P
PREL - PRISE
PRELIMINARY - adjectives
• PARASCEUASTIC†* preparatory, preliminary ...1672
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
PRELUDE - adjectives
• PRELUDIAL pert. to a prelude; serving to introduce ...1647
PREMATURE - adjectives
• BEFORE-RIPE † premature ...1388
• IMMATURE † occurring before its time; untimely, premature ...1548 obs. or arch.
PREMATURELY - adverbs
• EARLY DOORS prematurely ...1980s sl.
• UNTIMEOUSLY prematurely, unseasonably ...1792 Sc.
PREMATURENESS - nouns
• IMMATURITY † prematureness; untimeliness ...c1540
PREMISES - nouns
• DIGGINGS a place, locality, neighbourhood, region; premises ...1834 Amer. dial.
PREMONITION - phrases
• I'VE A FEELING IN ME WATER I have a premonition, a hunch, an instinctive feeling ...19C sl.
PREPARATION - nouns
• ADDIGHTING † preparing, preparation ...1567
• ADDRESS † the act of making ready; the state of being ready, preparation ...1633
• ADIGHTING † preparing, preparation ...1567
• BANDOBAST an arrangement, a settlement; preparation ...1776
• BIG READY a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BUNDOBUST an arrangement, a settlement; preparation ...1776
• GOOD READY a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1866 Amer. dial.
• ORDINANCE † the act or process of making ready, preparing, or providing; preparation, provision, equipment; a preparatory step or measure; hence, the result of such ...c1374
• PARATION †* a making ready, preparation ...a1617
• YARKING † preparation ...c1000
preparation - phrases
• IN THE CALMS † in course of construction; in the state of preparation ...a1662
PREPARATORY - adjectives
• PARASCEUASTIC†* preparatory, preliminary ...1672 obs. rare
• PARASCEUOLOGICAL †* relating to preparation, preparatory ...1671
PREPARE - verbs
• ACCINGE †* to 'gird up one's loins', to apply oneself, to prepare oneself for what is to come ...1657
• ADDRESS † to order or arrange for any purpose; to prepare, to make ready; to prepare oneself ...1485
• ADIGHT † to prepare, to dispose, to order, to appoint ...c1220
• BAKE † to prepare, to make ready ...1460
• BEFORE-GRAITHE † to prepare, to make ready beforehand ...1382
• BOUN † to prepare, to make ready ...c1390
• CLEAR THE DECKS to prepare for action ...Bk1999
• CUT † to make ready, to prepare, to plan ...1645
• DECOCT †* to prepare, to devise, to concoct ...1602
• DERSE to cleanse, to prepare ...1828 Eng. dial.
• DIGHT 1. to prepare, to put in order, to tidy, to clean; to sweep, to dust ...1678 Sc. & Eng. dial.
2. to prepare, to make fit for use ...1773 Sc.
• ETTLE to prepare, to make ready; to rake together into a heap ...1874 Eng. dial.
• FIX to prepare ...1725 US sl.
• HATCH to prepare for; to develop a disease ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• HAUSE, HAWSE to prepare; to attempt, to try; to offer ...1851 Eng. dial.
• JACK UP to prepare anything; to arrange, organize, contrive ...1939 NZ sl.
• LICK INTO FASHION to prepare, to get ready, esp. if the person or object is far from ready when one starts the 'licking' ...19C sl., orig. US
• LICK INTO SHAPE to prepare, to get ready, esp. if the person or object is far from ready when one starts the 'licking'; to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc. ...19C colloq., orig. US
• LICK ONE'S FLINT to prepare for a difficult task; to take precautions against disaster ...1953 Amer. dial.
• MAKE DOWN to prepare, to make ready ...1838 Eng. dial.
