▪ I. regard, n.
(rɪˈgɑːd)
Also 4, 7–8 reguard, 5–7 regarde, 7 regaurd, 5–6 Sc. regaird.
[a. F. regard (OF. also regart, regars, and reguart, reguard: cf. reward n.), vbl. n. to regarder regard v. Hence also med.L. regardum (see Du Cange).]
I. 1. Aspect, appearance (obs.); look (of persons); habit or manner of looking; air.
| c 1380 Sir Ferumb. 1297 Þe erld of montdisdier, þat was þe fairest kniȝt of regard of alle þe doþþeper. 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 416 b/2 He was gracious and curtoys in maners and playsant in regarde. 1484 ― Chivalry 6 He hadde a regard or countenaunce of moche hooly lyf. 1576 Gascoigne Steele Gl. (Arb.) 56 Wherein I see a Sampsons grim regarde Disgraced yet with Alexanders bearde. 1604 E. G[rimstone] D'Acosta's Hist. Indies iv. xxxvii. 309 They..have so lively and pleasing a regard, as the Painter cannot exceede it with his pencill and colours. 1667 Milton P.L. iv. 877 To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake. 1858 M. Arnold Merope 740 The prince at start seem'd sad, but his regard Clear'd with blithe travel and the morning air. |
2. a. A look, glance, or gaze.
| c 1477 Caxton Jason 19 Yn these regardes and in these semblances they passid the soupper. 1483 ― Gold. Leg. 201/2 Deuyls and wicked spirites went out of the bodyes of creatures by his symple regarde and syghte. 1592 R. D. Hypnerotomachia 75 b, Her regards were wanton, lascivious, and unconstant. 1606 Shakes. Tr. & Cr. iii. iii. 255 He..bites his lip with a politique regard. 1725 Pope Odyss. iv. 201 Such quick regards his sparkling eyes bestow. 1791 Mrs. Radcliffe Rom. Forest i, From these objects she turned her regard upon Monsieur and Madame La Motte. 1815 Shelley Alastor 488 When his regard Was raised by intense pensiveness. 1859 Hawthorne Marb. Faun xxiii, Miriam, with a long regard from the threshold, bade farewell to this doves' nest. |
† b. Prospect, view. Obs. rare.
| c 1500 Melusine 313 The which chambre had regarde toward the gardyns. 1599 B. Jonson Cynthia's Rev. ii. i, You are now within regard of the presence. |
† c. An object of sight. Obs. rare.
| 1586 Whetstone (title) The English Myrror, a Regard wherein al Estates may behold the Conquests of Envy. 1604 Shakes. Oth. ii. i. 40 To throw-out our eyes for braue Othello, Euen till we make the Maine, and th' Eriall blew, An indistinct regard. |
† d. The position of two geomantic figures in relation to each other. (Cf. aspect n. 4.) Obs.
| 1591 Sparry tr. Cattan's Geomancie iii. xvii. 187 The regard of opposition in the fygure formed, is, when the fyrst doth beholde the 7[th]. |
3. a. The official inspection of a forest in order to discover whether any trespasses have been committed in it; the right of such inspection, or the office of one appointed to make it. Obs. exc. Hist.
| [? a 1184 in Hoveden Chron. (Rolls) II. 243 Hæc sunt videnda in regardis Forestæ. Ibid., Essarta post ultimum regardum facta. 1217 Carta de Foresta in Stat. Realm (1810) I. 20 Reguardores nostri eant per Forestas ad faciendum Reguardum sicut fieri consuevit. 1278 Rolls of Parlt. I. 9/2 E si unt la chartre meyme le Roi Henry..ke les acquite de Reguard de Foresters e de Verders.] |
| 1502 Arnolde Chron. 79 b/2 For Inquisicion and Regarde... Our raungers shall goo by our forest too make regarde as they were wont to doo the tyme of the furst coronacion of the forsaid kyng herry our graundsir. 1598 J. Manwood Lawes Forest xvi. §9. 96 b, Mastives are not to be Expeditated, but onely where the Regard is to be made, and that is in Forrestes and not in Chases. 1615 Ibid. (ed. 2) xxi. §3. 194 The King hath the regard of all the woods and wast grounds and other lands which are afforested. 1670 Blount Law Dict. (1691) s.v. [and in various later Dicts.]. 1768 Blackstone Comm. III. 72 The court of regard, or survey of dogs, is to be holden every third year for the lawing or expeditation of mastiffs. 1868 Stubbs Hoveden (Rolls) I. Pref. 76 As a sort of Appendix to this work are given..the Articles of Regard and Assize of the Forest. |
b. The district within the jurisdiction of the official regarders.
| 1594 Crompton Jurisd. 193 It appeareth..that within the regard of any Forest, no man may buyld either houses or barcaryes. 1598 J. Manwood Lawes Forest vii. §4. 40 b, All such woods and landes, as are parcell of the Forrest, the same is within the regard. 1667–8 Act 19 & 20 Chas. II, c. 8 §11 All Lands and Grounds lying within the Perambulation and Reguard of the said Forrest [of Dean]. 1837 Howitt Rur. Life v. i. (1862) 356 The forests were..systematically divided into walks, or keepings, wards or regards, over which was a properly subordinate succession of officers. 1873 Q. Rev. CXXXV. 153 The ‘regards’ or limits of the ‘foresta regis’ are indicated by a circle running from point to point. |
4. † a. Reference to a person or thing. Chiefly in phr. to have (a) regard to. Obs.
