust⁓dieted man That stands [Fo. slaues] your ordinance. c 1800 Bob Norice vii. in Child Ballads II. 267 How daur you stand my bidding, Sir, Whan I bid you to flee? |
56. to stand one's ground: to maintain one's position against attack or opposition. Also fig.
1621 T. Williamson tr. Goulart's Wise Vieillard 99 Thou..wilt not from thy coullers flie, But stand thy ground couragiously. 1688 Lett. conc. Pres. State Italy 116 He could not have stood his ground in the Dispute. 1785 Jefferson Corr. Wks. 1859 I. 379, I have now no further fears of that Arret's standing its ground. 1804 Nicholl in Owen Wellesley Despatches (1877) 530, I directed the picquets to stand their ground. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. vi. II. 115 He could not stand his ground against competitors who were willing to pay such a price for the favour of the court. 1891 Strand Mag. Jan. 77/1 The donkey..bravely stood his ground. |
57. to stand a chance (also stand a good, poor, small, etc. chance; stand some, little, no chance): to be likely to meet with some (specified or implied) piece of fortune, some danger, some good or ill luck. Const. of (something, doing something), for.
1725 New Cant. Dict. s.v. Lay, He stands a queer Lay; He stands an odd Chance, or is in great Danger. 1736 T. Lediard Life of Marlborough I. 319 The Duke stood a very ticklish Chance. 1803 Pic Nic No. 13 (1806) II. 211 They stood a fair chance of going to hell. 1845 M. Pattison Ess. (1889) I. 18 Under such circumstances an obnoxious criminal stood..small chance of justice. 1848 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. IX. ii. 281 He would have stood a fair chance for a prize. 1861 Temple Bar II. 539 Grey will stand no chance. 1889 F. C. Philips Ainslie's Courtship I. vii. 100 He would stand no chance over the snow against your snow-shoes. |
58. To endure (a physical trial, hardship, etc.) without hurt or damage, without succumbing or giving way: a. of persons and animals.
1839 T. Mitchell Frogs of Aristoph. 73 note, A trumpet,..by which horses are proved, as to whether they will stand noises. 1853 Lytton My Novel i. ix, ‘But this climate—she could never stand it’, said Riccabocca. 1887 J. Coleman's Cattle etc. Gt. Brit. 349 The Shropshire is a hardy sheep,..standing moisture better than severe cold. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 19 Sept. 608/1 Drivers have to stand all weathers. 1903 Sir M. G. Gerard Leaves fr. Diaries ii. 47 The great heat renders the tiger comparatively helpless—as he cannot stand the sun. |
b. of things.
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters I. 56 Common glass stands the utmost degree of fire without waste. 1777 W. H. Marshall Minutes Agric. 28 Apr., The green-cole and brown-cole stood the winter very well. 1864 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XXV. ii. 360 Turnips will stand almost any amount of frost. 1875 F. J. Bird Dyer's Hand-bk. 45 Very fine shades of blue that will stand soaping. 1890 Temple Bar July 420 These dyes will not stand water. |
fig. 1885 Manch. Exam. 13 July 5/3 These luxuriant growths of Liberal aspirations will stand pruning. 1885 Law Times Rep. LIII. 480/2 To avoid..the consequences of having sent in a bill which would not stand taxation. |
59. a. To put up with, tolerate; (to be able or willing) to endure.
1626 G. Sandys Ovid's Met. x. 198 A Stag..who..well pleas'd would stand The gentle strokings of a stranger's hand. 1710 Steele Tatler No. 225 ¶2 It is often said, such an one cannot stand the Mention of such a Circumstance. 1750 Chesterfield Lett. III. ccxxxvi. 76 Till I am satisfied in these particulars, you and I must by no means meet: I could not possibly stand it. 1816 Scott Antiq. xliv, Weel, I thought there was naething but what your honour could bae studden in the way o' agreeable conversation. 1821 [see nonsense 1 c]. 1831 Palmerston in Bulwer Life II. viii. 93 England never would stand the occupation of the Tagus by the French. 1858 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. ii. iv. (1872) I. 66 Baiern..could not stand to be balked after twenty-years possession. 1869 Trollope He Knew, etc. lxv. (1878) 361 She..declared that she was not going to stand that kind of thing. 1891 19th Cent. Dec. 859 The Court cannot and will not stand..journalistic personalities about its members. |
b. Familiarly in more trivial sense (with negative expressed or implied): To reconcile oneself to, be favourably disposed to, feel any liking for (a repugnant or distasteful object).
1879 Mrs. Oliphant Within Precincts xx. II. 60 She could not stand that Manager fellow. I could not stand him myself. 1919 Conrad Arrow of Gold iv. ii. 162 Captain Blunt jumped up. ‘My mother can't stand tobacco smoke.’ 1949 ‘G. Orwell’ 1984 ii. iii. 134 ‘I could have stood it if it hadn't been for one thing,’ he said. 1964 I. Murdoch Italian Girl iii. 39 Do turn that music off, would you? I can't stand music in the background. 1981 E. A. Taylor Cable Car Murder (1983) xxiii. 170 Don't get me started on her; I can't stand her. |
60. to stand watch, to stand a or one's watch: to keep watch, perform the duty of a watch. Now chiefly Naut., to take part in the duty of a ‘watch’ during a prescribed time.
1605 Shakes. Macb. v. v. 33 As I did stand my watch vpon the Hill. c 1730 Ramsay Vision iv, My wakryfe mynd..still stude watch. 1883 Century Mag. XXVI. 911/1 Fenton stood the first watch. 1890 Chamb. Jrnl. 21 June 389/1 He's the ship's carpenter, and stands watch as second officer. |
61. a. colloq. to stand one's hand (to), to stand shot (to), rarely to stand the shot: to meet the expenses, pay the bill (for all): see shot n.1 23. Similarly to stand Sam, stand treat: see Sam n.1 1, treat n.1 4 d.
1821 [see shot n.1 23]. 1823–1887 [see Sam n.1 1]. 1837–1885 [see treat n.1 4 d]. 1883 J. Purves in Contemp. Rev. Sept. 356 At the one year's end and the beginning of the other, he must stand his hand like the rest. 1890 Sat. Rev. 3 May 61/2 Mr. Lowther..requested that his speech might be published..offering to take the consequences and stand the shot. 1892 H. Nisbet Bushranger's Sweetheart viii. 58, I used to see her..‘standing her hand’ liberally to all who happened to be in the bar. |
b. To bear the expense of, make a present of, pay for (a treat); to put up or make a present of (a sum of money), esp. as part of a larger amount sought. Const. to or dative of the recipient. colloq.
1835 Dickens Sk. Boz, Dancing Academy, Mr. Augustus Cooper..‘stood’ considerable quantities of spirits-and-water. 1840 Thackeray Shabby-genteel Story ii, I'll stand glasses round to his jolly good health! 1844 Dickens Let. 22 July (1977) IV. 157 If you should decide to come, I will very gladly stand {pstlg}10 of this Thirty. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair xiii, I know my father will stand something handsome. 1890 Lippincott's Mag. May 633 I'll stand you a dinner. 1891 Sat. Rev. 18 Apr. 482/1 They..stood drinks promiscuously to all-comers. 1914 G. B. Shaw Fanny's First Play i. 177, I cant pay the fine and get him out; but if youll stand 3 pounds I'll stand one; and thatll do it. 1970 G. F. Newman Sir, you Bastard viii. 214 Friends able to stand five-thousand pounds surety for his bail. |
c. With indirect obj. only = to stand drink for (a person or persons). colloq.
1894 M. Dyan All in Man's Keeping (1899) 173 Sit down here, and I'll stand you both. |
62. to stand the market: to attend market in order to sell goods or to hire oneself out. dial.
Cf. to overstand one's market s.v. market n. 6.
1866 W. Dobson Diary of P. Walkden 42 note, It was customary for carts with cannel to ‘stand the market’. 1886 Cheshire Gloss. s.v., Farmers' wives call it standing the market when they sell their butter, eggs, &c., in the open market instead of taking them to shops or from house to house. 1886 Ripon Chron. 4 Sept. 3/5 The first harvest hirings were held at Malton on Saturday, when there was a good number of men ‘standing the market’. |
63. Racing, etc. a. To bet, wager (a sum of money) on or about a result. ? Obs.
1804 S. Chifney Genius Genuine 155 The fellow had asked him to stand fifty guineas with him on the match. 1825 New Monthly Mag. XVI. 375 Made up my mind..to stand something about the double event, if I could get any thing worth having. |
b. To bet on the success of, ‘back’ (a horse).
1890 Daily News 10 Dec. 3/7 Backers were also well on the mark in standing Alfred for the Park selling Hurdle. 1891 Standard 9 Mar. 3/7, I shall stand Flower of the Forest for the..Hunters' Steeplechase. 1892 Ibid. 25 July 2/5, I shall stand him to carry his 12lb. penalty successfully. |
64. Hunting. Of a dog: To set (game). Cf. 4 c.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting viii. 333 Juno returns and stands them one after another. 1892 Field 7 May 671/3 He finds his birds, and stands them well. |
** Causative.
65. a. To cause to stand; to place or leave standing; to set (a thing) upright; to place firmly or steadily in a specified position. Also with advs., as up. Only colloq. or in familiar writing.
1837 Dickens Pickw. xxvi, The pretty house-maid had stood the candle on the floor. 1848 ― Dombey ii, A plump and apple-faced boy, whom he stood down on the floor. 1848 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. IX. ii. 560 Sharpen the pole..and stand it in the ground. 1850 Dickens Dav. Copp. xxxii A low iron [fender], with two flat bars at top to stand plates upon. 1873 M. Collins Squire Silchester I. i. 17 She would..stand her in a corner if she gave herself airs. 1878 Scribner's Monthly XV. 763/1, I stood my rifle against a tree. 1889 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Crooked Path I. v. 153 I've stood them [a chest of drawers] open all last night. 1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dram. News 17 Dec. 494/3 We recommend the driver to stand his horse in running water. 1894 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. June 230 Owners were compelled to resort to the fields near the borough to stand their horses. 1905 Wastell & Bayley Hand Camera 126 The negatives..may be stood up to dry... They must not be stood close together in a rack. |
b. refl. rare.
1848 Dickens Dombey xxv, The Captain then stood himself up in a corner, against the wall. |
VI. With prepositions. (The more literal and obvious meanings are left to be inferred from the simple senses above and those of the various prepositions.)
66. stand about ―. a. lit. To surround; = L. circumstare.
c 1368 Chaucer Compl. Pite 36 Aboute hir herse there stoden lustely..Bounte parfyt [etc.]. 1535 Coverdale Job xxix. 4 When my housholde folkes stode aboute me. 1849 M. Arnold Sick King Bokhara 105 They who stood about the King. |
† b. fig. To spend time upon, stay to consider, wait for (something to be done). Obs.
c 1555 Towrson in Hakluyt Voy. (1599) II. ii. 30 As for their arrowes, I haue not as yet seene any of them, for they had wrapped them up close, and because I was busie I could not stand about it, to haue them open them. 1579 Fulke Refut. Rastell 708, I will not stand about this trifling cauil. |
67. stand against, † again(s ―. a. To stand and face (an antagonist, etc.); to withstand, oppose, resist. Also, to resist successfully, hold one's ground against. Said also of things. (Cf. 10 and again-stand v.)
a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 1048 Þæh him lað wære þæt hi onᵹean heora cyne-hlaford standan sceoldan. c 1200 Ormin 2785 He maȝȝ stanndenn wel onnȝæn Þe deofell wiþþ swillc wæpenn. a 1300 Cursor M. 4096 Þi bod i aght noght to stand agayn. c 1330 Arth. & Merl. 4842 Armes non, ywrouȝt wiþ hond, Oȝain his dent no miȝt stond. a 1400–50 Wars Alex. 1322 Was nane sa stiffe in þat stoure miȝt stand him agayn. c 1450 Merlin 1 Our strengthes..may nought..again him stonde in no diffence. 1593 R. Bancroft Dang. Posit. iv. xii. 173 That the people are inflamed with zeale, and that it is impossible to stand against it. 1687 Burnet Contin. Reply to Varillas 102 He finding that he was not able to stand against so strong a Party, submitted himself to them. 1820 Scott Monast. Introd. Ep., I hae fund something now that stands again' the spade, as if it were neither earth nor stane. 1833 J. Nyren Yng. Cricketer's Tutor 114 He [Aylward] had to stand against the finest bowling of the day—that of Lumpy. 1881 Mrs. E. Lynn Linton My Love II. viii. 156, I will not stand against your happiness. 1890 Conan Doyle Firm of Girdlestone xi. 85 No firm could stand against such a run of bad luck. |
† b. To feel repugnance for. Obs.
1551 Robinson tr. More's Utopia i. (1895) 36 [Ought I to advance myself] to a welthyer condition..by that meanes that my mynde standethe cleane agaynst [a qua abhorret animus]? |
68. stand at ―. † a. To abide by, obey (a decree, etc.) (Cf. stand to 76 a.) Obs.
c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 160/1874 Þat heo don sikernesse for-to stonde at holi churche lawe And to þe lokinge of holi churche. c 1386 Chaucer Prol. 778 And if yow lyketh alle, by oon assent, ffor to stonden at my Iuggement. c 1480 Henryson Fables, Fox, Wolf & Husbandman 81 Ȝe sall be sworne to stand at my decreit. 1581 Exch. Rolls Scot. XXI. 551 Bayth the saidis parties oblissis thame to stand and abyid thairat bot any reclaming. |
† b. To assist or be present at. Obs. rare—1.
1746 Hervey Medit. (1818) 79, I..must stand at the dissolution of all terrestrial things, and be an attendant on the burial of nature. |
c. To stick, hesitate or scruple at; to allow oneself to be deterred, impeded or checked by.
1756–7 tr. Keysler's Trav. (1760) I. 2 Men of large fortunes stand at no price for Swiss cattle. 1808 Sporting Mag. XXXII. 122 We don't stand at a trifle. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. v. v, To stand at no obstacles; to heed no considerations, human or divine. 1890 F. C. Philips & Wills Sybil Ross xx. 147 He is not a man who stands at trifles. |
69. stand before ―. a. To continue in the presence of, attend upon (a lord). Chiefly Biblical: see concordances.
c 1200 Ormin 206 Witt tu þatt icc amm Gabriæl Þatt æfre & æfre stannde Biforenn Godd, to lutenn himm. c 1400 Rule St. Benet (Prose) 19 Loke ye do yure seruise als ye stode by-fore god almihti. c 1440 Gesta Rom. xlviii. 211 (Addit. MS.) [He] stode atte borde before the Erle, and served hym curtesly [Harl. gentilmanly stode afore him]. |
b. To come or be brought into the presence of, to confront (a person or assembly, a king, judge, tribunal, etc.).
a 1225 Leg. Kath. 632 Hwen ȝe stondeð biforen kinges & eorles, ne þenche ȝe neauer hwet ne hu ȝe schulen seggen. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. Prol. 183 A mous..Stroke forth sternly and stode biforn hem alle. c 1386 Chaucer Man of Law's T. 520 For as the lomb toward his deeth is brought So stant this Innocent bifore the kyng. c 1450 tr. De Imitatione i. xxiv. 32 In all þinges beholde þe ende, & how þou shalt stonde before þe rightwise Juge. 1526 Tindale Rev. xx. 12 And I sawe the deed, both grett and smale stonde before God. 1819 S. Rogers Human Life 586 Alone before his judges in array [He] Stands for his life. |
c. To confront (an adversary). Usually with can etc. negatively or interrogatively: To maintain one's ground against. (Cf. 10.)
For Bible examples (lit. from Heb.), see concordances.
c 1205 Lay. 21377 Her stondeð us biuoren vre ifan alle icoren. 1652 Needham tr. Selden's Mare Cl. 51 None was able to stand before him either by Sea or Land. 1721 De Foe Mem. Cavalier (1840) 87 Nothing could stand before them; the Spanish army..was everywhere defeated. 1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Hist. Eng. xlviii. 485 The Cavaliers could not stand before them. |
† d. To protect, shield (a person) by placing oneself in front of him. Obs. rare.
c 1205 Lay. 25938 For ȝif he cumeð a-bolȝen mid his balu ræsen, nes he neuere iboren þe maȝen stonden þe biuoren. |
e. Hunting. Of a fox: To hold out when pursued by (hounds). Cf. stand up 103 h.
1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dram. News 26 Nov. 400/3 A bag fox stood before hounds for two hours and a quarter till the pack were called off. |
70. stand by ―. a. lit. To station oneself or remain stationed beside (a person); usually as a helper, advocate, sympathizer, or the like (passing into sense c).
c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 3666 Ches ðe nu her seuenti Wise men to stonden ðe bi. c 1275 Passion of our Lord 163 in O.E. Misc. 42 Þer com of heuene on engel and stod hym vaste by. 14.. 26 Pol. Poems 53/77 And euere by trouþe stondes wreche, For wreche is goddis champioun. 1611 Bible Zech. iv. 14 These are the two annointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. a 1700 Evelyn Diary 7 Dec. 1680, He had likewise the assistance of what Counsel he would, to direct him in his plea, who stood by him. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. v. I. 666 His son and daughter stood by him at the bar. |
b. Naut. To prepare to work (a gun, rope, etc.).