• ORDAIN † to put in order for a purpose; to prepare, to make ready, to equip; to furnish, to provide ...1375
• ORDER † to be in order or readiness; to make ready, to prepare ...1526
• PODGE to prepare ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• PUDGE to prepare ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• REDD to set in order, to arrange; to prepare; to tidy, to clean up ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAPE OFF to prepare, to get ready, to put into place ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TEEL to prepare; to make ready ...1895 Eng. dial.
• TIFF † to put in order, to arrange; to prepare, to make, to construct ...1300s
• TIFT † to prepare, to make ready, to put in order; to dress ...1300s obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TIGHT † to prepare, to get ready; to devise, to contrive ...a1300
• YARE † to make or get ready, to prepare ...c888
• YARK † to make ready, to prepare ...c1000
• YARKEN † to prepare ...c1205
PREPARED - adjectives
• ACCINCT † girded, prepared, ready ...1731
• ADDRESSED † made ready, prepared, 'dressed' as food ...1387
• ALL SET ready, prepared ...M19 sl.
• ANATE prepared ...B1900 Ireland
• ARMED TO THE TEETH well equipped with firearms; alert; fully prepared; awake to danger ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEFOREHAND †* ready, prepared ...a1704
• BOUN ready, prepared ...Bk1708
• BOUND † of persons and things: ready, prepared. of persons: dressed, attired ...c1175
• EXPLORATE †* thoroughly examined; carefully prepared ...1655
• LOADED FOR BEAR fully prepared for a situation; esp. ready and eager for a confrontation; very angry...1896 Amer. dial.
• MEETEN'D made fit; prepared, or adapted ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NATE prepared; intended ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OILED adj. ready; well-prepared ...1999 UK sl.
• ON DECK available, prepared ...L19 sl.
• ORDERED † made ready, prepared ...1579
• PARABLE † that can be readily prepared, procured, or got; procurable ...1581
• REDD ready, willing, prepared ...1790 Sc.
• ROTTEN IN ONE'S HEAD †* thoroughly prepared and rehearsed ...1640
• SAUCERED AND BLOWED all ready to go; prepared for use in any way ...1987 Can. sl.
• TIGHT † prepared; ready for action ...1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• UP of a person: ready, prepared ...1950s US Black sl.
• WARE prepared, on one's guard, watchful, vigilant, cautious, alert ...c1000 arch.
• WRAPPED carefully arranged; carefully prepared; entirely in order ...c1935 Services' usage
• WRAPPED-UP carefully arranged; carefully prepared; entirely in order ...c1935 Services' usage
• YARE ready, prepared; desirous, eager ...c888 arch. & Eng. dial.
• YDIGHT † prepared, furnished, dressed ...1297
prepared - adverbs
• RARE early; ready, prepared ...1790 Eng. dial.
• TIFT † prepared, ready; set in order; provided, furnished ...1300s Sc.
prepared - nouns
• ADDRESS † that which is prepared; a device, a contrivance ...1598
• ADDRESSEDNESS †* the state of being prepared; preparedness ...1633
• PARABILITY †* the quality of being easily procured or prepared ...1654
prepared - verbs
• HAVE ONE'S MEGS SET TO GO to be ready or prepared to go ...1944 Amer. dial.
• NOT TO HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE LADLE WHEN THE POT COMES A-BOIL to be prepared, to take proper precautions ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
PREPOSTEROUS - adjectives
• ARSE-VERSY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSE-WISE inept; preposterous; awry ...20C colloq.
• ARSEY-WARSEY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSY-FARCY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSY-VARSY preposterous; topsy-turvy ...M17
• ARSY-VERSY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• LAPUTAN pertaining to Laputa, the flying island in Gulliver's Travels; hence, visionary, absurd, fanciful, preposterous, ridiculous, impossible ...1866
• NEVER-TO-BE-HEARD-TELL-OF unheard of, preposterous ...1826 Sc.
preposterous - adverbs
• ARSE-WISE inept; preposterous; awry ...20C colloq.