| 1559 Bp. Scot in Strype Ann. Ref. (1709) I. ii. App. x. 446 Neyther dothe the preste take the bread in his handes, neyther yet hathe any regard or respect to the bread. 1561 T. Norton Calvin's Inst. iii. 262 We see howe this accepting hath not regarde to the righteousnesse of man. 1649 Earl of Monmouth tr. Senault's Use Passions (1671) 23 The passions of the concupiscible appetite have a regard to good and to evil, as absent, or as present. a 1677 Barrow Serm. Wks. 1716 III. 1 We may be said to do that in another person's name, which we do with any kind of reference or regard to him. |
b. Respect, point, particular.
| 1602 W. Fulbecke 1st Pt. Parall. 57, I must therefore request you to stretch your sinewes in this regarde. a 1617 Bayne On Eph. (1658) 87 The Gospel of salvation may bee called a Mystery in three regards. 1726 Leoni tr. Alberti's Archit. I. 4/2 If it is of Service in a publick Regard, I cannot find Fault with it. 1821 Shelley Ess. & Lett. (1852) II. 265, I will pay every possible attention to your instructions in this regard. 1875 Whitney Life Lang. vii. 132 Each tongue has its own way in this regard. |
† c. ? Intention, design, purpose. Obs. rare.
| 1599 Shakes. Hen. V, i. i. 22 The King is full of grace, and faire regard. 1601 ― Jul. C. iii. i. 224 Our Reasons are so full of good regard, That were you, Antony, the sonne of Cæsar, You should be satisfied. |
II. † 5. a. Repute, account, or estimation, in which anything is held. Obs.
| c 1400 in Hampole's Wks. (Horstm.) I. 182 Þat he be meke in his awen felynge, and halde þis mynde in regarde nouȝt til he may..fele þe fyre of lufe. 1553 N. Grimalde Cicero's Offices iii. (1556) 154 b, So greatly was an othe had in regard, at those dayes. 1591 Spenser M. Hubberd 60 Thus manie yeares I now have spent..In meane regard. 1606 Shakes. Tr. & Cr. iii. iii. 128 What things there are Most abiect in regard, and deare in vse. What things againe most deere in the esteeme, And poore in worth. 1632 Lithgow Trav. v. 180 These commanders haue euer best prospered, which haue..had in singular regard, Military Arts and Souldiers. |
† b. of..regard, of (small, great, etc.) account, estimation, importance, or value. (Also Sc. without of.) Obs.
| 1556 Lauder Tractate 216 Thocht thay ryde on mulis or hors, Itt is bot small regarde or fors. 1591 Spenser M. Hubberd 685 A noble Gentleman of high regard. 1597 Beard Theatre God's Judgem. (1612) 465 A thousand men of base regard. 1622 Sir R. Hawkins Voy. S. Sea (1847) 215 In fights, all receipts which add courage and spirit, are of great regard, to be allowed and used. 1670 Walton Lives iii. 252 [This] is a Point in my Opinion of great regard. 1742 Shenstone Schoolmistress 21 Whilome a twig of small regard to see. 1785 Burns Jolly Beggars 7th Air, I am a bard of no regard Wi' gentlefolks, an' a' that. |
† c. in (one's) regard, in one's opinion, estimation, or judgement. Obs. rare.
| 1596 Shakes. 1 Hen. IV, iv. iii. 57 Sicke in the Worlds regard, wretched, and low. 1604 ― Ham. iv. vii. 76 (Q. 2) That one,..in my regard, Of the vnworthiest siedge. |
6. a. Observant attention or heed bestowed upon or given to a matter; † consideration of a question or problem, doubt. Also pl. (cf. sense 2).
| 1456 Sir G. Haye Law Arms (S.T.S.) 192 Touchand the quhilk debate thare is grete regarde and avis. 1469 Paston Lett. II. 369, I cannot understand what regard my Lords concell takyth to my Lords letter. 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. ccxii. 261 By the aduise and regarde of the frenche kyng, and of his Counsaile. 1589 Nashe Martins Months minde To Rdr., This man, like a madde dogge runneth at euerie man without regarde. 1601 Dolman La Primaud. Fr. Acad. (1618) III. 833 If he see..an Horse come neere vnto him, he neuer taketh regard who rides him. 1625–8 tr. Camden's Hist. Eliz. iii. (1688) 280 Beseeching him that these my..Lamentations may now at length find Regard with you. 1764 Reid Inquiry vi. §3 They no sooner appear, than quick as lightening the thing signified succeeds, and engrosses all our regard. 1818 Jas. Mill Brit. India II. v. viii. 661 The conduct pursued by the Governor-General is the next object of regard. 1881 Westcott & Hort Grk. N.T. Introd. §10 There is no special concentration of regard upon the language. |
| Comb. 1632 J. Hayward tr. Biondi's Eromena 13 Finding in her at first sight regard-worthy objects, hee thought well of her. |
| pl. 1586 Whetstone Eng. Myrror Ded., The reach of my duetie..simply laboreth to publish these regards, that common faults may be amended. 1665 J. Spencer Prodigies ii. §3 (ed. 2) 75 We shall accordingly observe Omens..to command the most solemn regards of Persons, whose Imagination is more busie and active then their Reason. 1758 S. Hayward Serm. xvii. 536 Creatures..so much beneath his regards. 1770 Langhorne Plutarch (1879) I. 220/2 Socrates was the only one whose regards were fixed upon the mind. 1820 W. Jay Prayers 322 We..implore thy favorable regards to the privileged country in which we live. |
† b. Attention, care, or interest directed to some end. Chiefly in phr. to have or take regard to (a thing); also const. that. Obs.