1669 Sturmy Mariner's Mag. v. xii. 46 When they be required to stand by a great Gun in time of Fight. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., To stand by a rope, is to take hold of it; the anchor, prepare to let go. 1897 Ansted Dict. Sea Terms, Stand by.—An order to be ready to do something; as ‘Stand by the anchor’, i.e. make ready to let go the anchor. |
c. fig. (cf. a). To support, assist, protect, defend (a person, a cause, etc.); to uphold the interests of, take the side of, be faithful or loyal to.
1530 Palsgr. 733/1, I stande by, or I assyste a man in an acte, je assiste. Go to it, man, be nat a frayde, I wyll stande by the who so ever come. a 1586 Sidney Ps. x. vii, Lift up thy heav'nly hand, And by the silly stand. 1681 Nevile Plato Rediv. 263 That if they could make an honest Government, they should be stood by (as the Word then was) by the Army. 1687 Jas. II in Magd. Coll. (O.H.S.) 218, I will stand by them who stand by me. 1768 Boswell Corsica ii. 100 The house of Matra in Corsica, which stood by the republick. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xvii. IV. 54 To stand by the liberties of England and the Protestant religion, and, if necessary, to die for them. 1855 Trollope Warden iii, Surely he was bound to stand by his order. 1874 Stubbs Const. Hist. I. x. 316 The clergy stood by the king in his struggle with the feudatories. |
† Of a thing. a 1770 Jortin Serm. (1787) IV. 35 This amiable quality will stand by him, will be a protector and benefactor to him in all stations. |
d. To adhere to, maintain, abide by (a statement, agreement or the like).
c 1386 Chaucer Wife's T. 159 Thy lyf is sauf, for I wol stond therby, Vp-on my lyf, the queene wol seye as I. c 1400 Brut 329, & þese þingez þey profered hem self, if þe King wold, certey[n]ly to preue & stonde by. 1693 in Picton L'pool. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 300 Whatever Ald{supm} Clayton shall do..y⊇ town will confirme and stand by. 1849 Tait's Mag. XVI. 158/1 We mean to stand by the assertion. 1891 Review of Rev. 15 Sept. 229/2 The Queen has..avowed her serious purpose to stand by her oath. |
† e. To rest or depend upon; to be caused by, derived from, or owing to. Obs.
1471 Paston Lett. III. 31 And ther ayenst ye shold loose iij li. of the ferme of the maner yerly, whych standyth by undyr wood. 1477 Rolls of Parlt. VI. 188/1 The defense of this Lond stondeth moche by Archers. 1530 Palsgr. 733/1 This towne standeth by artificers: ceste ville se mayntient par gens mecanicques. 1547 Boorde Introd. Knowl. iv. (1870) 137 Muche of theyr lyuyng standeth by stelyng and robbyng. 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie ii. i. (Arb.) 78 It is said by such as professe the Mathematicall sciences, that all things stand by proportion. |
† f. To approach in character or quality; to be nearly related to. Obs. rare.
c 1530 Judic. Urines ii. vii. 26 b, Vryne that is Ielowe and standet most by whyttenes. Ibid. ii. viii. 32 b, Color Citrine standith by color rubea & by fleume, but more by color rubea than by fleume. |
71. stand for ―. a. To uphold, defend (a cause, etc.); to support, take the part of (a person). Also, † to stand hard for.
a 1300 Cursor M. 18933 To stand ai stitli for þe fai, And thrali preche al crist lai. c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 24 For to meyntene goddis lawe and stond for his worschipe. 1567 Gude & Godlie B. (S.T.S.) 142 For Christis word se ȝe stand for it. 1593 R. Bancroft Dang. Posit. iv. xiv. 179 Certaine..men..would shortly take vpon them the defence of the cause, which he and his brethren in prison stood-for. 1642 Prince Rupert his Declaration 6 The Lord prosper the worke of their hands who stand for God and King Charles. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 34 ¶10 Every Man at first stood hard for his Friend. 1842 Browning Cavalier Tunes i. i, Kentish Sir Byng stood for his King. 1847 Tennyson Princess v. 169, I beheld her, when she rose..and storming in extremes, Stood for her cause. |
† b. To insist on, urge (a view, proposal, etc.); to support, maintain (a theory, thesis); to strive for, try to obtain or bring about, insist on having. Also, to stand hard for. to stand for't, ? to defend one's claim as against others. Obs.
1531 Abstr. Protocols Town Clerks of Glasgow (1897) IV. 39 Gaef sa beis that ther be ony mair Anwell tane nor fyf crownis..the sayd Robert or his airis sall pas to the toder part and stand for raleyf of the samyne. 1616 B. Jonson Devil an Ass i. vi. 36 All that pretend, to stand for't o' the Stage. 1618 Bolton Florus iii. xii. (1636) 212 What cause was there why the People of Rome should stand so hard for fields or food [agros et cibaria flagitaret]? 1643 Trapp Comm. Gen. xlviii. 19 The Jewish converts stood hard for a mixture of Christ and Moses. 1676 H. More Remarks Contents b v, That Experiment of Regius..can be no instance of such an Attraction and Rarefaction as this Author stands for. 1690 Norris Beatitudes (1694) I. 41 But that which I stand for is this, That we ought not [etc.]. 1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World 165 He stands more for his honour than any money. |
† c. I stand for it (written also foird, forde), as parenthesis = I warrant, I'll go bail for it. Sc.
c 1480 Henryson Mor. Fab. iii. (Cock & Fox) xxiv, Than will thay stint, I stand for it, and not steir. 1535 Lyndesay Satyre 3982 Thou art an limmer, I stand foird. 1570 Satir. Poems Reform. xiv. 103, I stand forde. |
† d. to stand in wax for: to be legal security for (another). Obs.
1608 Yorksh. Trag. i, He has consumed al, pawnd his lands, and made his vniversitie brother stand in waxe for him—Thers a fine phrase for a scrivener. |
† e. Of custom, sentiments: To be on the side of. Obs.
1581 Mulcaster Positions xxxviii. (1887) 168 Seeing my countrie giues me leaue, and her custome standes for me. 1788 New London Mag. 428 The King's affections standing for this disposition of the crown, he was gained at last to ouerlook his sisters and break through his father's will. |
f. To be reckoned or alleged for; to be counted or considered as; to serve in lieu of. to stand for nothing, to be worthless, of no avail; to stand for something, to have some value or importance. Also with dative of person.
a 1300 Cursor M. 9972 It es vs sett als in þe marche, And standes vs for sceild and targe Agains all vre wiþerwyns. Ibid. 26601 And for þe scam man thinc scriuand, It sal for part o penance stand. c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. iv. pr. ii. (1868) 112 Yif power fayleþ þe wille nis but in ydel and stant for nauȝt. 1563 Becon Reliques of Rome 211 b, For that daye y{supt} he heareth a masse,..if a man die: it shall stand hym for hys housell. 1579 Gosson Sch. Abuse (Arb.) 51 Iupiter himself shall stand for example. 1659 N. R. Prov., Eng. Fr. etc. 54 He stands for a Cipher. 1686 tr. Chardin's Trav. Persia 23 The two Audiences which he had receiv'd should stand for nothing. 1863 Mrs. Oliphant Salem Chapel ii. 28 He began to divine faintly,..that external circumstances do stand for something. |
† g. Of a money-payment: To be reckoned sufficient for, to free from obligation. Obs.
1389 in Eng. Gilds (1870) 10 And ȝif þe man wil haue his wyf a suster, þan schal þ{supt} paiement stonde for hem bothe. |
h. To represent, be in the place of, take the place of, do duty for.
1567 Sanders Rocke of Churche ii. 31 According to the Greeke phrase (where the comparatiue standeth for the superlatiue). 1595 W. W[arner] Plautus' Menæcmi i. ii. (1779) 119 Cylindrus. That's ten persons in all. Erotium. How many? Cylindrus. Ten, for I warrant you that Parasite may stand for eight at his vittels. 1596 Shakes. 1 Hen. IV, ii. iv. 477 Doe thou stand for mee, and Ile play my Father. 1612 Chapman Rev. Bussy D'Ambois iii. iii. 5 You two onely Stand for our Armie. 1861 Paley æschylus (ed. 2) Supplices 968 note, Here therefore ταῦτα seems to stand for τάδε. 1889 Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xxxii. 359, I had now to attend to my appearance, for in truth I might have stood for one of those gory giants with whom [etc.]. |
i. To represent by way of symbol or sign; to be an expression or emblem of.
1612 Brinsley Lud. Lit. 25 As if you aske what [number] I. stands for, what V. what X. what L. &c. 1662 J. Davies tr. Mandelslo's Trav. 226 These Figures stand not for any word that hath any particular signification in their Language. 1729 Butler Serm. Wks. 1874 II. Pref. 7 It is impossible that words can always stand for the same ideas, even in the same author. 1823 Mirror I. 165/2 C stands for Cupid. 1911 Petrie Revolutions of Civilisation v. 95 In architecture, Salisbury Cathedral stands for the perfect acquirement of freedom and grace without the least trace of over-elaboration. |
j. To represent by way of specimen.
1593 Shakes. Lucr. 1428 A hand, a foote, a face, a leg, a head, Stood for the whole to be imagined. |
k. Naut. To sail or steer towards. (Cf. 36.)
1628 Digby Voy. Mediterr. (Camden) 13, I stood for the Barbarie shore. 1748 Anson's Voy. i. x. 105 We stood for the Island of Juan Fernandez. 1814 Scott Diary 11 Aug. in Lockhart (1837) III. 181 We are standing for some creek or harbour, called Ringholm-bay. 1861 Smiles Engineers II. 36 Wearing ship, they stood once more for the coast. |
l. to stand (as candidate, as sponsor) for: see senses 12, 15 b.
m. To endure, put up with, tolerate. Cf. sense 59. colloq. (orig. U.S.).
1896 Ade Artie xii. 107 They say they can't stand for that kind o' work. 1911 R. W. Chambers Common Law x. 282 It's going to be hard for her. She can't stand for a mutt—and it's the only sort that will marry her. 1916 E. V. Lucas Vermilion Box lxvi. 72 So crabbed and odd and disagreeable that the store let him go... Two weeks ago he lost his position in the country store. Even that place could not stand for him. 1927 Punch 20 Apr. 428/1 The English public, it appears, will only stand for American films. 1952 M. Laski Village xix. 265 Me and Dad have stood for a lot of things..but there's one thing we won't stand for and that's any hole-and-corner business. 1967 N. Freeling Strike out where not Applicable 77 Marguerite wouldn't have stood for being humiliated. 1973 E.-J. Bahr Nice Neighbourhood i. 6 He was a man who just purely couldn't stand for anyone..to be asleep when he was awake. |
72. stand in ―. a. To be dressed in, to be actually wearing. ? Obs. (Cf. stand up 103 g.)
13.. Coer de L. 830 Sche rent the robe that sche in stod. c 1374 Chaucer Troylus ii. 534 So sore hath she me wounded That stod in blak wyth lokyng of here eyen. 1423 Jas. I Kingis Q. lxxxviii, Tho that thou seis stond in capis wyde. ? a 1500 Merch. & Son 206 in Hazl. E.P.P. I. 146 Gode had he no more, but ryght as he in stode. 1616 B. Jonson Devil an Ass i. vi. 64, I am, Sir, to inioy this cloake, I stand in, Freely, and as your gift. |
† b. To persevere or persist in, remain obstinate or steadfast in (a state, course of action, purpose, opinion, assertion). Obs.
a 1300 Cursor M. 18697 Mistru noght þat es to tru, Bot stand in stedfast trouth fra nu. 1390 Gower Conf. I. 141 The sinne Which thou hast longe stonden inne. c 1400 Rule St. Benet, etc. 143 Giffe sho standis in hir purpose eftir þe space of sex monethes. 1553 R. Ascham in Lett. Lit. Men (Camden) 14 And in this myne opinion I stand the more gladlie. 1586 H. Barrowe Exam. (1593) B iij, I said that sin, obstinatly stood in, did excommunicate. 1595 in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ. V. 350 The martyr..answered ‘No’, in which denialle he stoode before the Judges eaven to his last end. a 1632 T. Taylor God's Judgements i. i. x. (1642) 27 Trajan..caused five holy Virgins to be burned for standing in the profession of the Truth. |
† c. to stand in it: to remain firm or obstinate, persist in one's purpose or attitude; esp. to persist in asserting, maintain stoutly (followed by clause with or without that). Similarly, to stand in this (that..). Obs.
1572 tr. Buchanan's Detect. Mary Q. Scots E iiij b, Quhen he had stoode in it a quhile and wald nat appeare.., at length constraynit with feare of exile and punitioun, he yelded. 1583 T. Stocker Civ. Warres Lowe C. iv. 30 b, Except the Prior and three others of his Couent, who obstinately stood in it, and therefore were likewise..tourned out of the Toune. 1610 Healey St. Aug. Citie of God xiii. xvii. (1620) 457 They stand in this also, that earthly bodies cannot be eternal. 1682 N. O. Boileau's Lutrin iv. Arg., This Counter-Scuffle, I dare stand in't, The Goddess Discord had a hand in't. 1682 Bunyan Holy War (1905) 279 Both [= each] would stand in it that he told the truth. 1712 Steele Spect. No. 534 ¶1 This cunning Hussey can lay Letters in my way..and then stand in it she knows nothing of it. |
† d. To dwell on, enlarge upon, discuss at large, insist on (a topic, a point in argument). Also to stand long in. Obs.
a 1556 Chancelour in Hakluyt Voy. (1598) I. 238, I will not stande in description of their buildinges. 1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Fam. Love 16 b, Is ech circumstance to be sifted and stode in? 1606 G. Woodcocke Hist. Ivstine xii. 52 When Clytus..defended the fame of Phillip, and stoode in the praise of his Noble and worthy acts. 1618 W. Lawson New Orch. & Garden iii. (1623) 6, I haue stood somewhat long in this point. |
† e. To insist upon having. Obs. rare—1.
1588 Shakes. Tit. A. iv. iv. 105 And if he stand in [Fol. 4 and mod. edd. on] Hostage for his safety, Bid him demaund what pledge will please him best. |
† f. to stand in..terms: to be in a specified relation, on a certain footing with (a person). Also (without with), to be in a specified state or condition. Obs.
1543, 1653 [see term n. 9 a]. 1600 Holland Livy xxii. xxii. 445 Whiles Spaine stood in these tearms [hoc statu rerum in Hispania]. Ibid. xxxi. x. 779 He then addressed his letters unto the Senate, signifying in how bad termes the province stood [quo in tumultu prouincia esset]. 1633 Bp. Hall Hard Texts Ps. li. 12 How can I, O Lord, be other then..miserable, whiles I stand in these termes with thee? |
† g. to stand in terms: to dispute or contend with (a person). Obs.
a 1562 G. Cavendish Wolsey (1893) 178 Sir, I do not entend to stand in termes with yow in this matter. a 1568 R. Ascham Scholem. i. (Arb.) 58 To contrarie, or to stand in termes with an old man, was more heinous, than in som place, to rebuke and scolde with his owne father. |
h. Of things: † To reside or inhere in; to be an attribute of (obs.); to rest or depend upon (something) as its ground of existence (arch.).
a 1300 Cursor M. 22251 O rome Imparre þe dignite Ne mai na wai al perist be, For in þaa kinges sal it stand Ai to-quils þai ar lastand. c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 78 Whanne presthod stod in holy prestis of lif & studiouse & kunnynge. 1450–80 tr. Secreta Secret. xxvii. 20 It is well perilous whan the lyf of a man stondith in the wille of oo persone. 1538 Starkey England 79 In them [the yeomanry] stondyth the chefe defence of Englond. 1549 Bk. Com. Prayer, Matins, O God..in knowledge of whome standeth oure eternall life. 1639 Fuller Holy War ii. xl. (1640) 98 Victory standeth as little in the number of souldiers, as verity in the plurality of voyces. 1895 J. Denney Stud. Theol. ix. 223 A faith standing not in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. |
† i. To consist of, have as its essence. Obs.
c 1386 Chaucer Merch. T. 778 Somme clerkes holden that felicitee Stant in delit. c 1400 Rom. Rose 5581 Richesse stont in suffisaunce And no-thing in habundaunce. c 1460 Fortescue Abs. & Lim. Mon. vi. (1885) 120 The kynges yerely expenses stonden in charges ordinarie, and in charges extra ordinarie. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 1 The selfe pilgrymage, which consysteth or standeth in vij dayes iourney. 1551 T. Wilson Logic (1580) 83 b, They fell to reasonyng with argumentes, that..stoode in plaine buffettes. 1612 T. Taylor Comm. Titus i. 8. (1619) 177 The consecration stood likewise in fowre things. |
† 73. stand of ―. a. To consist of. (Cf. 72 i.) Obs.
1390 Gower Conf. II. 84 Of bodies sevene in special With foure spiritz joynt withal Stant the substance of this matiere. 1564–5 Form Prayers Genev. & Scot. (1584) M 8 b, Which Church we call vniuersall, because it consisteth and standeth of all tongues and Nations. 1600 Holland Livy xxxii. xvi. 818 There were two Armadaes set out of Asia, the one..consisting of foure and twentie saile of Quinqueremes: the other..stood of twentie covert ships with decks and hatches. 1654 Z. Coke Logick 147 An induction standing of particular propositions. |
b. By substitution of of for on: To dwell or insist on (a point); = stand on 74 j. Obs.
