▪ I. arrect
later corrupt f. aret v. Obs. to impute.
▪ II. † aˈrrect, v. Obs.
Also 6 arecte.
[f. L. arrect- ppl. stem of arrig-ĕre to raise up, incite, f. ar- = ad- to + -rigĕre = regĕre to straighten.]
1. To set upright.
| 1530 Palsgr. 436/1, I arecte, I adresse up or set up a thyng, Je metz sus..je metz debout, or je metz a point. This banner is nowe arrected. 1534 Whittinton Tullyes Off. i. 6 Whiche dylygence doth arrecte hertes and maketh them more encouraged to playe the men. |
2. To direct upwards, raise, lift up.
| a 1529 Skelton Poems 9 (T.) Arrectynge my sight towarde the zodiake. 1556 Abp. Parker Psalter cviii, Yea Psalmes to thee I wyll arrect, Among all folke of euery sect. |
3. To set right, direct.
| 1530 Palsgr. 436/2, I arecte..Jadresse. Be nat afrayde. If thou be out of the waye, thou shalte be arrected. |
▪ III. arrect, ppl. a. and n.
(əˈrɛkt)
[ad. L. arrect-us: see prec.]
A. adj. Set upright, pricked up (as the ears of a beast); having the faculties directed towards; fig. intent, attentive, on the alert.
| 1646 J. G[regory] Notes & Obs. (1650) 142 His eares are said to bee arrect and intent only to those [prayers] that are made in this place. c 1794 Akenside Pleas. Imag. i. 269 Eager for the event, Around the Beldame all arrect they hang. 1846 T. Aird in Blackw. Mag. LX. 279 The rabbit..pauses a moment—with its form and ears arrect to listen. |
† B. n. Proposed term for ‘upright stratum.’ Obs.
| 1811 Pinkerton Petralogy I. 213. |