| 1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII, c. 27 §70 Which two constables..shall haue especial regarde to the conseruacion of the kinges peace. 1585 T. Washington tr. Nicholay's Voy. ii. viii. 41 They haue a regarde that in the plague time no shippe..do enter into their port. 1631 Weever Anc. Funeral Mon. To Rdr., Out of the respect I bore to venerable Antiquity, and the due regard to continue the remembrance of the defunct to future posteritie. 1699 Bentley Phalaris 407 It were no difficult contrivance, if the Publick had any regard to it, to make the English Tongue immutable. |
c. Care in doing something; close attention to some principle or method.
| 1575 F. Wither tr. Indaquie's Chirom. iii. N vij b, They shall receive hurt by them, without great regarde be had. 1576 Gascoigne Steele Gl. (Arb.) 65 A souldiour cannot haue Too great regarde, whereon his knife should cut. 1727 Boyer Dict. Royal II. s.v., So great Regard [F. circonspection] there was amongst the Ancients in making of War. 1748 J. Mason Elocution 31 So much for Pauses, Emphasis, and Cadence: A careful Regard to all which is the first Rule for attaining a right Pronunciation. |
7. † a. to take or have regard to or of, to give protective attention or heed to, to take care of (a person, one's life, etc.). Obs.
| 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. ccvi. 99 b/2 They desyred his noblenes to take some regarde to them. 1535 Coverdale Ezek. xxxiv. 8 Seynge that my shepherdes take no regarde off my shepe. 1553 N. Grimalde Cicero's Offices iii. (1556) 145 b, The man must haue regarde to his owne life, and helth. 1573 L. Lloyd Marrow of Hist. (1653) 185 Was not..Alexander warned by a vision to take more regard to his life then he did? 1611 Bible Tobit iii. 15 Command some regard to be had of me, and pitie taken of me. 1671 Milton P.R. ii. 315 Of thee these forty days none hath regard, Forty and more deserted here indeed. 1747 Wesley Prim. Physic (1762) 51, I earnestly advise every one who has any regard to his health to try this. |
† b. The task of taking care of; (in) the care or charge of a person. Obs. rare.
| 1596 Dalrymple tr. Leslie's Hist. Scot. I. 106 marg., Preistes haueng the regarde of the saules. 1611 Tourneur Ath. Trag. ii. vi, Left I not My worthy Father i' the kind regard Of a most louing Uncle? |
c. Care or concern for something.
| 1836 J. Gilbert Chr. Atonem. ix. (1852) 285 It was a free regard for our happiness which we are called to contemplate. 1871 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) IV. xviii. 152 Even regard for the safety of the hostages did not move men who had made up their minds not to yield. |
8. a. Attention, heed, or consideration, given to a thing or person, as having an effect or influence on one's actions or conduct; respect or deference paid to, or entertained for, some authority, principle, etc. Orig. in phr. to have († make or take) regard to; in later use also const. of, for. † Formerly sometimes in pl.
| c 1477 Caxton Jason 20 My herte jugeth that ye shall haue grete regard unto my good wil. 1512 in Ellis Orig. Lett. Ser. ii. I. 195 When I remembre the small regarde that dyvers made unto the saide lettyr. 1542 Udall Erasm. Apoph. 231 Thei tooke no regarde vnto his woordes, but persisted in their querele & noyse makyng. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 6 b, [He] had to little regarde to the Byshop of Rome his authoritie. 1603 Knolles Hist. Turks (1638) 53 Without regard that he had but the other day worne vpon his head the imperiall crowne. 1667 Milton P.L. xii. 16 Fearing the Deitie, With some regard to what is just and right. 1744 Berkeley Siris §182 A religious regard was paid to fire. 1784 Cowper Task iv. 679 Disclaiming all regard For mercy and the common rights of man. ― Tiroc. 242 Where no regard of ord'nances is shown. 1827 Southey Penins. War II. 288 Due regard was paid to the feelings..of the people. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) V. 31 A divine lawgiver must surely have had regard to all the different kinds of virtue. |
| pl. 1695 J. Edwards Perfect. Script. Ded., I now attempt to express my infinite regards and veneration of Your Grace's transcendent undertakings. 1738 Wesley Ps. ciii. iv, So much his boundless Love transcends The small Regards that we can pay. |
b. without regard († of or) to, without († taking heed or thought, of or) giving consideration or weight to a thing; without reference to.