1599 Thynne Animadv. (1875) 66 Whereof I wyll not stande at this tyme. |
74. stand on ―. † a. In fig. phrases with literal wording: see 78 a.
1579 Lyly Euphues (Arb.) 117 Stande thou on thy pantuffles, and shee will vayle bonnet. 1594 [see pantofle b]. |
b. To base one's arguments or argumentative position on, ‘take one's stand on’. Cf. 78 c.
1613 Shakes. Hen. VIII, v. i. 123 The good I stand on, is my Truth and Honestie. 1693 Congreve Old Bach. Prol., So, standing only on his good Behaviour, He's very civil, and entreats your Favour. 1864 Newman Apol. ii. (1904) 31/2 As to the Sacraments and Sacramental rites, I stood on the Prayer Book. |
c. Of an immaterial thing: To be grounded or based on. † Also, to be contingent on; to consist in or arise from. Obs. Cf. 78 d.
c 888 ælfred Boeth. xxxix. §2 Nu ic onᵹite openlice ðæt sio soðe ᵹesælð stent on godra monna ᵹeearnunga. c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. 107 Penitence..stant on [Harl. stondith in]. iij. thynges: Contricioun of herte, Confession of Mouth, and Satisfaccion. 1430–40 Lydg. Bochas ix. xiii. (1555) 25 All stant on chaunge. c 1449 Pecock Repr. i. ii. 11 If this treuthe..were knowe bi sum other thing than bi Holi Scripture.., thilk..trouth were not groundid in Holi Scripture. Forwhi he stood not oonli ther on. a 1529 Skelton P. Sparowe 366 Of fortune this the chaunce Standeth on varyaunce. 1662 Stillingfl. Orig. Sacræ i. i. §15 The rational evidence which our faith doth stand on as to these things. |
† d. Of a material thing: = 78 e. Obs.
1563 T. Gale Antidot. ii. 7 b, Cataplasmes, be medicines standing on herbes, flowres, oiles [etc.]. |
† e. To give oneself to, practise (some kind of action or behaviour). Obs.
1590 Shakes. Com. Err. i. ii. 80 Or I shall breake that merrie sconce of yours That stands on tricks, when I am vndispos'd. 1592 ― Rom. & Jul. ii. iii. 93 O let us hence, I stand on sudden hast. 1600 Rowlands Lett. Humours Blood xxxvii. 44 Come nimbly foorth, Why stand you on delay? 1661 Cal. St. Papers, Irel. 406 Divers malefactors..stood on their keeping, robbing and spoiling his Majesty's good subjects. |
f. to stand on terms, † stand on condition: see 78 f.
1561 Norton & Sackv. Gorboduc v. i. 95 While we treate and stand on termes of grace. 1586 [see term n. 8 b 6]. 1593 Shakes. Rich. II, ii. iii. 107 Let me know my Fault, On what Condition stands it, and wherein? 1599 ― Hen. V, iii. vi. 78 What termes the Enemy stood on. 1611 Cotgr., s.v. Bout, Se tenir sur le haut bout, to stand vpon his pantofles, or on high tearmes. 1639 Fuller Holy War iii. x. 126 Whilest Guy stood on these ticklish terms, King Richard made a seasonable motion. 1824 Scott St. Ronan's xviii, We must stand, however, on more equal terms, my lord. |
g. To be meticulously careful or scrupulous about, raise difficulties about (nice points, ceremony, etc.); = 78 g.
a 1593 Marlowe Edw. II iv. vi. 1925 Stand not on titles, but obay th' arrest. 1593 Shakes. 2 Hen. VI, iii. i. 261 And doe not stand on Quillets how to slay him. c 1611 Chapman Iliad ii. 355 Good Menelaus..would not stand, on inuitation, But of himselfe came. 1682 N. O. Boileau's Lutrin ii. 70 And if to gratifie thy Itch, (my Honey,) I stood not on th' nice points of Matrimony. 1753 J. Collier Art Torment., Gen. Rules (1811) 189 People, who love civil freedom, and stand not on forms and ceremonies. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. II. i. ii, That is the precisest calculation, though one would not stand on a few hundreds. 1861 Temple Bar I. 500 Simple people, who never stood on ceremony with their friends. 1886 Mrs. C. Praed Miss Jacobsen II. xvii. 289, I'm not going to stand on nice points of law. |
h. To assert, claim respect or credit for (one's rights, qualities, dignity, etc.); = 78 i.
1598 B. Jonson Ev. Man in Hum. i. i, Stand not so much on your gentility. 1616 [Gainsford] Rich Cabinet 54 Hee..stands as tightly on his reputation, and hath his pedegree as perfect as any man. 1679 Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) I. 17 Mr. Langhorn, who was lately executed on account of the plott, stood on his innocence to the last. 1820 Scott Monast. xiii, If they should stand on their pedigree and gentle race. 1823 A. Clarke Mem. Wesley Fam. 521 Her uncle Matthew, who stood high on his honour. 1883 Law Rep. 23 Chanc. Div. 711 The facts are not such that we can say they have precluded themselves from standing on their strict rights. 1890 Sat. Rev. 19 July 76/1 Possibly he may stand on his dignity, being a self-respecting animal. |
† i. To value, set store by (something external to oneself); = 78 j. Obs.
1601 Shakes. Jul. C. ii. ii. 13, I neuer stood on Ceremonies, Yet now they fright me. |
† j. To dwell on, consider (a topic); to insist on (a point or argument); = 78 k. Obs.
1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 2684 On þis part I wille na langer stand, Bot passe to another neghest folowand. 1573 New Custom i. ii. B ij b, Standst thou with mee on schole poyntes, dost thou so in deede? c 1585 [R. Browne] Answ. Cartwright 34 How corrupt doctrine this is, I neede not heere stand on it. 1653 H. Cogan tr. Pinto's Trav. ix. 26 In a word, and not to stand long on that which past between them. 1658 Whole Duty Man xvi. 350 The great prevailing of this sin of uncharitablenesse has made me stand thus long on these considerations. |
k. To insist on, as essential or necessary, urge, press for, demand; = 78 m. ? Obs.
1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV i. ii. 42 A Rascally-yea-forsooth-knaue, to beare a Gentleman in hand, and then stand vpon Security? 1616 B. Jonson Devil an Ass iii. iii. 83 What is't? a hundred pound? Eve. No, th' Harpey, now, stands on a hundred pieces. 1816 Scott Let. in Lockhart (1837) IV. 19 He proposes I shall have twelve months' bills—I have always got six. However, I would not stand on that. |
† l. impers. (It) behoves, is incumbent on; = 78 q.
1605 Shakes. Lear v. i. 69 For my state, Stands on me to defend, not to debate. 1820 Wilbraham Chesh. Gloss., To Stand a person on, is to be incumbent on him. It stands every one on to take care of himself. |
m. In (chiefly imp.) phr. stand on me, (you may) rely on me, believe me. Cf. stand upon sense 78 c. slang.
1933 Cornh. Mag. June 697 'E'll finish like a crab—stand on me fer that. 1935 Wallace & Curtis Mouthpiece i. 17 If any of your clients ever want to go abroad..in a hurry—never mind about passports, eh? Just stand on me. 1959 F. Norman (title) Stand on me, a true story of Soho. 1970 G. F. Newman Sir, you Bastard i. 35 You'll be all right, stand on me. |
75. stand over ―. To stand close by and watch or control (a person who is seated, lying down, or stationed on a lower level). Also transf. in extended use; Austral. slang, to intimidate or threaten; to extort money from (someone).
c 1330 Amis & Amil. 1972 The lazer lith vp in a wain... And ouer him stode a naked swain. 1737 Gentl. Mag. VII. 182/2 Sir Thomas is represented,..laid at Length on his Back, with the Figure of Time standing over him. 1851 Ruskin King Gold. Riv. iii. (1856) 32 Sobering them just enough to enable them to stand over Gluck, beating him very steadily for a quarter of an hour. 1932 V. Woolf Pargiters (1978) 31 Miss Edwards, the small dressmaker,..could cut out quite well, but one had to stand over her. 1939 K. Tennant Foveaux 173, I just had Thompson in here and he stood over me for three quid. 1940 Punch 24 Apr. 449/2, I could occasionally leave her to wash up a few cups or something like that without actually standing over her the whole time. 1953 K. Tennant Joyful Condemned iii. 21 There's many a man thought he was going to stand over some little lowie and now he's..looking through the bars. 1967 K. Giles Death & Mr Prettyman ii. 58 [Australian loq.] You could stand over—pardon, persecute me. 1978 D. Francis Trial Run vii. 105, I should stand over them... Make yourself a bit of a nuisance, so they send it [sc. a Telex] to get rid of you. |
76. stand to ―. (Also unto, † till, † until.) † a. To submit oneself to, abide by (a trial, award); to obey, accede to, be bound by (another's judgement, decision, opinion, etc.). (Cf. stand at 68 a.) Obs.
c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 160/1882 To holi churche heo wolden stonde and to is lokinge al-so. a 1300 Cursor M. 26249 To biscop dome þou agh to stand. 1338 R. Brunne Chron. (1725) 58 Þerfor Godwyn & his fro London went away, He stode vntille no more, defaute he mad þat day. c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. 483 To stonde gladly to the award of hise souereyns. 1457 Hardyng Chron. in Eng. Hist. Rev. (1912) Oct. 747 Scottes..to Berwyke cam..And bonde thaym thar to stonde to his decre. 1584 Lyly Campaspe i. iii. 76 In kinges causes I will not stande to schollers arguments. 1616 A. Champney Voc. Bps. 21 Such a Reformer is not bound to stand to the judgement of the Church. 1692 Bentley Boyle Lect. vi. 5 Will they not stand to the grand Verdict and Determination of the Universe? 1700 J. Tyrrell Hist. Eng. II. 889 The King summon'd [them] to appear.., and stand to the Law. |
† b. To leave oneself dependent upon (another's mercy, courtesy, etc.). See courtesy 2 b. Obs.
c 1449 Pecock Repr. iii. v. 305 Forto stonde to deuocioun of the peple in ȝeuing and offring. 1584 B. R. tr. Herodotus ii. 103 That in case the party..woulde disclose himselfe, and stande to his mercy, he [the King] woulde..yeeld him free pardon. 1614 Rich Honestie of Age (1844) 13 He must stande to the mercy of twelue men; a jury shall passe vppon him. 1650 Fuller Pisgah ii. ix. 187 He was contented to stand to the peoples courtesie, what they would bestow upon him. 1697 Collier Ess. ii. (1703) 153 He that has the business of life at his own disposal..needs not stand to the curtesy of knavery and folly. 1722 [see courtesy 2 b]. |
c. To apply oneself manfully to (a fight, contest, etc.). Obs. exc. in to stand to it, to fight stoutly; also, to toil without flagging at painful or severe labour.
1338 R. Brunne Chron. (1725) 277 Þe Baliol was agast, for he stode tille no dede. Ibid., Bot Sir Patrik Graham a while to bataile stode. 1544 Betham Precepts War i. cxxxv. G vj b, To comforte and encowrage hys men..fiercelye to fyght, and boldly to stande to it. 1579 Fenton Guicciard. i. (1599) 48 Some times he determined to stand to the defence of Rome. 1632 Lithgow Trav. vii. 328 Saylers have the paine By drudging, pulling, hayling, standing to it In cold and raine. 1889 Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xvi. 144 The peasants stood to it like men. |
d. Mil. to stand to one's arms: to form up with arms presented. † to stand to a guard: to put oneself on guard. to stand to one's guns, one's colours: to maintain one's position, not to retire before an attack; also fig. † to stand to one's tackle or tackling: see tackle n. 4 b, tackling 3.
a 1548, 1679 [see tackling 3]. 1581 J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 464 But y⊇ Carmelites standing hard to theyr tackle, recovered the victory at the last. 1583 T. Stocker Civ. Warres Lowe C. iv. 55 The reste stoode stoutly to their tackle, so that..the trouble.. was suppressed. 1644 Prynne & Walker Fiennes' Trial App. 26 Gentlemen, under paine of death stand to your Armes. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 6 ¶11 The Intendant had ordered some Companies of Marines,..to stand to their Arms to protect him from Violence. 1815 Scott Guy M. xlvi, But Mr. Sampson stood to his guns. 1844 Queen's Regul. Army 364 In case of Alarm, the Guard is immediately to stand to their Arms. 1890 Conan Doyle Firm of Girdlestone xxxi. 244 Kate stood firmly to her colours. 1891 Longman's Mag. Oct. 598 They stood to their guns till their powder was all gone. 1893 Law Times XCIV. 599/1 Mr. Cayzer will have nothing more to do with the Bill... But the other nine supporters of the Bill stand to their guns. |
e. To confront, present a bold front to (an enemy). (Cf. stand forth 93 a, stand up 103 p.) Now rare.
1562 Mountgomery in Archæologia XLVII. 240 The worthie souldior, that shall stande to the face of thenimye and abyde the threatninge of the canon. 1608 Topsell Serpents 220 The Salamander..is an audacious and bold creature, standing to his aduersary, and not flying the sight of a man. 1681 W. Robertson Phraseol. Gen. 1166/1, I fear he will not be able to stand to him: Metuo, ut substet. 1844 Thackeray Barry Lyndon ii, I never yet knew the man who stood to Captain Quin. |
† f. To confront and take the consequences of (a chance, hazard, peril); to abide by (the issue or consequences of an event). Cf. sense 54. Obs. exc. arch.
a 1300 [see chance n. 11]. c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 6409 note, He seide he wolde assaye [Petyt MS. wild stande to] þe chaunce. c 1400 Brut 251 Þat þai shulde nouȝt feiȝt oppon þe Scottes..and if þai dede, þat þai shulde stande to [v.r. vnto] her owen peril. 14.. 26 Pol. Poems 8/47, I gloser wil stonde to my chaunce. 1456 Sir G. Haye Law of Arms (S.T.S.) 141 As men of were, thai mon stand to thair fortune. Ibid. 182 Lat him stand till his hap. 1579 [see chance n. 11, 12]. 1610 J. More in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.) I. 87 Let all alone, and stand to all adventures. 1712 Addison Spect. No. 286 ¶6 It is very dangerous for a Nation to stand to its Chance, or to have its publick Happiness or Misery depend on the Virtues or Vices of a single Person. 1725 Bradley's Fam. Dict. s.v. Horse-racing ¶2 Without such Trials we must stand to the Hazard, and be at no Certainty to meet with good ones [sc. horses]. 1785 R. Graves Eugenius I. xvii. 117 The old lady..said she would make the governess produce her daughter, or stand to the consequences. 1935 T. S. Eliot Murder in Cathedral i. 20 Do not ask us To stand to the doom on the house, the doom on the Archbishop. |
† g. To endure, bear, put up with (harm, pain); to make good, bear the expense of (damage, loss); to defray, be answerable for (expenses); to accept liability for (a tribute or tax). Obs. (Cf. 57, 58.)
c 1386 Chaucer Miller's T. 644 But stonde he moste vn to his owene harm. 1540 Palsgr. Acolastus ii. iv. M iij b, He that putteth oone in truste, shall be fayne to stande to his owne harmes, if he be begyled. 1540 in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. v. 409 No person..shall not detayne nor keape any thinge of the comon rente for..debtes that the costome owith to any of them, but shall..stand to the costome of their own goodes. 1555 Eden Decades (Arb.) 80 The inhabitantes..made humble supplication to the Admirall that they myght stande to theyr tribute. 1622 Mabbe tr. Aleman's Guzman d'Alf. ii. 150, I shall be content to stand to any losse that you shall suffer thereby. a 1633 G. Herbert Priest to Temple xxvi. Rem. (1652) 111 Many think they are at more liberty then they are, as if they were Masters of their health, and so [= provided that] they will stand to the pain, all is well. But to eat to ones hurt, comprehends, besides the hurt, an act against reason. 1700 S. L. tr. Fryke's Voy. E. Ind. 150 He was obliged to defray all the charges my Patient had been at, and to stand to all damages. 1789 Bentham Wks. (1843) X. 198 The author's having three-fourths of the net profits..(he standing as before to the expense). 1809 E. S. Barrett Setting Sun III. 50 If any of them decamp..the parish stands to the loss. 1809 Malkin Gil Blas iii. x. ¶5 Husband-like lovers, who expect to engross all the pleasures of a house, because they stand to the expenses. |
h. To side with, help, back, support (a person); to maintain, uphold (a cause, interest, etc.); to remain faithful or loyal to.
1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV ii. i. 70 Good my Lord be good to mee. I beseech you stand to me. 1607 ― Cor. iii. i. 208 Or let vs stand to our Authoritie, Or let vs lose it. 1652 Wadsworth tr. Sandoval's Civ. Wars Spain 258 They desired, that Valladolid would assist and stand to them, as they had promissed. 1725 De Foe Voy. round World (1840) 72 The gunner was forced to fly with about twenty two men that stood to him. 1850 Tait's Mag. XVII. 489/1 We stood to our fellow student right loyally. 1887 Mrs. C. Praed Bond of Wedlock II. ix. 217 If he had the money he would always stand to a fellow. |
i. To adhere to, abide by, carry out (a promise, vow, bargain, compact, etc.).
a 1547 Surrey æneid ii. 203 Kepe faith with me, and stand to thy behest. 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. 19 The one will make his felowe to stande to the bargain, though it be to his neighbors vndoyng. 1652 Gaule Magastrom. 252 She, having already obtained her desire, refused to stand to her promise. 1714 Budgell tr. Theophrastus vi. 23 He is always up to the Ears in Law,..some of his Suits he is forced to stand to, and works himself out of others by Perjury. 1765 Blackstone Comm. I. 243 No wise prince will ever refuse to stand to a lawful contract. 1775 Tender Father I. 202, I am not one of those who make proposals which they never mean to stand to. 1860 Reade Cloister & H. lvi. (1896) 169 When they have made a bad bargain drunk, they stand to it sober. 1892 Sat. Rev. 2 Jan. 8/2 He did not venture to stand to the promise he had given. |
j. (a) To adhere to (a statement, etc.); to persist in affirming or asserting. † Rarely with that and clause. (b) to stand to it: to insist upon or maintain a statement or assertion; often with that and clause (sometimes without that).