PRESAGE - nouns
• OOMUND a presage, presentiment, omen ....1899 Sc.
presage - verbs
• HARBINGER to announce, to presage ...1646
PRESBYTERIAN - person
• BLACKMOUTH a Presbyterian ...1979 Ulster sl.
• BLACK NEB a Presbyterian ...1915 Ulster sl.
• BLUESKIN a Christian, esp. a Presbyterian, who adheres to a strict moral code ...1790 Amer. dial.
• BLUESTOCKING a Christian, esp. a Presbyterian, who adheres to a strict moral code ...1829 Amer. dial.
PRESCRIPTION - nouns
• PAPER a drug prescription ...1960s sl.
• READER a drug prescription ...1980s drugs sl.
• SCRIP a prescription for narcotics ...1960s US Black sl.
• SCRIPT a prescription for narcotic drugs ...1951 sl., orig. US
• WRITING n. a narcotics prescription ...1930s US drugs sl.
prescription - verbs
• WRITE SCRIP(T) to give out prescriptions for narcotics ...1930s drugs sl.
PRESENCE - nouns
• OMNIPRESENCE presence everywhere ...a1822
• OMNIPRESENCY † presence everywhere ...1647
PRESENT - adjectives
• MODERNAL † belonging to the present day ...1542
• OMNIPRESENT present everywhere; present at the same time in all places ...a1711
• OMNIPRESENTIAL †* pert. to omnipresence (see 'presence') ...a1716
present - adverbs
• ABOARD present, part of an enterprise ...1957 US sl.
present - nouns
• ECCEITY † the quality of being present ...1549
• NOWANIGHTS the present time ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
PRESENT (gift) - nouns (also see GIFT)
• CADEAU a present or gift ...a1845 Fr.
• CHERRY-MERRY a present of money ...M19 Anglo-Indian sl.
• COLLIBY † a small present or gift ...c1450
• DASH a gift, present, tip ...1788
• DRUERY † a love-token, a keepsake, a gift, a present ...a1225
• HANDSEL 1. a gift or present (expressive of good wishes) at the beginning of a new year, or on entering upon any new condition, situation, or circumstances, the donning of new clothes, etc.; orig. deemed to be auspicious, or to ensure good luck for the new year, etc.; a good omen ...a1300
† 2. a gift or present given on any occasion; reward ...1390
• HANDY-DANDY † something held or offered in the closed hand; a covert bribe or present ...1362
• HANSEL 1. a gift or present (expressive of good wishes) at the beginning of a new year, or on entering upon any new condition, situation, or circumstances, the donning of new clothes, etc.; orig. deemed to be auspicious, or to ensure good luck for the new year, etc. ...a1300
† 2. a gift or present given on any occasion; reward ...1390
• HOUSE-STOY a wedding present ...1975 Nova Scotia usage
• MARKET FAIR a present from the market ...1821 Eng. dial.
• OBLATION † a present or gratuity ...1433
• TIDING a present bought at a feast ...1899 Eng. dial.
• TOE-COVER a cheap and useless present ...1948 sl.
• VAIL a gift or present in the nature of a bribe ...1687
present (gift) - person
• INDIAN GIVER (offensive) a person who asks for the return of a present he has given ...US & Can.
present (gift) - verbs
• DASH to give a present to; to tip ...1861
• HANDSEL to give money or a present to celebrate a new undertaking, etc.; to celebrate for the first time, esp. by drinking ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OFFER † to give something as a present ...1671
• SALUTE † to honour a person with a present, gift, etc. ...a1592
• SKINK †* to make a present of; to make over to another ...1508 Sc.
PRESENTABLE - adjectives
• FEASIBLE adj. of persons: neat, tidy, presentable; of pleasing appearance or manner, decent, respectable ...1820 Sc.
PRESENTATION - nouns
• DOG AND PONY ACT an elaborately prepared or staged presentation, event, etc. intended to sway or convince ...1970s Amer. sl.
• DOG AND PONY SHOW a press conference; any carefully prepared performance ...1970s sl.