| 1564 Reg. Privy Council Scot. I. 298 Without regaird of the propinctie of bluid. 1632 Lithgow Trav. ii. 68 He extorted the most part of my money..without any regard of conscience. 1727 Swift Circumcis. E. Curll Wks. 1755 III. i. 163 The heaping together a superfluity of wealth without the least regard of applying it to its proper uses. 1736 Butler Anal. i. iii. Wks. 1874 I. 48 A disposition to produce the greatest..happiness, without regard to persons behaviour. 1857 Buckle Civiliz. I. vii. 348 Those political writers who judge events without regard to that intellectual development of which they are but a part. |
9. a. A thing or circumstance looked to, or taken into account, in determining action; a consideration, a motive.
| 1579 Tomson Calvin's Serm. Tim. 188/2 Therfore must we haue an other regard to cause vs to come nigh to God, to wit, our Lord Iesus Christ. 1601 Holland Pliny I. 130 Their king was alwaies chosen by the voices of the people: wherein they had these regards; that hee were aged, milde, and childlesse. 1633 Bp. Hall Hard Texts, N.T. 24 This conjunction of Grace in the Soule doth more indeare my Mother and Kinsmen unto me than all earthly and bodily regards whatsoever. 1708 Swift Predict. 1708 Wks. 1755 II. i. 155 My fortune hath placed me above the little regard of writing for a few pence. 1790 Burke Fr. Rev. Wks. V. 350 Those higher and more large regards by which alone men come to be affected. 1844–7 Emerson Ess., Love Wks. (Bohn) I. 71 A benevolence which shall lose all particular regards in its general light. |
† b. A looking to another in order to direct one's actions or conduct. Obs. rare.
| 1726 Butler Serm. Hum. Nat. ii. Wks. 1874 II. 34 Throw off all regards to others, and we should be quite indifferent to infamy and to honour. 1732 Law Serious C. xi. (ed. 2) 163 That it will be made too anxious a state, by thus introducing a regard to God in all our actions. |
10. a. Esteem, affection, kindly feeling.
| 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. ii. iv. 60 A Son, that well deserues The honor, and regard of such a father. 1667 Milton P.L. i. 653 A generation, whom his choice regard Should favour equal to the Sons of Heaven. 1712 Steele Spect. No. 304 ¶2, I have no Reason to fancy my Mistress has any Regard for me. 1777 Sheridan Sch. Scand. iii. i, I have heard enough to convince me that he is unworthy my regard. 1828 Scott F.M. Perth xxxiii, He resolved to trust in the warm regard of Simon..and the friendship of the Provost. 1860 Tyndall Glac. i. xxvii. 219 There is no guide of my acquaintance for whom I have a stronger regard. |
† b. A token or evidence of esteem or affection.
| 1747 Col. Rec. Pennsylv. V. 151 They were pleased with the Regards shown to them. 1829 Landor Imag. Conv., Barrow & Newton, Think how gratifying..are the regards and attentions of such wise and worthy men as you. |
c. pl. in epistolary expressions of good-will.
| 1775 J. Adams in Fam. Lett. (1876) 103 My regards..to my relations and yours. 1796 in Carus Life Simeon (1847) vi. 133 We all join in most affectionate and respectful regards to you. 1835 Mrs. Carlyle Lett. I. 29 With kindest regards to every one of you. 1847 Dickens Dombey (1848) xxvi. 265 ‘Your regards, Edith, my dear?’ said Mrs. Skewton, pausing, pen in hand, at the postscript. 1978 W. J. Burley Wycliffe & Scapegoat ix. 160 Give my regards to your father and tell him not to worry. |
† 11. A payment by way of acknowledgement. Obs. rare. (So med.L. regardum, F. regard.)
| c 1581–90 in Willis & Clark Cambridge (1886) II. 411 The Towne doth receaue..an anuall regard for the same. |
III. In prepositional phrases.
12. a. in regard of, in comparison with. Now arch. † So also in regard to, at regard of, (as) to or unto (the) regard of or to. Obs.
| 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 8114 Bot se we noght how schort a day es here To regard of a hundreth yhere? Ibid. 8998 Alle þir blysses..War als noght, als to regard to þe blys of heven. c 1381 Chaucer Parl. Foules 58 Thanne shewede he hym the litel erthe that here is At regard of the heuenys quantite. 1413 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton) ii. xlvi. (1859) 53 Al this erdely fyre is but thyng depeynted in regard of that other. 1481 Caxton Myrr. ii. i. 61 Syth that the erthe is so lytil,..lytil may we preyse the goodes therof vnto the regard of heuen. 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. (1812) I. 322 The companyons were but a fewe in regarde to the Frenchmen. c 1530 ― Arth. Lyt. Bryt. 92 The valure of al other knyghtes wer as nothing to the regard of his noblesse. 1596 Spenser F.Q. vi. xi. 14 At last when all the rest them offred were,..They all refused in regard of her. 1630 R. Johnson's Kingd. & Commw. 247 He spendeth but little in the warres, in regard of that, that..the King of Spaine disburseth. 1755 Washington Lett. Writ. 1889 I. 195 Sensible how confined their punishments are, in regard to what they ought to be. 1868 Morris Earthly Par. (1870) I. i. 311 In regard of mine, a little thing His kingdom was. |
† b. at regard or in regard, in comparison, comparatively. Obs.