(a) 1562 Child-Marriages 119 Whether the said Margaret wold stand to the wordes she had spoken bie the said Katherine. 1597 J. Payne Royal Exch. 24 Let vs..to the deathe stand to, that Christ hathe the substans of God and the substans of man. a 1677 Barrow Pope's Suprem. (1687) 249 They..stood to the canonicalness of the former decision. 1688 Lett. conc. Pres. State Italy 184 He stood to his denial, and said, he knew nothing. 1737 [S. Berington] G. de Lucca's Mem. (1738) To Rdr. 9 The Man stands to the Truth of it with a Steadfastness that is surprizing. 1893 Strand Mag. VI. 176/1 You will stand to the confession you have just made? |
(b) 1581 A. Hall Iliad iv. 71, I dare auouch, and stand to't to your face. 1600 Shakes. A.Y.L. i. ii. 69 Now Ile stand to it, the Pancakes were naught. 1612 Field Woman a Weathercock ii. i, Lay the child to him—Stand stiffly to it. 1692 Patrick Answ. Touchstone 175 This, I will stand to it, is an Interpretation they cannot confute. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 171 ¶8 He would stand to it, that it was full Four Miles. 1887 Jessopp Arcady ii. 36 They will stand to it that the present generation know nothing of the hard life their grandsires had experience of. 1889 A. Sergeant Deveril's Diamond III. viii. 170 He stood to it at first that he knew nothing. |
† k. to stand to its duty: to perform its work or function without giving way. Obs.
1726 Leoni Alberti's Archit. I. 53 b The..wedges also in..the Arch, being justly counterpoised, will surely stand to their duty. |
† l. Of desire, appetite, etc.: To be inclined to, hanker after. Obs.
c 1400 Sir Cleges 408 Wattsooeuer thou wolt haue, I will the graunte,..That thyne hart standyth to. 1551 R. Robinson tr. More's Utopia ii. iv. (1895) 141 Yf a mans minde stonde to anny other [occupation]. 1561 Hollybush Hom. Apoth. 22 b, Then let hym eate that wherto his minde standeth best. 1601 Holland Pliny xxiii. vi. II. 164 When their stomackes stand to coles, chalke, and such like stuffe. 1641 J. Shute Sarah & Hagar (1649) 150 Their hearts stood most to this. 1694 G. Stanhope Epictetus' Morals Ep. Ded. A 2 b, Without these Qualifications..a Man's Palate can never stand to the following Reflections. |
† m. To result or issue in, lead to, amount to. to stand to a person's pleasure: to be allowed or approved by him. Obs.
1390 Gower Conf. I. 86 Ful sore it stant to my grevance. a 1555 Latimer in Foxe A. & M. (1563) 1309/2 Also I sayd y{supt} certayne Scriptures standeth some thyng to the same, vnlesse they bee y⊇ more warely vnderstanded and taken. 1558 Q. Kennedy in Wodrow Soc. Misc. (1844) 135 As may stand to the weill of the Congregatioun. 1622 Massinger & Dekker Virg. Mart. iv. ii, So it stand To great Cesaraes Gouernors high pleasure. |
n. it stands to reason (formerly also † to good, great reason; dial. to sense): it is reasonable, it may reasonably be inferred or expected, it is natural, evident or certain (that). (Cf. 79 e.)
1620 Alured in Gutch Coll. Cur. I. 173 Which stands to reason, and agrees with nature. 1632 [see reason n.1 12 b]. 1662 Stillingfl. Orig. Sacræ ii. i. §1 It stands to the greatest reason that such a revelation should be so propounded. 1705 H. Blackwell Engl. Fencing-Master 34 Schol. What you say stands to a great deal of Reason, and I will observe your Directions. 1768–74 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) II. 154 When we say a thing stands to reason, or is discordant from it. 1857 Ruskin Pol. Econ. Art i. §24 It stands to reason that a young man's work cannot be perfect. 1859 [see sense n. 28]. 1865 Trollope Belton Est. xxvii. 320 It stands to reason that in some things I must have had more experience than you. 1901 Contemp. Rev. Mar. 357 It ‘stands to sense’ , as they say in the North of England, that [etc.]. |
o. To be related to.
1674 N. Fairfax Bulk & Selv. 54 Nor has bulk voideness or thickness but as it stands to body. 1856 Titan Mag. Dec. 551/2 He stood to me as a father. 1869 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) III. xii. 178 It would be hard to find any wife among the princely houses who did not stand to him within the forbidden degrees. 1890 Longman's Mag. Oct. 657 The Wantsum..stood to Rutupiæ as the Solent stands to Portsmouth. |
† p. To face, be built opposite to. Obs.
1726 Leoni Alberti's Archit. I. 16 a We shou'd also observe what Suns our House stands to. |
q. Of a mare: To admit or ‘take’ (the horse); to conceive after (horsing). ? Obs.
1759 Brown Compl. Farmer 4 By which means they can see whether the mare will stand to the horse or not. Ibid., When the stallion is dismounted, they commonly throw a pail of cold water on the mare, which they think makes her stand better to her horsing. |
r. to stand to the hood (said of a hawk): to submit to being hooded.
1828 J. S. Sebright Hawking 20 To accustom him to stand to the hood. |
s. [tr. Ir. seasamh do.] To be to one's advantage, to sustain. Anglo-Irish.
1907 Yeats Deirdre 34 Women, if I die, If Naoise die this night, how will you praise? What words seek out? for that will stand to you; For being but dead we shall have many friends. 1914 Joyce Dubliners 11 Why, when I was a nipper, every morning of my life I had a cold bath... That's what stands to me now. 1922 ― Ulysses 622 Through all those perils of the deep..there was one thing, he declared, stood to him..a pious medal he had that saved him. |
77. stand under ―. † a. To be ranged under (a lord, his banner).
c 1450 Holland Howlat 133 The Pape commandit..to wryte in all landis..For all statis of kirk that wnder Crist standis To semble to his summondis. 1570 Homilies II. Agst. Rebellion vi. (1574) 609 Woulde they haue sworne fidelitie to the Dolphin of Fraunce,..and haue stande vnder the Dolphins banner? |
b. To be exposed or subject or obnoxious to; to undergo, bear the burden or weight or incidence of; (to be able) to sustain (a charge, etc.).
1601 Shakes. Jul. C. ii. i. 52 Shall Rome stand vnder one mans awe? 1613 ― Hen. VIII, iii. ii. 3 If you will now vnite in your Complaints, And force them with a Constancy the Cardinall Cannot stand vnder them. Ibid. v. i. 113 There's none stands vnder more calumnious tongues, Then I my selfe, poore man. 1667 Milton P.L. viii. 454 For now My earthly by his Heav'nly overpowerd, Which it had long stood under, streind to the highth In that celestial Colloquie sublime,..Dazl'd and spent, sunk down. 1891 in Century Dict. s.v., I stand under heavy obligations. |
c. Naut. To make sail with (a specified display of canvas).
1707 Lond. Gaz. No. 4380/2 The Commadore made a Signal for the Line a-breast, standing under a pair of Topsails. 1834 M. Scott Cruise Midge i, I soon saw a large vessel, standing under easy sail, on the same tack. |
d. Mil. to stand under arms, to be ready for action (Voyle & Stevenson Milit. Dict. 1876).
☛ stand until, unto ―: see stand to 76.
78. stand upon ―. (Cf. stand on 74.) a. In fig. phrases of which the wording is literal. † to stand upon one's pantofles, slippers: to give oneself airs. † to stand upon stepping-stones: to make gradual and cautious advances. to stand upon thorns: see thorn n. 2.
1540 Palsgr. Acolastus i. iii. G j b, I see how thou standest vpon thornes. 1561 [see thorn n. 2]. 1579 [cf. stand on 74 a]. 1591, 1685 [see pantofle b]. a 1604 Hanmer Chron. Irel. (1809) 334 They would talke and bragge of service,..stand upon the pantofles of their reputation. 1606 S. Gardiner Bk. Angling 36 The Donatists in Africa stood vpon their slippers. 1637 Rutherford Lett. lxxxi. (1862) I. 205, I see that Christ will not prig with me nor stand upon stepping stones: but cometh in at the broadsides without ceremonies. |
☛ to stand upon the defensive, stand upon one's guard, etc.: see sense 10.
† b. to stand upon no ground: of a horse, ? to rear, caper. Obs.
1590 Peele Polyhymnia (Rtldg.) 572/1 The next came Nedham in on lusty horse, That, angry with delay, at trumpet's sound Would snort, and stamp, and stand upon no ground. 1594 Lyly Mother Bombie iv. ii, It was as lustie a nag as anie in Rochester, and one that would stand vpon no ground. |
c. To rely upon, depend on, trust to. Obs. exc. in the sense: To take one's stand upon an argument, argumentative position or the like.
1390 Gower Conf. I. 151 He..seith that he wol undertake Upon hire wordes forto stonde. 1565 Allen Def. Purg. i. vi. (1886) 79 Because we will not stand upon conjectures in so necessary a point. 1640 Wits Recreat. K 7, The Text which saith that man and wife are one, Was the chief argument they stood upon. 1726 Swift Gulliver i. v, The Emperor, standing upon the advantage he had got by the seizure of their fleet, obliged them to deliver their credentials. 1854 Poultry Chron. II. 206 ‘Faint heart ne'er won fair lady’ is a good motto to stand upon. |
d. Of an immaterial thing (also impers.): To be grounded or based upon. † Also, to be dependent or contingent upon, hinge upon; to arise from, consist in.
1390 Gower Conf. I. 11 The cherche keye in aventure Of armes and of brygantaille Stod nothing thanne upon bataille. c 1449 Pecock Repr. i. ii. 11 No thing is ground and fundament of eny treuthe or conclusioun,..saue it upon which aloon al the gouernaunce, trouthe, or vertu stondith. c 1460 Fortescue Abs. & Lim. Mon. xii. (1885) 137 The reaume off Englond, wheroff the myght stondith most vppon archers. c 1500 Lancelot 1989 It stant apone thi will For to omend thi puple, or to spill. 1567 Allen Def. Priesthood Pref., The dishonoure and the derogation..standeth vpon vnfaythfulnes, mistrust of Gods promise. 1577 Harrison England iii. iii. [ii. ix.] 99 b, in Holinshed, The Common Lawe standeth vppon Sundrye Maximes or Princyples, and yeares or tearmes. c 1580 in Eng. Hist. Rev. (1914) July 520 Theyr trade standes upon woade and the same englishe comodities that sarveth for the one, sarveth for the other. 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. iii. ii. 203 Your fortune stood vpon the caskets there. 1602 ― Ham. i. i. 119 (1604 Qo.) The moist starre Vpon whose influence Neptunes Empier stands. 1608 T. Morton Preamble to Incounter 40 Science standeth vpon demonstrable principles. |
† e. Of a material thing: To consist of, be composed of; also, to contain as an ingredient.
1563 [cf. 74 d]. 1601 Holland Pliny xxxi. vi. II. 412 Those waters which stand upon brimstone, bee good for the sinews. 1620 I. Jones Stone-Heng (1725) 4 The Druids chose..such Groves for their divine Service, as stood only upon Oaks. |
f. to stand upon terms: (a) to be on a specified footing or in a specified situation or condition; (b) to insist upon conditions; also, to stand upon conditions; (c) to take a high line, to hold one's own, refuse to knuckle under.
1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iv. i. 165 Hath the Prince John a full Commission..To heare, and absolutely to determine Of what Conditions wee shall stand vpon? 1608 ― Per. iv. ii. 38 Besides the sore tearmes we stand vpon with the gods, wilbe strong with vs for giuing ore. 1611 [see term n. 8 b 6]. 1661–2 Pepys Diary 24 Jan., My uncle Thomas, who I hear by him do stand upon very high terms. 1673 Dryden Marr. à-la-Mode iii. i. 32 Since we must live together, and both of us stand upon our terms. 1716 [see term n. 8 b 6]. 1721 De Foe Mem. Cavalier (1840) 36 They..hung back and stood upon terms. |
g. To be careful or scrupulous in regard to (forms, ceremonies, nice points of behaviour); to be attentive to or observant of; to allow oneself to be unduly influenced or impeded by.
Now rare exc. in negative contexts.
1549 Chaloner Erasm. Praise Folly F ij b, Standyng euer vppon narow poynctes of wysedome. 1605 Shakes. Macb. iii. iv. 119 Stand not vpon the order of your going, But go at once. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts Ep. Ded. 2 Therefore I wil not stand vpon any mans obiections. c 1661 in Verney Mem. (1907) II. 219 These punctillios are not to be stood uppon by younger brothers. 1681 J. Flavel Meth. Grace viii. 177 You stand upon trifles with him, and yet call him your best and dearest friend. 1714 Budgell tr. Theophrastus xix. 57 He does not stand upon Decency in Conversation. 1751 Jortin Serm. (1771) VII. xii. 250 There is no occasion to stand upon Complaisance and ceremony with writers who have done so much mischief. 1828 Lytton Pelham lxxvi, Lady Glanville was a woman of the good old school, and stood somewhat upon forms and ceremonies. 1889 ‘M. Gray’ Reproach of Annesley I. ii. i. 145 You stand upon a fanciful punctilio. 1889 F. Barrett Under Strange Mask II. x. 2 We were real friends, and only stood upon ceremony in our business relations. |
† h. To hesitate at (expense), be sparing of (money). Obs.
1653 H. Cogan Scarlet Gown 162 When he was young, he delighted in taking all the pleasure that possibly he could, never standing upon mony. 1655 M. Casaubon Enthus. iv. (1656) 242 There was a way of painting..very frequent among ancient Romans, who stood not upon any cost, either for pomp or pleasure. |
i. To pride or value oneself upon; to urge, assert, make the most of, claim respect or consideration for, insist on the recognition of (one's qualities, rank, rights, possessions, dignity, etc.).
1588 Shakes. Tit. A. ii. iii. 124 This Minion stood vpon her chastity. 1608 Willet Hexapla Exod. 321 The Pharisie that stood vpon his workes. a 1625 Fletcher Wit without Money ii. ii, This widow is the strangest thing, the stateliest, And stands so much upon her excellencies! 1683 Kennett Erasm. on Folly 69 The Venetians stand upon their birth and Pedigree. 1840 Thackeray Shabby-genteel Story i, She stood upon her rank. 1874 Blackie Self-Cult. 75 There are few things in social life more contemptible than a rich man who stands upon his riches. 1885 J. Payn Luck of Darrells III. xxxi. 8 Langton would stand, and very properly, upon his legal rights. 1898 ‘Merriman’ Roden's Corner vi. 60 Men who stand much upon their dignity have not, as a rule, much else to stand upon. |
† j. To attach importance to, treat as important, give prominence or weight to; to value, set store by. Obs.
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence, Andria iii. ii, The matter I stand most vpon, is the promise which my sonne himselfe made vnto me. 1607 Shakes. Cor. iv. vi. 96 You, that stood so much Vpon the voyce of occupation, and The breath of Garlicke-eaters. 1629 Burton Babel no Bethel 100 Shee stands not vpon inward holines, but is all for outward glory. 1651 Life Father Sarpi (1676) 15 The Dignities among Religious Men, being considered either by their profit, or their splendour, are not things to be stood upon. 1660 tr. Amyraldus' Treat. conc. Relig. iii. viii. 471 We stand not greatly upon it, by which of these names they are termed. 1701 Swift Poems, Mrs. Harris's Petit. 42 'Tis not that I value the Money..But the thing I stand upon, is the Credit of the House. 1830 Gen. P. Thompson Exerc. (1842) I. 305 Free men do not stand upon family differences, when the object is to oppose a common despotism. |
† k. To dwell with emphasis or at length upon (a topic, argument, etc.); to treat with insistence, urge; to discourse or dilate upon. Obs.
1565 Allen Def. Purg. Pref. (1886) 17 But I cannot now stand upon these points. 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. i. i. §3 As for the third point, it deserueth to be a little stood vpon, and not to be lightly passed ouer. 1608 Dod & Cleaver Expos. Prov. xi-xii. 165 We purpose..to stand more largely upon it in the fifteenth chapter. 1638 Junius Paint. Ancients 39 Seing then that this is a main point of Art, wee have also stood a little longer upon it. a 1715 Burnet Own Time iii. (1724) I. 407 But he stood much upon this; that having once engaged with France in the war, he could not with honour turn against France, till it was at an end. 1732 Berkeley Minute Philos. I. 66, I observe, said he, that you stand much upon the dignity of Human Nature. |
† l. to stand upon it: to insist, maintain persistently (that). Obs.