PRESENTING - nouns
• OBLATION † the act of offering or presenting, as a gift in token of respect or honour; also, a gift so offered ...1595
PRESENTLY - adverbs
• ANBY presently, by and by ...1825 Eng. dial.
• ASOON presently ...1790 Eng. dial.
• AZOON presently ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BAMBY presently, soon; by-and-by ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BELIVE immediately, soon; presently, by-and-by ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIMEBY presently, soon, before long ...1722 Amer. dial.
• BUMBY by and by, presently ...1786 Amer. dial.
• BY-AM-BY by and by, presently ...1825 Amer. dial.
• BYMEBY by and by, presently ...1825 Amer. dial.
• EFTERSOONS † again; soon after, presently ...c950
• ENOW shortly, very soon, in a moment, presently, by and by ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YEENOO just now; at present, presently ...1874 Sc.
• YENOO just now; at present, presently ...1874 Sc.
• YETTUS as yet; at present, presently ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRESERVE - verbs
• BERGH † to give shelter; to protect, to preserve; to deliver, to save ...a1000
• FIRE DOWN to preserve, to can ...1941 Amer. dial.
• WARISH † to guard, to secure, to protect, to preserve; to save, to rescue ...c1350
PRESIDENT - person
• PREX the president of a college, corporation, etc. ...1858 sl.
• PREXY the president of a college, corporation, etc. ...1858 sl.
• VEEP a vice-president ...1949 US sl.
PRESS - nouns
• THROW pressure; a press, crowd; a rush ...1868 Sc.
press - verbs
• ADPRESS to press closely to a surface, to lay flat ...1872
• BIRSE to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAY to press, to squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• IMPACK * to pack in; to press closely together in a mass; to pack up ...1611
• JAMMOCK to squeeze, to press; to beat, to crush, to trample into a soft mass ...1876 Eng. dial.
• NODGE to push, to press; to strike with the knuckles or elbow, to poke ...1853 Sc.
• PACK to press, to squeeze ...1897 Sc.
• QUAT † to beat or press down; to squash, to flatten, to extinguish ...c1400-50 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• QUEAK to squeeze, to press down, to pinch, to hold tight ...1876 Eng. dial.
• QUEASE †* to press, to squeeze ...c1450
• QUEEK to squeeze, to press down, to pinch, to hold tight ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SCASH † to beat, to batter; to crush or press roughly or carelessly ...1801 Sc.
• SCASS † to beat, to batter; to crush or press roughly or carelessly ...1801 Sc.
• SCRINGE † to squeeze violently; to press down; to crowd together ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SCRINNY to squeeze against or through; to press close ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SMASH to squeeze, to press, to put one's weight on; to apply pressure ...1994 Amer. dial.
• THRIMBLE to crowd, to throng, to press; to wrestle ...1774 Sc.
• THRIMP to press, to squeeze; to press as in a crowd ...1850 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• THRING † 1. to press, to crowd, to throng; to move or gather in a crowd; to assemble; to crowd around, to throng a person ...a800
† 2. to press or push forward, as against obstacles; to push or force one's way hastily or eagerly; to press, rush, hasten, push on ...c893 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• THRIST to thrust, to push; to press, to squeeze, to hug; to wring ...1838 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• THRUMBLE to press, compress, squeeze; to crowd or heap together, to throng ...1589 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• THRUSH to thrust; to press, as in or by a throng of people ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• THRUTCH 1. to thrust; to press, to push, to shove; to push or elbow one's way through a crowd, etc. ...1740 Eng. dial.
2. to crowd, to press, to squeeze, to huddle together ...1874 Eng. dial.
• TRIST to thrust, to push; to press, to squeeze, to hug; to wring ...1838 Sc.
PRESS AGENT - person
• SPACE BANDIT a press agent ...c1940 Amer. theatre sl.
PRESS CONFERENCE - nouns
• DOG AND PONY SHOW a press conference; any carefully prepared performance ...1970s sl.