| c 1475 Rauf Coilȝear 652 Thay countit not the Coilȝear almaist at regaird. 1511–2 Act 3 Hen. VIII, c. 3 Preamble, Archers..with litell nombre and puyssaunce in regarde have done many notable actes. 1540–1 Elyot Image Gov. 104 Howe meruailousely did a few Romaines in regarde..defende this little territory. |
† c. as to regard of, after the fashion of. Obs.
| c 1500 Doctr. Gd. Servaunts 9 As to regarde of the fete of an harte, They sholde ever theyr mayster socoure. |
13. a. in regard of or to, with regard to, † as to the regard of, in respect of, with respect or reference to.
| c 1477 Caxton Jason 35 The more parte of men haue no verite ne loyaulte as to the regard of loue. 1512 Helyas in Thoms Prose Rom. (1827) III. 101 As to the regarde of my londe and duchi of Boulion, I give it freely to this valiaunt knight. 1599 Shakes. Hen. V, i. i. 77 In regard of Causes now in hand. 1680 Boyle Scept. Chem. iv. 219 There are divers sorts of compound Bodies, even in regard of all or some of their Ingredients. 1713 Berkeley Hylas & Phil. i. Wks. 1871 I. 266, I speak with regard to sensible things only. 1747 Gould Eng. Ants 37 There does not seem to be any considerable Variation in regard of the Eggs. 1792 Monthly Rev. May VIII. 77 In regard to the matter,..he had, no doubt, been misled. 1842 Grove Corr. Phys. Forces 94 The world was believed fixed until..it was found to change its place with regard to them. 1869 Goulburn Purs. Holiness viii. 66 Of the affinity between God and Man, in regard of man's wants and God's fulness. |
b. in one's regard, with regard, respect, or reference to one.
| 1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. Balzac's Lett. (vol. I.) 340, I shall in mine own regard bee very glad. 1686 F. Spence tr. Varillas' Ho. Medicis 174 Nothing more was there to do than two things in his regard. 1740 tr. De Mouhy's Fort. Country-Maid (1741) I. 37, I was very sensible of her Coldness, or rather her Envy, in my Regard. 1821 Byron Let. to Murray 24 Sept., My feelings are like the dead, who..feel nothing..that is said or done in their regard. 1865 F. Oakeley Hist. Notes 94 If God have any other will in our regard. |
† 14. a. in regard of, for the regard of, for the sake of; on account of, by reason of. Obs.
| 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 147 A great multitude, who for the regard of their health,..have recourse to these quarters. a 1604 Hanmer Chron. Irel. (1633) 127 It would please them (some in regard of neighbourhood, othersome in regard of naturall affection unto their natiue soile). 1662 Stillingfl. Orig. Sacræ ii. vi. §1 A matter of very difficult tryall, in regard of the goodness..of God so frequently interposing between the prediction and the event. |
b. in regard of or to, out of consideration for.
| 1593 Shakes. Rich. II, i. iii. 216, I thanke my Liege, that in regard of me He shortens foure yeares of my sonnes exile. a 1677 Barrow Serm. Wks. 1716 III. 152 What hath occurred..to my meditation, I must at present, in regard to your patience, omit. a 1713 T. Ellwood Autobiog. (1765) 39 Although they were somewhat unwilling to yield to it, in regard of me, yet my Importunity prevailed. 1724 Swift Reas. agst. Exam. Drugs, In regard of our common Interest..we presume to lay the following Reasons before the Publick, against the said Bill. |
† 15. a. in regard, since, because, inasmuch as, considering that. Obs.
| 1591 Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, v. iv. 124 In regard King Henry giues consent,..To ease your Countrie of distressefull Warre. 1664 J. Webb Stone-Heng (1725) 16 They could not belong to any of the circular Courses; in regard they are raised so clearly without the..Circle. 1723 Chambers tr. Le Clerc's Archit. I. 8 The Roman Order is usually call'd the Composite, in regard its Capital is composed of the..other Orders. 1821 Scott Pirate xxviii, I cannot say that I ever saw an adder, in regard there are none in these parts. |
† b. With that. Obs.
| 1615 G. Sandys Trav. 83 On Saturdayes they feast, in regard that it was the old Sabboth. 1695 Woodward Nat. Hist. Earth iv. (1723) 204 In regard that..the mineral and metallick Matter..was different in different Parts of it. 1719–20 J. Hughes in J. Duncombe Lett. (1773) I. 271 This is the more generous..in regard that I have given up this play to the importunity of my friends. |
IV. 16. attrib., as regard ring (see quots.).
| 1889 in Cent. Dict. 1890 W. Jones Finger-Ring Lore viii. 414 ‘Regard rings’, of French origin, were common even to a late period, and were thus named from the initials with which they were set forming the acrostic of these words: Ruby Emerald Garnet Amethyst Ruby Diamond Lapis lazuli Opal Verd antique Emerald. 1912 O. M. Dalton Franks Bequest Catal. Finger Rings 302 A ‘regard ring’, so called from the fact that the initial letters of the gems composing the bezel form that word. 1951 M. Flower Victorian Jewellery 253 Regard ring, a ring set with a row of small stones of different kinds, the initial letters of which spell a word. 1973 Country Life 29 Nov. (Suppl.) 56/1 A tiny antique ‘Regard’ ring, the word spelt by the first letters of the stones: ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond. 1978 Illustr. London News Nov. 129/2 (caption) Early Victorian ‘regard’ ring, {pstlg}140. |
▪ II. regard, v.