1628 Earle Microcosm., Constable (Arb.) 40 A Constable is a Vice-roy in the street and no man stands more vpon't that he is the Kings Officer. a 1715 Burnet Own Time (1897) I. 320 The presbyterians..stood upon it, that a law which excluded all that did not kneel from the sacrament was unlawful. Ibid. 362 Yet he always stood upon it, that he had the king's order by word of mouth for what he had done. |
† m. To insist upon, treat or regard as necessary or indispensable, press for, demand. to stand upon it to have: to insist on having. Obs.
1634 Sir T. Herbert Trav. 29 Had he stood vpon his Justification at the Court. 1653 Austen Fruit Trees i. (1657) 67 Concerning Order in setting Trees, though it be not essentiall..yet if men stand upon it, they may measure out [etc.]. 1675 Brooks Gold. Key Wks. 1867 V. 351 God the Father, in order to man's redemption and salvation, stands stiffly and peremptorily upon complete satisfaction. 1706 S. Centlivre Basset-Table ii. 18, I must say that of you Women of Quality, if there is but Money enough, you stand not upon Birth or Reputation, in either Sex. 1712 J. James Gardening 17 Many stand upon it to have Palaces. |
† n. Of the heart or inclination: To be bent or set on (some activity). (Cf. stand to 76 l.) Obs.
1390 Gower Conf. I. 244 Tho Whos herte stod upon knyhthode. |
† o. To be subjected to, submit to (amendment).
1390 Gower Conf. I. 6 This bok, upon amendement To stonde at his commandement,..I sende unto myn oghne lord. Ibid. 179 If that it be thi wille To stonde upon amendement. |
† p. impers. = It is a question of, it concerns, affects, involves. Similarly the matter stands upon.
1390 Gower Conf. III. 220 Knihthode mot ben take on honde, Whan that it stant upon the nede. a 1553 Udall Royster D. iii. iii. 105 But now the matter standeth vpon your mariage, Ye must now take vnto you a lustie courage. 1590 Shakes. Com. Err. iv. i. 68 Consider how it stands vpon my credit. 1616 B. Jonson Devil an Ass iii. iii. 60 It stands vpon his being inuested In a new office. a 1625 Fletcher Noble Gent. v. i, It stands upon my utter overthrow. 1630 J. Rogers in Winthrop's Hist. New Eng. (1853) I. 56 In which I pray God move your heart to be very careful, for it stands upon their lives. |
† q. impers. (It) concerns, behoves, is incumbent upon, is the duty of, is to the interest of, is urgent or necessary for (a person); occas. also with obj. a thing (one's credit, etc.) Const. to (do something). Usually in the form it stands (one) upon = one ought, one must needs. Obs. exc. dial.
1538 Elyot Dict. Addit., Abs te stat, it standeth vppon the or it lyeth in the. 1602 Warner Alb. Eng. xii. lxxiv. (1612) 306 For much it stood vpon Their Credits to be cautilous. 1611 3rd Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. 58/2 It stands upon my reputation, being Governor of James-town, to keep a daily table for gentlemen of fashion about me. 1635 J. Hayward tr. Biondi's Banish'd Virg. 163, I know it stands upon us to wend us hence assone as we conveniently can. 1720–1 Lett. Mist's Jrnl. (1722) I. 260 It stands upon us to take off so heinous a Charge. 1749 Berkeley Word to Wise Wks. III. 449 It stands upon you to act with vigour in this cause. |
1549 Chaloner Erasm. Praise Folly R j b, My faire broode of doctours do enterprise to nippe of here and there foure or fiue woordes of the whole..(if it stande theim vpon). 1557 Tusser 100 Points Husb. xciii, Such season may hap, it shall stande the vpon: to till it againe, or the somer be gone. 1577 Holinshed Chron. II. 306/1 Now perceyuing that it stoode them vppon, either to vanquish or to fall into vtter ruine. 1603 Knolles Hist. Turks (1621) 1142 It now stood the great Turke upon to send another great armie to the aid of Mahomet. 1637 Sanderson Serm. (1681) II. 91 He that would live a contented life..it standeth him upon to be frugal. 1690 Locke Hum. Und. iv. xix. §10 Does it not then stand them upon, to examine on what grounds they presume it to be a Revelation from God. 1887 S. Cheshire Gloss., Stond on, Stond upon, to be incumbent on. ‘It'll stond 'em upon to be moor careful another time.’ The accusative of the person is always placed between the verb and the preposition. |
79. stand with ―. † a. To strive with, withstand (an adversary). Later, to contend with in argument, dispute with (also with that and clause); to haggle, make terms with (for something). Obs.
c 825 Vesp. Psalter xciii. 16 Hwelc stondeð mid mec wið wircendum unreht? c 1205 Lay. 23127 Ȝif þe king me stont wið. c 1320 Castle of Love 701 Neuer schal fo him stonde wiþ. 1579 Fulke Heskins' Parl. 473, I might stande with him, that this is no interpretation. 1580 G. Harvey in Three Proper Lett. 50 But I wil not stand greatly with you in your owne matters. 1616 Marlowe's Faustus (Brooke) 218 Well, I will not stand with thee, giue me the money. 1680 Dryden Span. Fryar i. i, However, I will not stand with you for a Sample. (Lifts up her Veil.) 1691 R. Meeke Diary 3 Apr. (1874) 38, I do not usually stand with any for their wages. 1704 Norris Ideal World ii. iii. 223 Whoever grants these two propositions..cannot stand with me about the consequence of our argument. |
† b. To range oneself with (another), contend side by side with; to side with, make common cause with. Obs.
13.. Cursor M. 15499 (Gött.) Elleuen er we ȝeit to stand wid þe [Cott. to witstand wit þe], all redi bun. 14.. 26 Pol. Poems xii. 8 Stonde wiþ þe kyng, mayntene þe croun. 1412–20 Lydg. Troy Bk. iv. 1691 To be willy, þoruȝ his chiualrie, With hem to stonde as he haþ do to-forn. 1596 Dalrymple tr. Leslie's Hist. Scot. I. 310 Because stoutlie thay had stande with him in his defence against his ennimies. 1601 Shakes. Jul. C. ii. i. 142, I think he will stand very strong with vs. 1605 ― Macb. iii. iii. 4 But who did bid thee ioyne with vs?..Then stand with vs. 1654 Bramhall Just Vind. iv. 82 They..disavowed the Popes incroachments and offered the King to stand with him in these and all other cases touching his Crown. |
† c. To stay with, be busied or converse with (a person). Obs.
1606 G. Woodcocke Hist. Ivstine xlii. 132 He would stand still as though he had stood with him [cum illo loqui, cum illo consistere]. 1631 Dekker Match mee i. 3 A Barber stood with her on Saturday night very late..and as I thinke, came to trimme her. |
d. Naut. To sail in the same direction as (another ship). (Cf. 36.) ? Obs.
c 1595 Capt. Wyatt R. Dudley's Voy. W. Ind. (Hakl. Soc.) 10 Wee might perceave a small saile to stande with us, and standinge in for the ilands as wee did. 1628 Digby Voy. Mediterr. (Camden) 21 Wee descryed a sayle standing with vs. |
e. To be consistent or consonant with, agree or accord with. Obs. exc. arch.
to stand with (good) reason: cf. stand to (76 n) and reason n.1 12 b.
c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 385 Þe whiche stondiþ not wiþ þe plente of cristis perfection in prestis. c 1449 Pecock Repr. iii. iv. 304 It folewith that it stondith weel with the proces of Poul in this present processe, that bischopis haue endewing of vnmouable possessiouns. 1513 More Rich. III, Wks. 49/1 If it might stand with your pleasure to be in such place as might stande with their honour. 1515 Star Chamber Cases (Selden Soc.) II. 94 Whether their bying and selling..doo stonde with the Comon Weale, or noo. 1603 Knolles Hist. Turks (1621) 337 [Mahomet II] kept no league, promise, or oath, longer than stood with his profit or pleasure. 1650 Fuller Pisgah i. iii. 8 Because it stands not with the State of a Prince to be his own purse-bearer. a 1656 Hales Gold. Rem. iii. (1673) 59 It will seem a paradox that I shall speak unto you, yet will it stand with very good reason. 1710 O. Sansom Acc. Life 39, I desired him, if it stood with his Freedom, to have a Meeting there that Evening. 1772 Junius Lett. lxviii, How an evasive, indirect reply will stand with your reputation..is worth your consideration. 1825 Scott Talism. xxvii, Would it stand with your pleasure that I prick forward? |
† f. To co-exist with, go along with. Obs.
1396–7 in Eng. Hist. Rev. (1907) XXII. 296 He and his noble ȝiftis may not stonde with dedly synne in no manere persone. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 30 b, All these may stande with deedly synne. 1572 J. Jones Bathes ii. 11 Bycause great rarefaction standeth with great heate. |
g. Of printing-type: To range with.
1770 Luckombe Hist. Printing 223 The Letter of it would Stand with another Fount of the same Body. |
VII. With adverbs.
☛ stand aback: see 88.
80. stand about. a. Of a number of persons: To stand here and there, in casual positions or groups. Of an individual: To remain standing in a place without a fixed position or definite object.
1390 Gower Conf. III. 337 And there in open Audience Of hem that stoden thanne aboute, He tolde hem [etc.]. 1847 C. Brontë J. Eyre xix, They stood about here and there in groups, their plates and glasses in their hands. 1872 Punch 30 Mar. 136 Wet trousers are unpleasant to stand about in. 1883 M. E. Mann Parish of Hilby xxv. 329 I've been standing about all day. |
† b. To go about, endeavour to (do something). Cf. about A 10. Obs.
1549 Latimer 4th Serm. bef. Edw. VI (Arb.) 126 When we..acknowledge our faultes, and stand not about to defend them. |
† 81. stand again. To offer resistance or opposition. (Cf. 10.) Obs.
a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 1010 Þa stod Grantabrycgscir fæstlice onᵹean. c 1205 Lay. 26674 Þa Bruttes auoten uaste aȝæin stoden. c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 3543 Aaron and vr stoden a-gen, And boden hem swilc ðhowtes leten. a 1250 Owl & Night. 1788, & if þe þinkþ þat ic mis-rempe, Þu stond ayeyn and do me crempe. a 1300 Cursor M. 18090 Forces yow wit might and main Stalworthli to stand a-gain. |
82. stand along. Naut. (See sense 36.) To sail in a given direction. Hence gen., to proceed on a journey.
1653 Fight Legorn-Road 18 Supposing Captain Badily to have stood along to the relief of our Squadron. 1710 S. Sewall Diary 27 Mar. (1879) II. 276 The Sun breaking out, I stood along about 10 m. 1714 Ibid. 12 Apr. 438 It began to Rain, [so] that I would have had the Horses set up again. But Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Denison were for standing along. |
83. stand aloof. To stand away at, or withdraw to, some distance (from), keep away (from). Also fig.
1596 Shakes. Merch. V. iii. ii. 42 Nerryssa and the rest, stand all aloofe. 1602, 1611, etc. [see aloof adv. 5, 3]. 1605 Shakes. Lear i. i. 242 Loue's not loue When it is mingled with regards, that stands Aloofe from th'intire point. 1704 Swift T. Tub i. 45 Our nearest Friends begin to stand aloof, as if they were half ashamed to own Us. 1881 Gardiner & Mullinger Study Eng. Hist. i. v. 95 He himself stood aloof from such doctrines. 1893 Liddon Life Pusey I. xi. 262 He stood somewhat aloof from the Movement in his later years. |
84. stand apart. To stand separate or at a distance (from another or others). Also fig.
1538 Elyot Dict., Distito, to stande aparte, or be dystant one from an other. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 363 b, They were commaunded to stand apart. 1590 Shakes. Com. Err. v. i. 364 Stay, stand apart, I know not which is which. 1840 Penny Cycl. XVII. 345/1 The plants [should be] thinned out by the hoe, so as to stand a foot or 15 inches apart. 1886 Sheldon tr. Flaubert's Salammbô 8 One of these slaves remained standing apart from the others. 1906 Petrie Relig. Anc. Egypt viii. 58 Besides the classes of gods already described there are others who stand apart in their character, as embodying abstract ideas. |
85. stand aside. To draw back or retire and stand apart from the general company or from what is going on. (See sense 7.)
c 1400, 1596 [see aside adv. 9]. 1535 Coverdale Acts iv. 15 Then commaunded they them to stonde asyde out of y⊇ Councell. 1703 Cibber She wou'd etc. iv. 50 Stand aside, till I call for you. 1839 Dickens Nich. Nick. liv, Stand aside, every one of you. |
† 86. stand astrut. See a-strut.
1540 Palsgr. Acolastus i. iv. G iij b, See howe my gyrdell swelleth .i. standeth a styrte. Ibid. iv. iv. T iv, Seest thou not my purses or bagges howe they be swollen or stande a stroute with moche golde? |
87. stand away. a. To withdraw to some distance. (See sense 7.)
1599 Shakes. Hen. V, iv. viii. 14 Stand away Captaine Gower. 1601 ― All's Well v. ii. 17 Foh, prethee stand away. |
b. Naut. To sail or steer away (from some coast, quarter, enemy, etc.) (See sense 36.)
1633 T. James Voy. 18 The winde larged, and wee stowed away S.S.W. 1680 Lond. Gaz. No. 1551/4 They no sooner discovered the Guernsey to be a Man of War, but they Tacked and stood away with all the Sail they could make. 1725 De Foe Voy. round World (1840) 9 We resolved to stand away from the Canaries to the coast of Brazil. 1845 J. Coulter Adv. in Pacific xi. 140 In two days more we left this anchorage, and stood away towards the north-east. |
88. stand back. Also † stand aback. To withdraw and take up a position farther away from the front. (See sense 7.) Also fig.
a 1400 Minor Poems fr. Vernon MS. xxxiii. 195 He bad him stonde bac..Þat he mihte sustene þat stynk. ? a 1500 Robin Hood & Guy of Gisb. liv, Stand abacke! stand abacke! sayd Robin: Why draw you mee soe neere? 1594 Shakes. Rich. III, i. ii. 38 My Lord stand backe, and let the Coffin passe. 1637 [see aback adv. 2]. 1684 Bunyan Seasonable Counsel 227 He saith..to all that are forward to revenge themselves; Give place, stand back, let me come. 1909 Beerbohm Yet Again 23 ‘Stand back, please’. The train was about to start, and I waved farewell to my friend. |
89. stand behind. In literal senses (e.g. of one who waits at table). Used by Wyclif as an equivalent for ‘apostatize’.
1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 431 And ȝif apostasie is stondyng bihynde, hou myche stondiþ bihynde ilche siche þat shal be dampned? Ibid. 438 For þei stonden bihynde, and fyȝten not wiþ þe fend. 14.. 26 Pol. Poems 78/171 When mede haþ leue to stande byhynde, Þanne trewe loue his erande may spede. 1859 Tennyson Enid 392 Enid..spread the board, And stood behind, and waited on the three. |
90. stand beside. To stand by a person's side, as a looker-on, helper, etc.
14.. 26 Pol. Poems xviii. 91 Suche towches..Wolde..Ȝeue oþere cause, þat stonde bysyde, To wene it were a bargayn of synne. c 1520 Skelton Magnyf. 1467, I can do nothynge but he stonde besyde. |
91. stand by. a. To stand near at hand; to be present. Now chiefly, to be present as an unconcerned spectator, without interfering or protesting.
c 1375 Sc. Leg. Saints xi. (Simon & Jude) 84 His fygur..In þat clath mycht be sene clerly, as he has standyne hymselfe by. c 1500 Star Chamber Cases (Selden Soc.) I. 105 Without that oone of the seid Erles seruantes shuld stand by and here what shuld be said. 1551 Robinson tr. More's Utopia i. (1895) 73 Ther chaunsed to stond by a certein iesting parasite. 1594 Shakes. Rich. III, iii. iii. 16 Now Margarets Curse is falne vpon our Heads,..For standing by, when Richard stab'd her Sonne. 1659 [H. Nevile] Game Pickquet 6, I shall disturb you in the game if I stand by. 1678 Bunyan Pilgr. i. (1900) 89 The Jury (who all this while stood by, to hear and observe). 1726 Swift Gulliver i. vi, A professor, who always standeth by on those occasions. 1831 Scott Ct. Rob. xviii, The most despicable of animals stands not by tamely and sees another assail his mate. 1861 Temple Bar II. 214 It did Philip good to stand by, and watch her animated face. 1876 Mrs. Oliphant Curate in Charge xvi, Must we stand by and see all manner of wrong done and..think we..cannot help it? |
b. = stand aside 85. Also fig., to refrain from action.
1589 R. Harvey Pl. Perc. 5 Stand by a trice, but looke you depart not the court. 1595 Shakes. John iv. iii. 94 Stand by, or I shall gaul you Faulconbridge. 1647 Ward Simple Cobler (1843) 5 He..takes his Scepter out of his hand, and bids him stand by. 1764 Foote Patron iii. Wks. 1799 I. 357 Rascals, stand by! I must, I will see him. 1836 Mrs. Sherwood Henry Milner iii. v, He was interrupted by the sound of horses' hoofs..followed by a shout of ‘stand by, stand by there!’ 1896 Law Times C. 357/1 To consider whether the beneficiary had stood by too long before he sought redress. |
c. To be excluded (from). Now, of a juror: to withdraw from the jury, esp. at the challenge of the prosecution. Also trans. with juror as obj. Cf. challenge n. 3 a.