PRESS DOWN - verbs
• BAT to press down, to flatten, to compress ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
PRESSING - adjectives
• IMPORTUNATE † pressing, urgent; busy ...1542-3
• IMPORTUNE 1. persistent or pressing in solicitation; pertinacious; irksome through persistency of request ...1447
2. † pressing, urgent; busy ...c1450
• INSTANT urgent, pressing, persistent ...1839 Sc.
• RASH †* urgent, pressing ...1606
PRESSINGLY - adverbs
• BATAUNTLY † hastily, pressingly, eagerly ...1393
• IMPORTUNATELY with pressing or persistent action or purpose; pressingly ...1568
• IMPORTUNELY † pressingly, persistently, pertinaciously ...1502
• NEEDFULLY * necessarily, upon compulsion or constraint; urgently, pressingly ...a1340
PRESSURE - adjectives
• HARD PUSHED hard pressed; subjected to pressure of one kind or another, usually financial ...1834 Amer. dial.
• HARD RUN hard pressed; subjected to pressure of one kind or another, usually financial; without resources; needy ...1791 Amer. dial.
• UNDER THE COSH under pressure, usually at work ...2000s sl.
• UNDER THE GUN under great pressure or stress ...1940s sl., orig. US
• UNDER THE SCREWS under pressure ...E19
pressure - nouns
• ACCORDION ACT collapsing under pressure ...1989 US sl.
• BEAR † pressure, thrust ...1674
• MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK a burden or great disadvantage; a source of emotional pressure ...1959 Amer. colloq.
• THROW pressure; a press, crowd; a rush ...1868 Sc.
pressure - verbs (includes PRESSURIZE)
• APPLY THE ACID to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...1935 Aust. sl.
• CHEW ONE'S ASS to put pressure on somebody ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CHEW ONE'S ASS OUT to bawl out, to scold, to reprimand; to put pressure on somebody ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CHEW OUT to bawl out, to scold, to reprimand; to put pressure on somebody ...1948 Amer. dial.
• DANCE SOMEONE AROUND to harass; to pressurize someone ...1980s US sl.
• DOG to crumble under pressure ...20C teen & high school sl.
• FREAK OUT to snap under intolerable pressure ...1979 UK sl.
• GIVE SOME SLACK to let someone relax, to stop pressuring ...1950s sl.
• HIGH-PRESSURE to pressurize, to intimidate ...1920s sl.
• KICK ONE'S NORTH END TO GOING SOUTH to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done but hasn't ...1970 Amer. dial.
• LEAN INTO to pressurize, to threaten ...20C Irish sl.
• LEAN ON to pressurize, to persuade, possibly with violence or threats of violence, to threaten with force ..1920s sl., orig. US
• MONSTER to make a verbal attack on someone or something; to put pressure on ...1967 Aust. sl.
• OOCH to pressure, to urge ...1979 Amer. dial.
• OOTZ to pressure, to urge ...1958 Amer. dial.
• PLY THE ACID (ON) to exert a pressure which is difficult to resist; to exert such pressure on a person, etc. ...1906 Aust.
• POKE to urge, to push, to pressure ...1913 Amer. dial.
• POKE UP to urge, to push, to pressure ...1950 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE ACID ON to exert a pressure which is difficult to resist; to exert such pressure on a person, etc. ...1903 Aust.
• PUT THE BEAD ON to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done but hasn't ...1968 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE BEE ON SOMEONE to pressure someone, often to make or repay a loan ...1918 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE BITE ON to pressurize someone, esp. for a loan or repayment of money owed, or as part of a campaign of intimidation ...E20 Amer. sl.
• PUT THE BUG ON to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done ...1968 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE GAS ON to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...1900s Aust. sl.
• RANK OUT to beg for help, to surrender to pressure, to behave badly or weakly ...1980s US Black sl.
• STAND THE ACID to stand up under pressure, to maintain one's composure ...1900s US sl.