(rɪˈgɑːd)
Also 6 reguard, regarde, 6–7 Sc. regaird.
[ad. F. regarder, † reguarder (OF. also rewarder: see reward v.), f. re- re- + garder to guard v.]
I. trans.
1. a. To look at, gaze upon, observe.
| 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. cxci. 227 Howbeit to regarde hit the fortresse was impregnable, yet he wanne hit by scalynge. 1539 Tonstall Serm. Palm Sund. (1823) 91 We that haue vsed our eyes all the yere in regardyng worldly pleasures. 1599 Shakes. Much Ado v. iv. 22 Your neece regards me with an eye of fauour. a 1677 Barrow Serm. (1683) II. vi. 91 Who doth attently regard a locust or a caterpillar? 1713 Young Last Day iii. 106 Th' almighty judge bends foreward from his throne, These scars to mark, and then regards his own. 1813 Shelley Q. Mab vi. 216 Thou Regard'st them all with an impartial eye. 1878 H. M. Stanley Dark Cont. II. xiii. 367 He..drove his axe into the tree with a vigour which was delightful to regard. |
† b. Of places, etc.: To look or face toward.
| 1585 T. Washington tr. Nicholay's Voy. ii. ii. 32 b, This Ile..regardeth towards y⊇ west y⊇ cape Malee. 1645 Evelyn Diary June (Venice), One of the sides is yet much more Roman-like than the other which reguards the Sea. 1693 Mem. Cnt. Teckely iv. 61 The Right Wing attacked those, who regarded the Camp of the Imperialists. 1750 Phil. Trans. XLVI. 346, I hastened to the other Front [of the house], which regards the NE. |
2. To take notice of, bestow attention or notice upon; to take or show an interest in; to give heed to; † to look after, take care of.
| c 1430 Lydg. Min. Poems (Percy Soc.) 104 Many I found earnyng of pence, But none at all once regarded mee. ? a 1500 Chester Pl. xiii. 27 Other sheep I haue,..they be not of this flocke, yet will I them regarde. 1526 Tindale Heb. viii. 9 They continued nott in my testament, and I regarded them not sayth the lorde. 1592 Shakes. Ven. & Ad. 377 Then loue's deep groans, I neuer shall regard, Because Adonis heart hath made mine hard. 1548–9 (Mar.) Bk. Com. Prayer, Publ. Baptism, Regarde we beseche thee, the supplicacions of thy congregacion. 1648 Milton Ps. lxxxii. 9 Regard the weak and fatherless. 1671 ― Samson 1157 Presume not on thy God, what e're he be, Thee he regards not. 1738 Wesley Ps. v. i, 'Till thou regard my ceaseless Cries. 1834 Disraeli Rev. Epick ii. xxiv, As the shells upon the silent shore, That none regardeth. |
† 3. a. To look to, have a care of or for (oneself, one's own interest, health, etc.). Obs.
| 1494 Fabyan Chron. v. cxvii. 92 Thou well knowest our owne [part] is moost to be regardyd. 1509 Hawes Past. Pleas. xlv. (Percy Soc.) 219 Set not your mynde upon worldly wealth, But evermore regarde your soules health. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 27 Admonisheth al men that regarde theyr salvation, to beware of that Bishoppes kyndom. 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 40 It is my..desire, that you regard your owne health. 1671 Milton Samson 1333 Regard thyself, this will offend them highly. |
b. To look to, consider, take into account.
| 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. iii. i. 256 As thou lou'st Siluia..Regard thy danger, and along with me. 1615 W. Lawson Country Housew. Gard. (1626) 50 It is good for some purposes to regard the age of your fruit trees. 1628–9 Digby Voy. Medit. (Camden) 91 For the soundinges..the depths and the substance of the ground that you bring vp are to be regarded. 1642 Fuller Holy & Prof. St. iii. vii. 168 Beauty remains behind as the last to be regarded. |
4. † a. To take notice of (a thing), as being of special value, excellence, or merit; to value or set store by. Obs.
| 1509 Fisher Funeral Serm. C'tess Richmond Wks. (1876) 291 Tryfelous thynges that were lytell to be regarded she wolde let passe by. 1535 Coverdale 1 Kings x. 21 All kynge Salomons drynkynge vessels were of golde,..for syluer was not regarded in Salomons tyme. 1582 Stanyhurst æneis ii. (Arb.) 46 Then we were of reckning; our feats weare duelye regarded. 1604 E. G[rimstone] D'Acosta's Hist. Indies i. xxii. 72 Origene, who so much regardes the writings of Plato. 1638 Junius Paint. Ancients 80 It did grieve him to see how little the rare workes of Protogenes were regarded. a 1656 Hales Gold. Rem. i. (1673) 241 But, for that superfluous stuff of the world, he wills us not to regard that. |
b. To hold (a person) in great († respect or) esteem; to have a regard for (one).
