aviate, v.
(ˈeɪvɪeɪt)
[Back-formation from aviation.]
intr. To navigate the air in an aeroplane; to fly. Also trans.
| 1887 tr. J. Verne's Clipper of Clouds iv. 36 Mr. Aviator.., you who talk so much of the benefits of aviation, have you ever aviated? 1900 Manch. Guardian 4 Apr. 9/2 In the event of the sudden failure of the aviating mechanism. 1908 Punch 21 Oct. 305/2 ‘To aviate’ is nauseous enough, and ‘planing’, in the atmospheric slang of country-house parties, is pretty bad. 1943 C. H. Ward-Jackson Piece of Cake 11 To aviate, to fly, to fly flashily, to show-off when flying. 1959 W. E. Johns Biggles at World's End i. 22 The obsolete crates we're expected to aviate. |