• TRY THE ACID to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...20C Aust. sl.
• WARM ONE'S BRITCHES to put pressure on someone to do something he should have already done ...1965 Amer. dial.
PRESTIGE - nouns
• IZZAT, IZZUT honour, reputation, credit, prestige ...1857
• KUDOS glory, game, prestige ...1890 UK
PRESUME - verbs
• BEAR † to exalt or lift up oneself upon; to plume oneself, to presume ...c1400
• FANCY YOUR CHANCE to presume that your charm or skill will suffice to achieve success ...1962 UK sl.
• FANCY YOUR CHANCES to presume that your charm or skill will suffice to achieve success ...1962 UK sl.
• FASHION to dare, to presume, to venture; to have the face to ...1847 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ON to assume airs; to behave proudly or haughtily; to presume; to take liberties ...1668
PRESUMING - adjectives
• HOIT-A-POIT assuming airs of importance unsuitable to years or action; presuming, forward ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• UP-STARING somewhat presuming ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRESUMPTION - nouns
• ASSUMACY presumption ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BAYARDISM † ignorant presumption ...1624
• OGART † arrogance, presumption ...c1375 Sc.
• OIL pretentiousness, presumption ...20C UK sl.
• SUCCUDRY † presumption, arrogance ...1375 Sc.
• SUMPTION † the taking of a thing as true without proof; hence, an assumption, presumption ...1572
presumption - verbs
• HAVE A NECK to show impudence or presumption ...1895 Eng. dial.
PRESUMPTUOUS - adjectives
• ABOVE ONESELF arrogant, conceited, self-important, presumptuous; overly ambitious ...1823
• DARING-HARDY † foolhardy, presumptuous, audacious ...1593
• FAST-GATED reckless, thoughtless, hasty; presumptuous, immodest ...1874 Eng. dial.
• IGGERANT ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward ...1880 Sc.
• IGNORANT ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward ...1880 Sc.
• MALAPERT † presumptuous, impudent, saucy; bold or forward from lack of proper respect or modesty ...c1420 obs. exc. arch.
• OFF BASE presumptuous; impudent ...1950s US sl.
• ORGEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• ORGHEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• ORGUEIL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORGUIL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORGUL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORHEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• PAPPY of persons: conceited, stiff with self-esteem, stuck-up, officious, pompous, puffed up with pride; presumptuous ...1881 Sc.
• SUCCUDROUS † presumptuous, arrogant ...c1475 Sc.
• SURCUIDANT †* arrogant, insolent, presumptuous ...a1529
• UMPTUOUS presumptuous ...1864 Eng. dial.
• UPSOME froward; haughty, presumptuous ...1901 Eng. dial.
presumptuous - nouns (includes PRESUMPTUOUSNESS)
• EVEN-UP presumptuousness ...1990s W. Indies sl.
• MALAPERTNESS † the quality of being presumptuous; impudence, sauciness ...1430-40 obs. exc. arch.
presumptuous - person
• GAMFREL † a fool; a forward, presumptuous person ...a1758 Sc.
• GAMPHRELL a fool; a forward, presumptuous person ...1800 Sc.
• IMPERTINENT a meddlesome, presumptuous, or insolent person; one who does or says that which he has no business to do or say, and which is considered a piece of presumption or insolence ...1635
• MALAPERT † a presumptuous, impudent, pert, or saucy person ...1622 obs. exc. arch.
• SQUIRT someone insignificant but presumptuous ...1848 sl., orig. US
presumptuous - verbs
• TAKE † to take too much upon one; to behave presumptuously or haughtily, to assume airs ...c1470
PRESUMPTUOUSLY - adverbs
• SUCCUDROUSLY † presumptuously, arrogantly ...c1375 Sc.
PRETEND - person (includes PRETENDER)
• AEOLIST * a pretender to inspiration or spiritual regeneration ...1704
• AFFRONTER † one who impudently deceives; a pretender ...1598
• BLUFFER one who pretends to know what he does not ...Bk1913-17 Amer. college sl.