| 1513 More in Grafton Chron. (1568) II. 785 They were before greatly esteemed among the people, but after that, neuer none of these two were regarded. a 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VIII 105 b, For refusyng of this office therle of Northumberland was not regarded of his owne tenauntes. 1647 N. Bacon Disc. Govt. Eng. i. lix. (1739) 115 Thus the English Bishops that formerly did but regard Rome, now give their Estates, Bodies and Souls unto her service. 1675 Baxter Cath. Theol. ii. xi. ii. 226 Why do you and all men regard or reward a loving thankful obedient child..? 1702 Steele Funeral i. (1724) 25, I have in vain done all I can to make her regard me. 1775 Sheridan Duenna i. i, She does not regard you enough. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair xxiii, I regard him so much—for you know we have been like brothers—that I hope..the quarrel may be settled. |
5. a. To heed, or take into account, in regulating one's actions or conduct.
| 1512 Act 4 Hen. VIII, c. 2 Preamble, The persons so offendyng litell regarde the punysshment therof by..the Comen lawe. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 4 b, Regarding the authoritie of no man. Ibid. 34 We ought not to regard such inconveniences. 1611 Bible Ecclus. x. 19 They that regard not the Law are a dishonourable seed. 1667 Milton P.L. ix. 787 Eve Intent now wholly on her taste, naught else Regarded. 1713 Steele Englishm. No. 55. 356 They regard not speaking Truth, but making their Fortunes. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) V. 109 The perfect citizen is he who regards not only the laws but the precepts of the legislator. |
b. To have respect for or dread of (a person).
| 1526 Tindale Luke xviii. 2 There was a Iudge in a certaine cite, which feared not god nether regarded man. 1549 Latimer 2nd Serm. bef. Edw. VI (Arb.) 73 Regarde no person, feare no man. 1591 Shakes. 1 Hen. VI, i. iii. 60 Here's Beauford, that regards not God nor King. 1868 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) II. viii. 210 Tyrants who neither fear God nor regard man. |
c. To pay heed or attention to (one speaking or something said).
| 1535 Coverdale Zech. i. 4 They wolde not heare, ner regarde me, saieth the Lorde. 1596 Shakes. 1 Hen. IV, i. ii. 97 Hee talk'd very wisely, but I regarded him not. 1667 Milton P.L. xii. 174 The lawless Tyrant, who denies To know thir God, or message to regard. a 1715 Burnet Own Time ii. (1724) I. 213 The Earl..said, he knew Sharp too well to regard any thing that came from him. 1728 T. Sheridan tr. Persius Ded., Having so faithfully regarded the last Advice, which I gave you. |
d. To show consideration for (a thing or person).
| 1513 More in Grafton Chron. (1568) II. 769 Which Sanctuary good men as me thinketh might without sinne, somwhat lesse regard then they do. 1671 Milton P.R. iii. 427 Should I of these the liberty regard..? 1788 Gibbon Decl. & F. l. V. 229 Without regarding the sanctity of days or months, to pursue the unbelieving nations of the earth. 1865 Tennyson Love thou thy Land 24 Gentle words are always gain; Regard the weakness of thy peers. 1871 Freeman Norm. Conq. (1876) IV. xvii. 13 We may be led to think that the rights of England were..strictly regarded. |
6. a. To consider, look on, as being something. Also occas. with other constructions. (Now the most usual sense.)
| 1607 Shakes. Cor. v. vi. 144 Let him be regarded As the most Noble Coarse, that euer Herald Did follow to his Vrne. a 1719 Addison (Ogilvie), They are not only regarded as authors, but as partisans. 1781 Cowper Prog. Err. 148 If he the tinkling harpsichord regards As inoffensive, what offence in cards? 1836 J. Gilbert Chr. Atonem. vii. (1852) 194 Whatever constitutes atonement, therefore, must..be regarded a safe..remedy. 1853 F. W. Newman Odes of Horace 7 Dr. Leonard Schmitz regards it to indicate the looseness of popular opinion. 1856 Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. ii. 120 The interests of the nation..entitled him to regard his position under another aspect. 1877 ― Short Stud. (1883) IV. i. iii. 39 He regarded his submission as the end of the dispute. |
b. To look upon with some feeling.
| 1615 Sir W. Mure Misc. Poems xiv. 17 That hyer Powares be w{supt} feir regairdit. 1784 Cowper Tiroc. 156 The stamp of artless piety..The youth..Regards with scorn. 1833 H. Martineau Manch. Strike v. 62 The shortest way to a good issue was to regard the claims of the people with respect. 1884 Manch. Exam. 22 May 5/2 A war which the great majority of the nation regarded with unaffected dislike. |
7. a. To concern, have relation or respect to.