1603 in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.) I. 48 He had been before, and stood then by from being Jurate for his misbehaviour. 1828 Act 9 Geo. IV c. 54. 500 Nothing herein contained shall affect..the power of any court in Ireland to order any juror to stand by 1890 T. Brett Comm. Present Laws of Eng. II. xiii. viii. 1162 The names of those ordered to ‘stand by’ are called again. 1923 W. J. Byrne Dict. Eng. Law 167/1 The Crown, although it can challenge for cause, has no peremptory challenge, but it may order any person to ‘stand by’, and need not show cause. 1969 Sunday Tel. 12 Jan. 4/6 The defence..could have called ‘Challenge!’ 70 times without offering reasons. The prosecution called ‘Stand by for the Crown!’ nine times. (In a British court the phrase ‘I object’ does not arise in this context.) |
trans. 1927 A. M. Sullivan Old Ireland ii. 41 If this infamous creature attempts to ‘stand by’ a single Nationalist juror, you will ram it down his throat! 1960 V. T. H. Delany Christopher Palles xi. 101 The Crown ‘stood by’ 96 jurors, while the defence challenged 36. 1979 Criminal Law Rev. May 273 The Crown's right to ‘stand-by’ jurors is a term which refers to the Crown's power of challenge. |
d. Of a thing: To be laid aside; fig. ‘to be put aside with disregard’ (J.).
1667 Decay Chr. Piety iv. 51 We make all our addresses to the promises, hug and caress them, and in the interim let the commands stand by neglected. 1683 Moxon Mech. Exerc., Printing xxii. ¶7 The Wrought off Form is Stript..and stands by to Destribute. 1893 Sketch 15 Feb. 179/2 And now everything stands by for the discussion of Home Rule. |
e. Naut. To hold oneself in readiness, be prepared (for something, to do something). Often in imperative = be ready! Also gen.
1669 Sturmy Mariner's Mag. i. ii. 17 Come, stand by, take in our Top-sails. 1697 W. Dampier Voy. I. 17 He that stood by to clear it away, stopt the Line. 1759 Ann. Reg., Chron. 62/1, I called to my people to stand by and do their duty. 1831 Examiner 178/2 Open the safety-valve, or stand by for the explosion. 1840 R. H. Dana Bef. Mast xxv, The starboard watch..left the ship to us for a couple of hours, yet with orders to stand by for a call. 1866 ‘Mark Twain’ Lett. from Hawaii (1967) 117 Just as you take a sustaining breath and ‘stand by’ for the crash, his poor little rocket fizzes faintly in the zenith. 1890 Chamb. Jrnl. 7 June 356/2 Bring the boat close under, my lads,..and stand by to receive the lady. 1917 ‘Contact’ Airman's Outings iv. 84 For thirty hours the flight had ‘stood by’ for a long reconnaissance... A slight but steady rain washed away all chance of an immediate job. 1943 Ann. Reg. 1942 28 The wastefulness of keeping so many men merely ‘standing-by’. 1972 Listener 21 Dec. 852/1 Sequence of calls before a shot. Production Assistant: ‘Quiet. Going for a take. Standing by.’ |
92. stand down. a. Of a witness: To step down and leave the box after giving evidence. (Cf. sense 7.)
1681 Trial S. Colledge 74 Mr. Ser. Jeff. You say well, stand down. 1831 Examiner 732/2 Bench: Stand down.—Defendant: No, I shan't stand down, for you. 1837 Dickens Pickw. xxxiii, I will not trouble the court by asking him any more questions. Stand down, Sir. |
b. Sport. To withdraw from a game, match, or race; to give up one's place in a team, crew, or ‘side’.
1890 Field 31 May 790/2 Charlton also stood down, and the vacant places were given to..Barrett and Trumble. Ibid. 15 Nov. 744/1 On the University side, Shiels stood down in favour of G. S. Thorn. 1912 Throne 7 Aug. 234/2 The first news was that Wootton had to stand down for the whole of August. |
c. Naut. To sail with the wind or tide. (Cf. sense 36.)
1834 M. Scott Cruise Midge i, May I therefore request the favour of your standing down to her. 1885 Times (weekly ed.) 2 Oct. 14/4 Fishing boats..standing down with the ebb in midstream. |
d. Mil. To come off duty; to relax after a state of alert (also trans.).
1916 I. Gurney Let. 25 Oct. in PN Review 29 (1982) 32/1 Our last orders were as follows.—From Stand to 5.30. Stand Down, clean rifles... Stand to 5–5.30. Stand Down. 1918 E. S. Farrow Dict. Mil. Terms s.v. Stand to. Stand down is the order countermanding ‘stand-to’. 1919 W. H. Downing Digger Dialects 47 Stand-down, the order by which the period of intense armed vigilance is ended at daybreak, nightfall, or after the alarm of a threatened enemy attack has passed over. 1931 F. Tilsley Other Ranks 108 They religiously stood⁓to and stood-down every dawn and dusk. 1973 Daily Tel. 29 Oct. 30/3 Pres. Nixon ordered..troops in Europe..to remain on the alert..but elsewhere round the world American forces were stood down. 1983 Times 12 Feb. 1/1 Acas officials were fighting to keep alive the proposal for a third-party intervention to settle the water workers' strike. But a lull in the peace process is expected over the weekend after the Acas conciliation team was stood down. |
93. stand forth. a. To step forward (in order to do something, make a speech, face a company, etc.); to come boldly or resolutely to the front or centre. (Cf. sense 7.) † to stand forth to, to confront.
a 1300 Cursor M. 10231 Joachim son forth can stand, And mad him bun wit his offrand. 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. ii. 57 Now Simonye and Siuyle stondeð forþ boþe. c 1425 ? Lydg. Assembly of Gods 442 He stoode forthe boldly with grym countenaunce. 1526 Tindale Luke vi. 8 Ryse vp and stonde forthe in the myddes. 1625 B. Jonson Staple of N. iv. iv, Now he treats of you, stand forth to him, faire. 1780 Mirror No. 68 In such a cause every man would stand forth. 1872 C. E. Maurice Stephen Langton i. 28 The prophet who had stood forth to denounce the awful corruption. 1879 Morley Burke iv. 76 It needs valour and integrity to stand forth against a wrong to which our best friends are..committed. |
† b. To persist in (a course of action). Obs.
c 1400 Rom. Rose 3547 To stonde forth in such duresse. |
c. To make a conspicuous appearance, be prominent.
a 1764 Lloyd Dial. Author & Friend 17 Yes—it [his book] stands forth to public view. 1856 N. Brit. Rev. XXVI. 138 Sober, industrious, intellectual..he stands forth as one of the model workmen of Europe. 1862 Temple Bar VI. 356 No buildings are allowed to touch it, and thus it stands forth in its native gigantesque proportions. |
94. stand forward. = stand forth 93 a.
1790 Loiterer 9 Jan. 7, I shall be happy to contribute my mite... I dare say his Lordship would stand forward [i.e. with a donation]. 1802 M. Edgeworth Moral T., Prussian Vase, I applaud him, for standing forward in defence of his friend. 1820 Milner Suppl. Mem. Eng. Cath. 313 Summoning all those who had signed the Protestation to stand forward in defence of its errors. |
95. stand in. † a. To strive, continue insistently to (do something). (Cf. L. instare and 98 a.) Obs.
c 1200 Ormin 2149 I whillc an Crisstene mann..Birrþ stanndenn inn affterr hiss mihht To follȝhenn hire bisne. Ibid. 2617 Þe deofell, Þatt æfre & æfre stanndeþþ inn To scrennkenn ure sawless. |
† b. To impend, be imminent. (Rendering L. instare. Cf. 98 b.) Obs.
a 1390 Wyclif's Bible, Jerem. Prol. 343 Bifor that the tyme of destruccioun shulde stonden in [antequam depopulationis tempus instaret]. |
† c. To join issue with (others in a dispute); to take part in (a controversy). Obs.
c 1540 R. Morice in Lett. Lit. Men (Camden) 24 He never shranke from the facte but stowtlie stode in with them in disputation. 1555 Ridley Treat. agst. Transubst. E viij b, The controuersie..(wherin anye meane learned man either olde or newe doth stand in). [1865 Hotten's Slang Dict., Stand in,..to take a side in a dispute.] |
d. ‘To make one of a party in a bet or other speculation’ (Slang Dict. 1865). Usually const. with: To go shares with, join, be a partner with; in wider sense, to have a friendly or profitable understanding with, be in league with, be on good terms with. Also, to share chances with others for (a speculative event). Also rarely, to fall in with (a proposal).
1857 A. Mayhew Paved with Gold iii. xx, The policeman who ‘stood in’ for this robbery saw the rogues depart with their plunder. 1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Mkt. Harb. xv, The valet..who..made a point of ‘standing in’ with all the upper servants, treated the stud-groom with considerable deference. 1865 Lever Luttrell xxxvi. 261 If I was quite sure that I ‘stood in’ for the double event..I almost think I'd do it. 1898 Besant Orange Girl ii. xii, The job was easy and should be done, but he should expect to stand in. 1898 Edin. Rev. Jan. 160 The policy of standing-in with both parties was the ruling idea of his political career. 1911 Beerbohm Zuleika Dobson viii. 138 ‘Dorset,’ he said huskily, ‘I shall die too.’.. ‘I stand in with that,’ said Mr. Oover [an American]. ‘So do I!’ said Lord Sayes. |
e. Naut. To direct one's course towards the shore. (See sense 36.)
c 1595 Capt. Wyatt R. Dudley's Voy W. Ind. (Hakl. Soc.) 10 Wee might perceave a small saile..standing in for the ilands as wee did. 1670–1 Narborough Voy. i. (1694) 181 We stood in for the Land. 1853 Kane Grinnell Exp. xix. (1856) 141 Wishing to fill up with water..we stood close in. 1892 Chamb. Jrnl. 27 Feb. 135/2 The captain,..noticing something strange, stood in to discover its meaning. |
f. To fill the place of another (usu. temporarily); to deputize for (a person); spec. in Cinemat., to act as a substitute for a principal actor. Cf. stand-in 2.
1904 in Eng. Dial. Dict. V. 725/2 e. Ken. Mrs. ― will stand in while Mrs. ― is ill. 1943 Hunt & Pringle Service Slang 62 Stand-in, a deputy; one who ‘stands in’ for you, or does your duty while you go out. 1955 Times 6 June 7/6 There is always a way, especially in Russia where queueing has had to be carried to a fine art. You can employ the willing services of an Armenian or Georgian or other agile-minded person who will stand in for you or will, in turn, get another to stand in for him. 1958 Listener 7 Aug. 210/2 The people who stand-in for the film stars when the rough stuff begins. 1978 ‘B. Graeme’ Double Trouble ii. 20 She has to stand-in for the star while they are working out lighting, camera angles and so on... They try to have a stand-in as much like the star as possible. |
96. stand off. a. To remain at or retire to a distance; to draw back, go farther away. Chiefly in commands.
1631 B. Jonson New Inn iv. iii, Fra. She is some Giantess! Ile stand off, For feare she swallow me. 1717 Pope Iliad x. 93 Stand off, approach not, but thy Purpose tell. 1828 Ann. Reg. 26/2 Our party said, ‘Stand off, or we will shoot you’. 1890 Graphic Summer No. 14/2 The rider..told him with a curse to stand off. |
† b. Of a thing: To remain apart or separate or at a distance (from some object). Also, fig., to be separated in quality, differ. Obs.
1601 Shakes. All's Well ii. iii. 127 Strange is it that our bloods Of colour, waight, and heat, pour'd all together, Would quite confound distinction: yet stands off In differences so mightie. 1644 J. Goodwin Danger of fighting agst. God 52 Your judgements stand off from the cause..and you can see nothing of God in it. 1705 Collier Ess. Mor. Subj. iii. Pain 16 The Flames being observ'd to stand off, and not touch his body. |
c. fig. To hold aloof (from an offer or appeal, friendship, intercourse, sympathy, or the like); to be ‘distant’, uncomplying or unaccommodating.
1601 Shakes. All's Well iv. ii. 34 Stand no more off, But giue thy selfe vnto my sicke desires. 1622 Mabbe tr. Aleman's Guzman d'Alf. ii. 265, I did not stand off, but gaue him all that he had giuen me. 1676 Phillips Purchasers Pattern B 6 b, If any Tenant..would have a longer lease.. I would not wish the Landlord to stand off. 1679 C. Nesse Antichrist 224 Aidanus, our own countreyman, who stood off not only from Romish primacy but from prelacy. 1705 tr. Bosman's Guinea 175 Though I desired nothing more, yet I stood off as though I was not to be perswaded to that. 1844 Kinglake Eothen xviii, I entreated him to stand off, telling him fairly how deeply I was ‘compromised’. 1888 F. Warden Woman's Face III. xxviii. 170 Stony eyes that bade sympathy stand off and be silent. 1889 Univ. Rev. Sept. 32 He has politicly stood off from her appeals. |
d. Of a thing: To project, protrude, jut out (from a surface, etc.). Of a picture: To appear as if in relief. Also fig., to be conspicuous or prominent. (Cf. stand out 99 i–k.)
1599 Shakes. Hen. V, ii. ii. 103 'Tis so strange, That though the truth of it stands off as grosse As blacke and white, my eye will scarsely see it. 1624 Wotton Archit. ii. 84 Picture is best when it standeth off, as if it were carued. 1737 Bracken Farriery Impr. (1757) II. 32 The farther the Back Sinew stands off from the Bone, the better it is. 1820 W. Irving Sketch Bk. (1859) 157 A little, meagre, black-looking man, with a grizzled wig that was too wide, and stood off from each ear. 1843 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. IV. ii. 471 The tines stand off from the beam so as to work to the depth of about 5 inches from the furrow-slice last turned. |
e. Naut. To sail away from the shore. (Cf. stand out 99 h.)
1625 Sir J. Glanville Voy. Cadiz (Camden) 117 We tacked about againe and stood off to Sea. 1764 J. Byron in Hawkesworth Voy. I. 13 Having stood off in the night, we now wore and stood in again. 1891 Longman's Mag. Oct. 591 Howard..had to tack and stand off to sea. |
f. trans. To keep off, keep at a distance; to repel, hold at bay; to put off, evade (a questioner, dun, etc.). U.S. colloq.
1878 J. H. Beadle Western Wilds ii. 38 He offered him fifty thousand for it, and the feller stood him off for seventy-five thousand. 1883 J. Hay Bread-Winners xvii. 274 Come, come, Sam, don't stand me off that way. 1887 F. Francis Jun. Saddle & Mocassin 181 Loop-holed! Well, the men who built this place expected occasionally to have to ‘stand off’ irate Mexicans. 1889 Advance (Chicago) 19 Dec., Standing off the hungry wolf from the door of the college. 1894 Harper's Mag. Feb. 391/1 Thankful to have stood her off, I asked how Reuben was looking. |
g. To lay (an employee) off temporarily. Also intr. of an employee. Cf. lay v.1 54 f.
1918 [implied at stand-off n. 5]. 1927 Carr-Saunders & Jones Soc. Struct. Eng. & Wales 135 It is not uncommon for indentures to contain a clause enabling the employer to ‘stand off’ the apprentice without pay if there is no work for him. 1930 Daily Express 8 Sept. 11/4 Thirteen hundred Chislet miners..went on strike..as a protest against the standing-off of six men. 1940 H. G. Wells New World Order §5. 58 A state of five million people with half a million of useless hands, will be twice as unstable as forty million with two million standing off. 1952 M. Laski Village i. 17 It wasn't very nice me having to go out to work when Mr. Wilson was stood off, and him staying at home to keep an eye on the children. 1960 G. E. Evans Horse in Furrow i. 22 The day-men were liable to be stood-off on wet days. 1976 Eastern Daily Press (Norwich) 16 Dec., He was later stood off but went back there to work from 1962 to 1975. |
97. stand off and on. Naut. (See quot. 1846.)
1666 [see off and on 2]. 1748 Anson's Voy. i. vi. 58 The weather made it dangerous to supply their ships by standing off and on. 1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 295 Stand off and on, alternately to recede from and approach the land while sailing by the wind. |
transf. 1806–7 J. Beresford Miseries Hum. Life (1826) iv. xviii, Standing off and on in the street..while the friend with whom you are walking talks to his friend. |
98. stand on. † a. To be urgent or insistent to (do something). (Cf. stand in 95 a.) Obs.
c 1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 71 Coloured, stond not on to bisily To se thy lond, but rather fatte and swete. |
† b. To impend, be imminent. (Cf. stand in 95 b.)
1382 Wyclif Isa. xxi. 15 Fro the face of the swerd stondende on [a facie gladii imminentis]. a 1390 ― Jerem. Prol. 343 Now the caitifte stod on [jam captivitas imminebat]. |
c. Naut. (See sense 36.) To keep one's course, continue on the same tack. to stand on and off (rare) = 97.