• CACAFUEGO a pretender and braggart ...a1640
• DEADBEAT an impostor or pretender; a fraud; a cheat ...1873 Amer. sl.
• FANFARON a bully, blusterer, swaggerer; an empty boaster or braggart; a vain pretender ...1622
• FIGURE-CASTER † a pretender to astrology ...1584
• FLUBDUB a snob, a pretender ...1893 Amer. dial.
• GAR-ME-TRUE a hypocrite, a pretender; a philanderer; one who makes believe ...1871 Sc.
• HUGGINS AND MUGGINS a pretender to importance ...Bk1922
• IDOL † a fictitious personation; a counterfeit, sham; a pretender ...1590
• JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT a pretender; an upstart ...Bk1896 sl.
• LADY-WIT † an effeminate pretender to culture ...1647
• LITERATOR † a pretender to learning; a sciolist ...a1641
• MAMAMOUCHI a pompous-sounding title; one who assumes such a title; a ridiculous pretender to elevated dignity; a buffoon ...1672
• MEDICASTER a pretender to medical skill; a quack, charlatan ...1639
• MOUNTEBANK a charlatan, a person who falsely claims knowledge of or skill in some matter, esp. for personal gain; a person who pretends to be something he or she is not, in order to gain prestige, fame, etc.; a boastful pretender ...1589
• ONPUT one who puts on an act; a pretender, a shammer ...1958 Sc.
• PANJANDRUM a mock title for an imaginary or mysterious person of much power, or one of great pretensions; a pompous pretender; one who is self-important ...a1880
• PANSOPHIST a claimant or pretender to universal knowledge ...1864
• SACRIPANT * a boastful pretender to valour ...1830
pretend - verbs
• AFFECT to put on a pretense of; to assume a false appearance of, to counterfeit or pretend ...1661
• APE to pretend ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BOURT † to pretend, to make believe ...Bk1886
• BRADE † to pretend ...Bk1886
• CRACK ON to pretend, esp. to pretend to be ill or hurt ...1880s sl. ? orig, military
• DISSIMULATE to dissemble; to feign; to pretend ...1610
• FAKE to feign or simulate; to pretend ...1889 sl.
• FAKE IT to feign or simulate; to pretend ...1889 sl.
• FAKE THE FUNK to pretend to be in the know; to fake being stylish ...Bk2006 US sl.
• FALSE GIG to pretend to be what one is not; to act under false pretenses ...1940s Aust. sl.
• FALSIFY to sham illness, to pretend ...1875 Eng. dial.
• GAM to pretend ...1989 Irish sl.
• GAME to pretend, to sham ...1865 Eng. dial.
• GAMMON to feign, to pretend ...1812
• GAM ON to pretend, to make out that ...1940s Irish sl.
• GAR-BELIEVE to make believe; to pretend ...1916 Sc.
• LEET to feign, pretend ...Bk1855 Eng. dial.
• LEETEN to pretend ...Bk1855 Eng. dial.
• LET † to behave, to comport oneself; to have a particular behaviour or appearance; to make as though, to pretend ...c1000
• MAKE to act, to pretend, to feign ...1848 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• MAKE FASHION to pretend; to make a pretense of ...1816 Sc.
• MAKE OFF to pretend ...1940s US sl.
• MAKE WISE to pretend, to feign, to make believe ...1867 Eng. dial.
• MIMICATE † to mimic; to pretend, sham ...1824 Sc.
• MIMP to make believe; to sham, to pretend ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MUCK ABOUT to pretend, to act half-heartedly, to play about ...M19 sl.
• OBTEND † to put forward as a statement, reason, etc.; to pretend, to allege, to maintain ...1573
• PERSEEN to pretend ...Bk1893 Eng. dial.
• PRETEX † to allege falsely; to pretend ...1545
• PUT ONESELF AWAY to pretend; to hoax ...1930s sl.