| 1603 B. Jonson Sejanus v. v, Business of high nature with your lordship,..and which regards you much. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 72 ¶1, I have few Notices but such as regard Follies and Vices. 1739 Hume Hum. Nat. (1874) I. Introd. 307 Morals and criticism regard our tastes and sentiments. 1819 Shelley Cenci iv. iv. 47 The deed is done, And what may follow now regards not me. 1865 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. xviii. v. (1872) VII. 176 If these things regarded only myself, I could stand it with composure. |
b. In pres. pple. Concerning, relating to.
| 1793 Smeaton Edystone L. §307 Every thing, regarding the light, operated in a proper manner. 1897 W. J. Tucker E. Europe 194, I have an advantageous offer to make him regarding the cattle. |
c. as regards, as regarding, so far as relates to.
| 1824 Southey Bk. of Ch. (1841) 408 That Church, and the Queen, its refounder, are clear of persecution, as regards the Romanists. 1884 Browning Ferishtah 111, I am in motion, and all things beside That circle round my passage through their midst,—Motionless, these are, as regarding me. 1885 Law Times Rep. LII. 651/1 He was in a thoroughly sound condition as regards intellect. |
II. 8. absol. or intr. a. To look, gaze. rare.
| 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. ccxxxvii. 338 Then the prince of Wales opened his Eyen and regarded towarde heuen. 1847 Tennyson Princ. iv. 363 We with blind surmise Regarding, while she read. |
b. To pay attention, give heed; to bestow attention on a thing.
| 1611 Bible Prov. i. 24, I haue stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. 1667 Milton P.L. v. 44 Now reignes Full Orb'd the Moon..; in vain, If none regard. 1747 Wesley Prim. Physic (1762) 118 Regard not tho' it prick or shoot for a time. 1784 Cowper Task vi. 1019 In vain the poet sings, and the world hears, If He regard not. 1855 De Morgan in Graves Life Hamilton (1889) III. 502 Airy, regarding thereon, found out a more simple mode. |
† 9. a. To consider. Also with dep. clause. Obs.
| 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. (1812) I. 716 It behoveth us to regarde wisely, and to take counsayle in this mater. a 1533 ― Huon lxxxii. 255 Therfore, sir, regarde well in what place ye wyll haue one of your peeres iugyd. |
b. To look to; to refer to. Obs.
| 1525 Ld. Berners Froiss. II. lxxxiv. 96/2 Refrayne your euyll wyll and moderate your courage and regarde to reason. a 1586 Sidney Arcadia (1613) 269 The under ones..cannot, by nature, regard to any preservation but of themselves. 1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Div. Off. 249 To this custome the Angel in the Revelation is thought to regard. |
† 10. Const. with inf. a. To endeavour, seek, or plan. Obs. rare—1.
| a 1533 Ld. Berners Gold. Bk. M. Aurel. (1536–7) H j b, They that be yll, regarde to distroy the good. |
b. To take heed or care. Obs.
| 1542 Udall Erasm. Apoph. 333 Thei neither regarded to sette hym to schoole, nor..to paie his schoolemaisters duetie. 1577 B. Googe Heresbach's Husb. i. (1586) 41 b, In reapyng, you must regarde to goe with the wynde. 1642 J. Eaton Honey-c. Free Justif. 202 Little remembering and lesse regarding to lay the blame where it is. 1673 S. C. Art of Complaisance 17 They who play at Tennis..regard not onely to toss back the ball dextrously, but also [etc.]. |
c. To be inclined or desirous. Obs. rare—1.
| 1550 Bale Image Both Ch. iii. xviii. B b b iij b, Neyther regarde they to kneele anye more downe and to kisse their pontificall rings. |
d. To be concerned, to reck. Obs. rare.
| 1557 North Gueuara's Diall Pr. 23 For covetous parsons lytle regard to shorten their life, so that they may augment their ryches. c 1600 Constance of Cleveland in Child Ballads (1857) IV. 229 The Knight nothing regarded To see the Lady scoffed. |
† 11. Const. with that. a. To see to it; to take care. Obs. rare—1.
| c 1550 R. Bieston Bayte Fortune B iv, But yet he must regarde,..That all his goodes be got by way of rightousnes. |
b. To consider, take into account. Obs.
| 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretary i. (1625) A 2 b, Regarding that by a reuiew of the same, it hath now receiued some shape, and proportion. 1591 Shakes. Two Gent. iii. i. 70 Neither regarding that she is my childe, Nor fearing me. |
c. To appreciate, to think it well. Obs.—1
| 1621 Bp. R. Montagu Diatribæ 385 Those..will not much admire, nor yet greatly regard, that a Patron of Sacriledge for Lay-Vsurpers, should become a Practiser for Lay-elders. |
12. To look, appear. rare—1.
| 1819 Shelley Prometh. Unb. iv. 213 The hills and woods..Regard like shapes in an enchanter's glass. |
Hence reˈgarded ppl. a.
| 1586 Whetstone Eng. Myrror Ded., It then followeth, most regarded Queene, that the reach of my duetie [etc.]. 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. ii. i. 10 The best regarded Virgins of our Clime Haue lou'd it to. |