1666 Lond. Gaz. No. 60/3 The whole Line tacked in the wake of him, and stood on till..the Prince thought fit to keep the wind. a 1779 Cook 3rd Voy. iii. xi. (1784) II. 197 While the boats were occupied in examining the coast, we stood on and off with the ships, waiting for their return. 1790 Beatson Nav. & Mil. Mem. I. 111 The Admiral continued, with a press of sail, standing on close to the wind. 1875 Bedford Sailor's Pocket Bk. iii. (ed. 2) 64 Is A to stand on; and if not, why not? |
99. stand out. a. To move away (from a company, shelter, etc.) and stand apart or in open view. (See sense 7.)
in first quot.? = stand up.
c 1220 Bestiary 655 Ðanne cumeð ðer on gangande, hopeð he sal him [a fallen elephant] don ut standen. 1753 Richardson Grandison I. xiv. 86 To stand out to receive..the first motions to an address of this awful nature. 1842 Macaulay Horatius li, Yet one man for one moment Stood out before the crowd. 1849 James Woodman iii, Stand out, and tell us who you are, creeping along there under the boughs. 1892 Graphic 17 Dec. 743/3 The master prefers..to order the wrongdoer to ‘stand out’. |
b. Not to take part in (an undertaking, joint action, etc.); to refuse to come in or join others; to hold aloof († from doing something); now esp. not to take part in a match, game or dance (cf. 92 b).
1599 B. Jonson Cynthia's Rev. i. iv, Though I affect not popularity, yet I would be lothe to stand out to any, whome you shall voutchsafe to call friend. 1601 Shakes. Twel. N. iii. iii. 35 It might haue since bene answer'd in repaying What we tooke from them, which for Traffiques sake Most of our City did. Only my selfe stood out. 1609 B. Jonson Epicœne i. i, Marry, the Chimney-sweepers will not be drawne in. Cle. No, nor the Broome-men: They stand out stiffely. 1640–1 Kirkcudbr. War-Comm. Min. Bk. (1855) 61 As for these that hes naither subscryvit nor will cum in, but stands owt, they are to be fyned. 1671 Shadwell Humourists v, I am resolved to play at a small game, rather than stand out. 1687 Burnet Contin. Reply Varillas 19 Fisher being the only man that stood out a while, but even he at last concurred with the rest. 1690 Luttrell Brief Rel. II. 6 Dr. Timothy Hall, bishop of Oxon., has lately taken the oathes to their majesties, which he has stood out from doeing till the utmost time was come. 1890 Field 10 May 673/1 The captain and the secretary stood out on this occasion, but arranged twelve Seniors a-side. 1893 Nat. Observer 7 Oct. 535/2 The ladies proposed a dance..The Captain himself stood out. |
c. To resist, persist in opposition or resistance, refuse to yield or comply, hold out. Const. against (an opponent, proposal, etc.), with (an opponent).
1595 Shakes. John v. ii. 71 His spirit is come in, That so stood out against the holy Church. 1601 Barlow Serm. Paules Crosse 37 Nor will I mention his oft standing out with her if he were thwarted. 1698 Fryer Acc. E. India & P. p. vii, The Mountains in all Conquests the last that stand out. 1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Hist. Eng. xxviii. 287 The Commons threw away their humility, and stood out boldly. 1887 Sims Mary Jane's Mem. 296, I have had to stand out with my editor once or twice on that..point. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 19 Sept. 594/2 It requires exceptional courage to stand out against a popular cry. |
transf. 1806–7 J. Beresford Miseries Hum. Life (1826) x. lxi, The pullies resolutely standing out against all your efforts to turn them. |
d. to stand it out = prec.
1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 571 When the fight is once begunne, there is none of both that may runne awaie, but standeth it out vntil one or both of them bee slaine to the ground. a 1694 Tillotson Serm. xxxv. (1742) III. 17 He is in good earnest, and will execute these threatnings upon them if they will obstinately stand it out with him. 1718 Ockley Saracens (1848) 219 Knowing very well how hard it would go with them if they should stand it out obstinately to the last, and be taken by storm. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. I. vii. xi, He, tough as tanned leather..will stand it out for another year. 1866 Ruskin Crown of Wild Olive iv. §148, I..stood it out to the end, and helped to carry four of my fellow students..down stairs. |
e. to stand out for: to declare oneself for, contend on behalf of.
a 1600 Raid of Reidswire xviii. in Scott Border Minstrelsy (1869) 74 None stoutlier stood out for their laird, Nor did the lads of Liddisdail. 1633 Bp. Hall Hard Texts Hos. v. 13 When Ahaz..was in distresse, he sends to Tiglath Pileser, that should stand out for him. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 19 Sept. 593/2 He has not grit enough to stand out for justice and honesty. |
f. To haggle, make difficulties about striking a bargain; to make an obstinate demand for (certain terms).
1766 Goldsm. Vic. W. xii, He always stands out and higgles. 1816 Scott Antiq. xxiv, ‘If the secret were mine,’ said the mendicant, ‘I wad stand out for a half.’ 1889 Rider Haggard Col. Quaritch xliii. 325, I am not going to stand out about the price. 1890 Sat. Rev. 20 Sept. 337/1 They stood out partly for more wages. |
† g. Of a bill, debt, etc.: To remain unsettled or unpaid. (Cf. outstanding ppl. a. 4.) Obs.
1723 Lond. Gaz. No. 6183/2 Exchequer Bills (which are all that are now standing out and undischarged). 1736 Gentl. Mag. VI. 563/1 An Account of all the publick Debts..due or standing out at Christmas, 1735. |
h. Naut. (See sense 36.) To sail in a direction away from the shore. Usually to stand out to sea. Hence gen., to start on a journey.
1718 Rowe Lucan iv. 717 note, Octavius stood out to sea. 1834 M. Scott Cruise Midge vi, The signal to weigh and stand out, sir. 1885 Times 18 Sept. 13/2 We stood out through the thickening rain. 1891 Longman's Mag. Oct. 596 They cut their cables..and stood out into the Channel. |
i. To jut out, project, protrude (from a surface); to be prominent.
1540 Palsgr. Acolastus ii. i. H ij b, My chynne standynge out lyke as aged folkes lyppes do, that be totheles. 1558 T. Phaer æneid viii. (1562) Cc ij b, Agrippa loftie prince whose pendaunt streamers proud stand out. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Ps. lxxiii. 7 Their eyes stand out for fatnes. 1585 Higins Junius' Nomencl. 206/1 Striæ,..those partes in furrowed pillers which stand out and swell as it were. c 1643 Ld. Herbert Autobiog. (1824) 100 The Pier of Dover, which stands out in the Sea. 1680 Moxon Mech. Exerc. xi. 202 The work..is required to stand out free from the outer Flat of the Cheeks of the Coller. 1742 Blair Grave 274 Oh! how his Eyes stand out, and stare full ghastly! 1889 Mrs. E. Lynn Linton Thro' Long Night I. i. xiii. 207 Her ears stood out from her head like jug-handles. 1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. i. 6 The veins stood out like whipcord. |
j. To be conspicuous; to be seen in contrast or relief against a dark object or background. Of figures in painting: To appear as if in relief.
1856 G. J. Whyte-Melville Kate Coventry ix, Lucy's white face stood out in the lamplight. 1884 Times (weekly ed.) 29 Aug. 14/1 The white houses, sparkling in the sunshine, stood out against the dark background of woods. 1889 Mrs. E. Kennard Landing a Prize II. iv. 65 Red flannel shirts..stood out in the distance as a brilliant spot of colour. |
k. fig. To be prominent or conspicuous to the mental gaze.
1826 Lamb Elia Ser. ii. Genteel Style in Writing, The man of rank is discernible in both writers; but in the one it is only insinuated gracefully, in the other it stands out offensively. 1874 Green Short Hist. viii. §6. 518 John Pym..stands out for all after time as the embodiment of law. 1891 Chamb. Jrnl. 7 Feb. 81/1 Two facts stand out in bold relief. |
l. trans. To remain standing throughout (a performance). Also Naut. to ‘stand watch’ (see sense 60) during (a specified time).
1840 R. H. Dana Bef. Mast vii, We were then divided into three watches, and thus stood out the remainder of the night. 1890 Constance Smith Riddle Lawr. Haviland II. iii. iv. 90 He propped himself in an angle of the doorway, and prepared to stand out the performance. |
m. To endure to the end, hold out under or against (a trial, ordeal, severe weather, etc.); to last out (a period of time).
1623 Shaks. Wks. To Rdrs., These Playes have had their triall alreadie, and stood out all Appeales. 1649 Jer. Taylor Gt. Exemp. i. Ad. Sec. vi. 105 Jesus fled from the persecution; as he did not stand it out, so he did not stand out against it. 1676 Phillips Purchasers Pattern 18 Houses..many times cannot well stand out a long Lease. 1821 Scott Kenilw. vii, It is a sunburnt beauty,..well qualified to stand out rain and wind. 1827 ― Jrnl. 28 Mar., I..went out in as rough weather as I have seen, and stood out several snow blasts. 1855 F. Nightingale in Sir E. Cook Life (1913) I. 283, I am ready to stand out the War with any man. |
n. With object-clause: To maintain, insist, persist in asserting (that). Also to stand it out (that): cf. d.
1664 H. More Myst. Iniq. i. xiii. 42 They..will stand it out as stoutly for their justification, as these professors of Christianity that they are no Idolaters. 1726 Berkeley Lett. Wks. 1871 IV. 120 The latter still stands out..that she never received..any of Mrs. Mary's money. 1863 Mrs. Gaskell Sylvia's L. xxxix, It were only yesterday at e'en she were standing out that he liked her better than you. 1898 Besant Orange Girl ii. xii, He..stoutly stood it out that he was a gentleman of Cumberland. |
o. Sport. To stick to (a bet) without hedging. (Cf. sense 63.)
1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dram. News 28 May 382/2 Personally I would not take 100 to 1, to stand it out. Ibid. 406/3 Still, mark my words, he will stand that bet out, if only for Julia's sake. |
p. dial. To force or try to force (a person) by pertinacious assertion to believe or admit (the fact expressed by an object-clause).
1895 Alicia A. Leith Plant of Lemon Verbena v. 105 He tried t' stand me out 'twas a white caaf or a cow I'd zeen. 1895 J. Barlow Strangers at Lisconnel ii. 26, I question would any raisonable body stand me out I don't own her be rights. |
100. stand over. a. Naut. (See sense 36.) To leave one shore and sail towards another.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. II. i. 171 Yet we did not stand over towards Sumatra, but coasted along nearest the Malacca shore. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xv. III. 604 He now stood over to the English shore. |
b. To be left or reserved for treatment, consideration or settlement at a later date. (See over adv. 9.)
1822 M. Edgeworth Let. 30 May (1971) 404 A beef and pigeon pie that had stood over from the preceding week. 1824 Examiner 67/1 [He] directed the trial to stand over until the next morning. 1853 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XIV. i. 30 Many acres..are left unsown, and must stand over for Lent corn. 1884 Law Rep. 25 Chanc. Div. 707 The motion was ordered to stand over for a fortnight. 1891 Sat. Rev. 22 Aug. 219/1 His accounts are balanced at the close of each season, and no bad debts are allowed to stand over. |
101. stand to. † a. To be present, ‘assist’. Obs.
1540 Palsgr. Acolastus Peroration Bb iij b, You al..whiche stand to here .i. all you, whiche stande here at this presente tyme. |
† b. To set to work, fall to; esp. to begin eating. (See to adv. 6.) Obs.
1605 Shakes. Macb. ii. iii. 38. 1610 ― Temp. iii. iii. 49, 52, I will stand to, and feede..: my Lord, the Duke, Stand too, and doe as we. |
c. Mil. ellipt. for to stand to one's arms, sense 76 d. Hence, to come or remain on duty. Cf. stand-to, sense 104 below.
1915 F. H. Lawrence Let. 7 Mar. in Home Lett. T. E. Lawrence (1954) 671, I thought the Germans were attacking us, so I passed the word along for all my men to stand to, as we call it. a 1918 W. Owen Poems (1963) 60 Eh? What the 'ell! Stand to? Stand to! Jim, Give's a hand with pack on, lad. 1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags i. 22 She saw him as Siegfried Sassoon, an infantry subaltern in a mud-bogged trench, standing to at dawn,..waiting for zero hour. 1977 J. B. Hilton Dead-Nettle xv. 120 After days of pointless standing-to in dew⁓drenched hedge-bottoms, there was a cleaning-up of uniforms. |
† 102. stand together. a. To agree, be consistent, harmonize. Obs.
1387–8 T. Usk Test. Love iii. ix. (Skeat) l. 26 As I was lerned how goddes before-weting and free choice of wil mowe stonden togider. c 1449 Pecock Repr. ii. xvi. 246 And so these ij. thingis whiche Scripture seith of ydolatrers stonden to gidere and ben trewe. 1565 Harding Answ. Jewel's Challenge 137 Sith both these verities may well stande together. 1629 Burton Babel no Bethel 96 The Arke and Dagon cannot stand together. 1711 Felton Diss. Classics (1718) 9 Sprightly Youth and close Application will hardly stand together. |
b. To consist in, of. (Rendering L. constare with ablative.) Obs.
c 1400 Apol. Loll. 47 We..striue to proue þe sacrifice of þe kirk to stond to gidre in two þingis, and to be maad in two þingis to gidre:..as þe persoun of Crist stondiþ to gidre of God and man. |
103. stand up. a. To assume an erect position; to rise, get up on one's feet.
a 1122 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 656 Þa stod seo kyning up toforen ealle his ðæᵹna & cwæd luddor stefne [etc.]. c 1200 Ormin 16138 Hat lufess fir..Iss kinndledd i þatt herrte Þatt..stanndeþþ upp biforenn follc,..To niþþrenn woh wiþþ all hiss mahht. a 1300 Cursor M. 16415 Pilate stode vp on his fete mid-ward þat gret gadring. 1535 Coverdale Song Sol. v. 5, I stode vp to open vnto my beloued. 1667 Answ. to Quest. out of North 12 If any person coming to Church..do not Stand Up at the Creed. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 112 ¶3 He..sometimes stands up when every Body else is upon their Knees. 1787 ‘G. Gambado’ Acad. Horsem. (1809) 34 The standing up in your stirrups, whilst trotting..has a most elegant and genteel effect. 1877 C. M. Yonge Cameos Ser. iii. xxxvi. 391 He stood up in the waggon and began to sing. |
b. To remain erect and firm under (a crushing weight, or the like). (Cf. 77 b.)
1682 Bunyan Holy War 164 For the grace, the benefit, the pardon, was sudden, glorious, and so big, that they were not able without staggering to stand up under it. |
c. To take part in a dance; to dance with (a partner).
1766 Goldsm. Vic. W. xxi, We were here interrupted by a servant who came to ask the Squire in to stand up at country-dances. 1796 Jane Austen Pride & Prej. xviii, In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else. 1804 ― Watsons (1879) 328, I thought you were to stand up with Mr. Tomlinson the two last dances. |
d. To take up one's position to play an athletic game.
1884 J. Marshall's Tennis Cuts 169 He had a twist in his spine, which rendered him physically incapable of standing up to play more than one game a day. 1896 A. E. Housman Shropsh. Lad xxvii, Is football playing.., With lads to chase the leather, Now I stand up no more? |
e. dial. (See quots.) Also, † to present oneself for marriage.
1842 Amer. Pioneer I. 314 They were married without any previous preparation..he standing up in a hunting dress, and she in a short gown and petticoat of homespun. 1886 W. Somerset Word-bk., Stand up for, to undertake the office of God-parent at a baptism. 1891 Century Dict., To stand up with, to act as groomsman or bridesmaid to: as, I stood up with him at his wedding. (Colloq.) |
f. colloq. and dial. To take shelter from rain.
1836 Dickens Sk. Boz (1st Ser.) I. 252 Nobody thought of ‘standing up’ under doorways or arches. 1887 ‘Mark Rutherford’ Revol. Tanner's Lane xviii. (ed. 8) 271 Thomas, however,..proposed that they should stand up in a shed which had been used for faggot-making. The rain, which now came down heavily, enforced his arguments. 1893 in Cozens-Hardy Broad Norf. 13 Let us stand up out of the wet. 1908 G. K. Chesterton Man who was Thursday 126 Hoping..that the snow-shower might be slight, he stepped back..and stood up under the doorway of a..shop. |
g. colloq. to stand up in, to be actually wearing; freq. in extended phr. (only) the clothes one stands up in. (Cf. stand in 72 a.)
1901 T. J. Alldridge Sherbro xxvii. 309 The boat returned..bringing down Miss Mullen with only such things as she stood up in. 1937 ‘G. Orwell’ Road to Wigan Pier ix. 182, I..planned..how one could..start out with no money and nothing but the clothes one stood up in. 1944 N. Streatfeild Curtain Up vi. 71 Monsieur Manoff and most of his pupils..escaped to America... They had, of course, nothing but what they stood up in. 1981 E. Longford Queen Mother v. 83 Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands..brought only the clothes she stood up in plus a tin hat. |
h. Of an animal: To hold out, endure (in a race or chase). † Also in imp. as a cry to urge on a horse.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. Boccalini's Advts. fr. Parnass. i. xxxi. (1674) 36 Coach-men..whipping their Horses, and..crying, Stand up. 1891 Field 7 Nov. 695/3 A baker's dozen struggled on to the finish..but if our deer had stood up for another mile or two, the number would have been still further reduced. 1893 Sat. Rev. 7 Jan. 16/1 A dog who would lap after a course would have no chance of standing up in subsequent rounds. |
i. Of things: To be set upright; to be or become erect. Of hair, spines, etc.: cf. sense 17 d.
a 1300 Cursor M. 3779 In slepe he sagh stand vp a sti, Fra his heued right to þe ski. c 1460 Towneley Myst. xxiii. 232 Vp with the tymbre fast on ende!.. A, it standys vp lyke a mast. 1549 Compl. Scot. xii. 102 And ane vthir speyr set & bundyn athort betuix the tua speyris that stude vp fra the eyrd lyik ane gallus. 1667 Milton P.L. vii. 321 Up stood the cornie Reed Embattell'd in her field. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 182 Its apex rests upon the point of a steel pin standing up in the centre of the box. 1889 G. Gissing Nether World III. xii. 253 His hair stood up like stubble. 1896 tr. Boas' Text-bk. Zool. 391 The Sea Hedgehog (Diodon) is beset with bony spines, which stand up when the animal puffs itself out. |
† j. Of flame, vapour: To rise up, issue upwards. (Cf. sense 33.) Obs. exc. poet.
c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 233/501 Þe leiȝe stod op on heiȝ ase þei it a wal were. c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 1818 Þe stem stod vp, so þey blew. 1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad vii. 11 When smoke stood up from Ludlow And mist blew off the Teme. |
† k. Of a door: To remain open. Obs.
1550 Crowley Epigr. 118 In service tyme no dore standeth up, Where such men are wonte to fyll can and cuppe. |
† l. Naut. Of a number of ships: To form up, assemble together in a given place or position. Obs.
1585 T. Washington tr. Nicholay's Voy. iv. xv. 130 The Cicilians..beeing acquainted with the seas,..Coursaries, and Skummers of the sea, stood vp in so great number, [etc.]. 1623 Cal. St. Papers, Col. 1622–4, 213 [The ships] Stood up altogether [in the road of Swally]. |
m. Naut. (See quot.)
1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Standing up, a ship in good trim, and well attended to, is said to stand well up to her canvas. |
n. To hold oneself boldly erect to confront an opponent; to make a stand against. lit. and fig.
1601 Shakes. Jul. C. ii. i. 167 We all stand vp against the spirit of Cæsar. 1605 ― Lear iii. vii. 80 Giue me thy Sword. A pezant stand vp thus? 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xv. III. 506 With the same spirit with which he had stood up against the Stuarts he had stood up against the Cromwells. 1890 T. F. Tout Hist. Eng. fr. 1689 156 Lord Liverpool was not strong enough to stand up against Canning. 1897 A. E. Houghton Gilbert Murray xvii. 273 The smaller boy, who, though still standing up pluckily, was getting decidedly the worst of it. |
o. to stand up for: to defend, support, take the part of, champion (a person, a cause, etc.).
1605 Shakes. Lear i. ii. 22 Now Gods, stand vp for Bastards. 1645 T. Coleman Hopes Deferred 30 His subjects stood up for their liberties. 1768–74 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1834) II. 317 They..stand up for the honour of the nation. 1867 Trollope Chron. Barset I. xvi. 136, I liked her for standing up for her husband. 1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Hist. Eng. xxi. 208 All swore that they would stand up for their rights. |
p. to stand up to: to confront or encounter boldly. Also U.S. , ‘to meet fairly and fully (an obligation, one's word or promise)’ (Webster, 1911). Also with impersonal subj.: to endure or withstand.
1624 Fletcher Rule a Wife iii. i, He stood up to me And mated my commands. 1823 ‘ Jon Bee’ Dict. Turf s.v., ‘Stand up to him’ (ring); do not flinch from the blows. 1827 Scott Two Drovers i, He found few antagonists able to stand up to him in the boxing ring. 1848 Bartlett Dict. Amer. 331 To stand up to the rack, a metaphorical expression of the same meaning as the like choice phrases, ‘to come to the scratch’, ‘to toe the mark’. 1889 ‘M. Gray’ Reproach of Annesley I. i. vi. 136 How pluckily he stood up to the kicking horse! 1892 Blackw. Mag. CLI. 102/1 Few men..ventured to stand up boldly to such terrific bowling. 1894 Speaker 9 June 640/1 He knuckled under to any one who chose to stand up to him. 1921 G. B. Shaw Back to Methuselah p. lxxxv, I had seen Bible fetichism, after standing up to all the rationalistic batteries of Hume, Voltaire, and the rest, collapse before the onslaught of much less gifted Evolutionists. 1940 Punch 11 Dec. p. xiii, Nylon tufts will stand up to an incredible amount of hard use. |
q. To fail to keep an appointment with (someone), esp. a social engagement or ‘date’ with a member of the opposite sex. colloq. (orig. U.S.).
1902 O. V. Limerick Billy Burgundy's Opinions 57, I am awfully sorry I had to stand you up last night. 1906 ‘O. Henry’ Four Million 122 Rosy's stuck to the affirmative this time for two whole days. But it's five hours yet till the time, and I'm afraid she'll stand me up when it comes to the scratch. 1936 J. Curtis Gilt Kid xxv. 244 It must be getting along. He didn't want Maisie to think that he was standing her up. 1940 R. Chandler Farewell, my Lovely xxxii. 246 You stood me up for an hour the other night. 1952 J. Cannan Body in Beck ix. 186 Time and again..I stood up the chaps so as to climb with him. 1959 New Statesman 11 Apr. 519/2 It isn't long, however, before she discovers the canker in the bud, in the person of William, a young smoothie from Madison Avenue, who stands her up. 1978 L. Thomas Ormerod's Landing iii. 43 ‘What about the other agent, the lady?’.. ‘Stood you up, I shouldn't wonder,’ laughed Charles. |
r. In colloq. phr. to stand up and (also to) be counted, to show one's political colours; also more widely, to display one's conviction or sympathy, esp. when this requires courage. orig. U.S.
1904 Hartford (Connecticut) Courant 12 Aug. 10 Another democratic paper, the ‘Sacramento Bee’, follows the example of the ‘Chicago Chronicle’ and stands up to be counted for Roosevelt. 1945 Somerset News (Princess Anne, Maryland) 22 Mar. 1/3 Why then weren't Shore delegates men enough to stand up and be counted? 1968 Listener 1 Aug. 134/2, I suppose in the end it was having to stand up and be counted as part of ‘The New Establishment’; being forced to own up that I earn my living and have my being in that world. 1969 Ibid. 13 Nov. 658/3, I was a great one for demos in my youth... I can remember a good deal of self-righteousness, in standing up to be counted with the saints. 1973 ‘M. Innes’ Appleby's Answer iv. 38 A mild-mannered man. But he felt he must stand up and be counted. 1977 D. James Spy at Evening xxiv. 199 People like you haven't stood up to be counted. |
s. To sustain close examination, to be tenable: esp. of a charge or theory.
1948 in M. McLuhan Mech. Bride (1967) 6/3 Authorities here voiced doubt..whether such a charge would ‘stand up’. 1962 Listener 10 May 814/3 It will be interesting to see if this conclusion stands up when more results become available. 1976 N. Freeling Lake Isle xxxii. 232 It won't stand up in law, I tell you. |
t. will the real ― please stand up?, a catch-phrase which requests that a person clarify his position or make himself known (often rhetorical). orig. U.S.
1971 Black Scholar June 32 (heading) Will the real black man please stand up? 1973 Illustr. London News July 76/3 Will the real Kate Brown please stand up and show herself? 1981 Nature 12 Mar. 89 (heading) Will the real Grenville Orogeny please stand up. |
VIII. 104. Comb. in phrases used subst. or attrib., as stand-alone a. Computers, designating a part of a computer system that can be used independently; stand-away a., (a) of a person: reserved, chilly, ‘standoffish’; (b) of a collar, etc.: that lies or rises away from the neck of the wearer; also absol. as n.; stand-back rare, (a) a source of reassurance or support; a dependable person; (b) one who holds back; stand-down Mil. (now esp. Air Force), the action or state of coming or remaining off duty or of relaxing from a period of vigilance; the end of a spell of duty; stand-easy, an assumption of the attitude directed by the command ‘stand easy’; fig. a period of relaxation; also attrib.; † stand far (or further) off, a kind of cloth (see quots.); stand-over, (a) a plant that has been left standing beyond the normal time; (b) Austral. slang, used attrib. to designate the perpetrator of extortion by threat, a protection-racketeer, as stand-over man; or the process of such extortion; occas. absol. and transf.; stand-to Mil., ellipt. for stand-to-arms; also, the time of coming on duty, as at dawn or dusk, or in preparation for an attack; also attrib.; stand-to-arms, the action of standing to arms; also, the period of standing to arms. Also stand-by, standfast, stand-off, stand out, stand-still, stand-up.
1966 C. J. Sippl Computer Dict. & Handbk. 295/2 Stand-alone capability, a multiplexor designed to function independently of a host or master computer, either some of the time or all of the time. 1969 Computers & Humanities III. 137 A system for typing concordance output on an IBM Selectric typewriter is being developed for use with a stand-alone device which consists of a magnetic tape unit, keyboard, and heavy-duty selectric typewriter. 1977 Sci. Amer. Sept. 147/2 At the next level in the hierarchy of capability and function are the small computer systems that are prepackaged as stand-alone units... They have a self-contained power supply. |
1938 J. Cary Castle Corner iii. 155 Rifty had Bridget for his partner but Bridget was even more standaway than usual. 1955 Sun (Baltimore) 3 Feb. (B ed.) 3/1 Most of Balenciaga's collars are simple turnover standaways. 1964 McCall's Sewing i. 12/1 Stand-away collars, collarless styles and V- or U-shaped necklines will make the neck seem longer. 1971 Woman's Own 27 Mar. 24/1 A stand-away collar is good for a thick neck. |
1915 D. H. Lawrence Rainbow xii. 313 Gudrun was..a great comfort and shield to her... This was a great stand-back to Ursula, who suffered agonies when she thought a person disliked her. 1922 ― Aaron's Rod x. 122, I had a corporal called Wallace... He was my stand-back. 1946 J. W. Day Harvest Adventure vi. 89 We've got a fine lot o' stand-backs to tell others to git forrad. |
1919 W. H. Downing Digger Dialects 47 Stand-down, the hours at which the above orders [to go off duty] are regularly given each day. 1925 Fraser & Gibbons Soldier & Sailor Words s.v. Stand-to, ‘Stand⁓down’ was the corresponding order at the end of the Danger Period, used in like manner as an expression for a definite point of time. 1945 C. H. Ward-Jackson It's Piece of Cake (ed. 2) 57 Stand-down, time-off when flying is cancelled. 1949 W. S. Churchill Second World War II. ii. xvi. 297 On February 13, 1942, Admiral Raeder had his final interview on ‘Sea Lion’ and got Hitler to agree to a complete ‘stand-down’. 1953 Earl Winterton Orders of Day xix. 270 Next morning at ‘stand down’, on a cold grey day, I went to have a look at where the place had been where I had spent so many years of my life [engaged in fire-watching]. 1978 H. Wouk War & Remembrance xxviii. 284 Then would come the bored wait, the stand⁓down, the recovery of aircraft, and the resumed plan of the day. |
1898 Daily News 15 Feb. 8/3 The blue-jackets had by no means been idle in their ‘stand easy’ moments. 1899 F. M. Holmes Firemen 97 Allowing for a ‘stand easy’ of fifteen minutes at eleven. 1906 Daily Chron. 14 July 6/2 They need holidays far more than civilians,..A ‘stand-easy’ is necessary to everyone. |
a 1661 Fuller Worthies, Norwich (1662) 274 In my child-hood there was one [stuff] called Stand-far-of,..which seemed pretty at competent distance, but discovered its coursness when nearer to the eye. |
1613 J. Taylor (Water P.) Eighth Wond. Wks. (1630) ii. 62 Certaine sonnets,..fashioned of diuers stuffs, as mockado, fustian, stand-further-off, and Motly. 1619 ― Kicksey Winsey B 8 b, I muse of what stuffe these men framed be, Most of them seeme Muckado vnto me: Some are Stand⁓further off, for they endeauer, Neuer to see me. |
1847 Simmonds's Colon. Mag. Dec. 374 Old standover rattoons. Ibid. 375 The crop of sugar from these standovers is entirely lost for at least two years. 1939 K. Tennant Foveaux 174 He didn't deserve to be a ‘standover man’ if he couldn't move quicker. 1941 Baker Dict. Austral. Slang 71 Standover (man), a criminal who exacts toll from other lawbreakers or innocents. Ibid., Standover, work the, to act as a ‘stand⁓over man’. Also, a door-to-door hawker's term for bullying tactics adopted to intimidate housewives. 1954 L. H. Evers Pattern of Conquest 198 Don't come the stand-over tactics you used with Charlie. 1977 Daily News (Perth, Austral.) 19 Jan. 16/5 Detectives believe the shooting is part of a war that has broken out amongst stand-over men in the massage parlour industry in Melbourne. |
1915 in W. Wood In Line of Battle (1916) 217 At stand-to, 6 a.m. Much shelling. 1928 E. Blunden Undertones of War ii. 21 Let me take you..back now..into the stand-to billets in Festubert village. 1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 3 Oct. 31 There was that stand-to in the small hours one day. 1954 W. K. Hancock Country & Calling vii. 195 In the quiet middle years of the war we were allowed to lie down after our training until stand-to at 6 a.m. 1975 T. Allbeury Special Collection xi. 78 They made a permanent stand-to situation with just six of their anti-missile missiles. |
1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. vii. iii, Whereupon also, on the Republican side, there will be rapid stand-to-arms. 1915 A. D. Gillespie Let. 11 Mar. in Lett. from Flanders (1916) 43 As I write, during the evening ‘stand to arms’, the birds are all singing in spite of the sniping. |
☛ Key to phrases, etc.
Followed by an inf. 5 b, 12, 16; to let stand 50; to let all stand, all standing 24; as it stands 20 b; as things stand 38 b; how do you stand (financially)? 15 e; standing 51.
Stand aback 88; s about (prep.) 66, (adv.) 80; s again 81; s against 12, 67; s ajar 20; s alone 15 d; s along 82; s aloof 83; s and (do something) 5 c; s and deliver! 4 b; s and fight 10; s apart 84; s aside 85; s astrut 86; s at 68; s at (a figure or amount) 21 b; s at (a level or height) 22; s at attention 5; s at avail 48 d; s at bay, at defiance 10; s at ease, at gaze 5; s at livery 3 a; s at stud 3 b; s a-water 28 b; s away 87; s awe 45 b; s back 88; s before 69; s behind 89; s beside 90; s by (prep.) 70, (adv.) 91; s candidate 12; s captain 15 a; s a chance 57; s one's chance 53 d; s committed, corrected 15 d; s deep in 17 c; s double 12 b; s down 92; s dread 45 b; s fair (for, to do) 15 e; s fast 4, 9, 10, 23; s fire 52 b; s firm 9, 10, 20; s for 71; s (= fish) for 6 a; s for (an office, a constituency, etc.) 12, 12 b; s for law 42 b; s forth 93; s forward 94; s free 15 d; s (one's) friend 15 c; s godfather 15 b; s good 42 b; s (one's) good lord, prince 15 c; s one's ground 56; s one's hand 61; s a hazard 54; s high 17 b, 20; s (one) high 44 a; s high with 15 e; s in (prep.) 72, (adv.) 95; s (one) in (a price) 44 c, d; s in awe 45; s in the breach 10; s in danger 15 e; s in defence 10; s in doom 11 a; s in doubt 15 e; s in dread, in fear 45 c; s in force 42 b, 48 d; s (one) in hand 47; s in judgement 11 a, b; s in lieu of 49; s in one's light 2; s in need 46; s in profit 48 d; s in a (certain) relation 15 e, 38; s in (another's) shoes 2; s in stall 48 d; s in stead 48; s in stead of 49; s in vail 48 d; s in the way 2; s indebted 15 d; s instead of 49; s king 15 a; s law 42 b; s the market 62; s model 5 e; s mute 15 d; s (= consist) of 73; s off 96; s off and on 97; s officer 15 a; s on (prep.) 17, 74, (adv.) 98; s (one) on (a price) 44 b; s on one's own bottom 5; s on the defensive 10; s on end 17 d; s on one's own feet, on (upon) a foot, footing 2; s on one's guard 10; s (one) on hand 47; s on one's head 8; s on one's own legs 2; s on the offensive 10; s open 20; s or fall 9 c; s out 99; s over (prep.) 75, (adv.) 100; s pad 5 e; s pat 14; s the patter 53 b; s perdu 5; s pledged, reproved 15 d; s Sam 61; s security 15 a; s sentinel, sentry 5 e; s shot 52 b, 61; s sound 23; s sponsor 15 b; s stable 23; s stall 48 d; s stiff 9; s still 4, 27, 32; s suit 53 b; s surety 15 a; s thick 17 b, c; s till 76; s to (prep.) 76, (adv.) 101; s to (the knees, etc.) in 1 c; s (one) to (a price) 44 b; s to avail 48 d; s to the bar 11 a; s to lose, win 16 d; s together 102; s treat 61; s one's trial 53 b; s umpire 5 e; s under 77; s until, unto 76; s up 17 d, 103; s up to (the knees, etc.) in 1 c; s upon 17, 78; s (one) upon (a price) 44 b; s upon game 4 c; s upon one's trial 11 a; s upright 5, 17 d; s (a) watch 60; s well 15 e, 38 b; s whole 23; s with 79; s with water 27 b.