• RAMP to pretend ...2000 UK sl.
• SCHLENTER to pretend (for criminal purposes) to defraud ...L19 sl.
• SIMULACRIZE to pretend ...1845
• SPORT A NESCIO not to understand anything ...B1670 university sl.
• SWANK to pretend by one's behaviour to be something superior to what one is ...1809
• TAKE † to affect, to feign, to pretend, to make believe to do something ...1571
• TAKE ON to assume; to feign, to pretend; to act as a hypocrite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRETENDED - adjectives
• FAINT † feigned, pretended, simulated ...a1300
• FAKE fraudulent; spurious; counterfeit; false; pretended ...1775
• FICTIONARY pretended, imaginary, existing only in fiction ...1882
• GAMMONING † counterfeit, false, pretended, feign ...1802 UK sl.
• SIMULAR simulated, pretended, counterfeited ...1611
• VARNISHED simulated, pretended ...1607
PRETENSE - adjectives
• SIMULATIVE characterized by simulation or pretense ...1490
• SIMULATORY †* characterized by simulation or pretense ...1618
pretense - adverbs
• FAINTLY † feignedly, by way of feint or pretense, deceitfully ...c1330
• UNDER THE UMBER OF † on pretense of ...1423
pretense - nouns
• ACT an instance of insincere behaviour; a display of pretended feeling; an affected pretense ...1934
• AIRS AND GRACES would-be elegant or genteel mannerisms intended to impress; affected manners intended to convey a person's refinement or superiority; pretensions ...1697
• AUNTER a pretense, needless scruple, excuse, hesitation ...1703 Eng. dial.
• BLUFF an excuse, a pretense; talk intended to mystify or deceive ...M19
• FAFF swagger, pretense; show, useless adornments ...1880 Eng. dial.
• FAINTISE † deceit, dissimulation, hypocrisy, pretense ...1340
• FAITING † deceit, pretense ...1377
• FARANCE a pretense, make believe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FA-SAY a pretense, a sham ...Bk1900 Sc.
• FASHION † outward action or ceremony; a mere form, pretense ...1571
• FLASH a boast, brag, or great pretense made by a spendthrift, quack, or pretender to more art or knowledge than he really has ...1748 sl.
• GAFF † a pretense; an imposture ...1877 UK prison sl.
• GAS empty or boastful talk; showy pretense, bombast; humbug, nonsense ...1847 sl.
• GAUD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GAWD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GUIVER insincere talk; pretense ...1864 Aust. sl.
• GUYVER insincere talk; pretense ...1864 Aust. sl.
• GYVO humbug; flattery; insincerity, pretense; deceptive talk or behaviour ...c1935 Aust. sl.
• MAKE-BELIEF * pretense ...1833-40
• MAKE-WISE a pretense, make-believe ...1846 Eng. dial.
• MAKING-AS-IF pretense, make-believe ...1813 nonce word
• MASQUERADE disguise; false, outward show; pretense ...1674
• MONMOUTH STREET FINERY tawdry clothes, furniture, etc.; pretense, pretentiousness ...c1850 Brit. colloq.
• OFF-COME an excuse, pretense, evasion; an apology; a strange speech ...a1700 Sc.
• OFF-PUT a delay; postponement; a pretense for delay, an evasion; a feint ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OFF-SET an excuse, pretense ...1768 Sc.
• OKEY-DOKE foolishness; stupidity; pretense ...1969 sl., esp. Black usage
• ONPUT a pretense, insincere behaviour ...1958 Sc.
• RACKET pretense, deceit ...Bk19C Eng, dial.
• UMBRAGE † a pretext or pretense; a false show ...1634
• VARNISH an outward show; a pretense ...1565
• VITTRE a whim; a pretense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
pretense - verbs
• AFFECT to put on a pretense of; to assume a false appearance of, to counterfeit or pretend ...1661
• PASS THE BOTTLE OF SMOKE to give countenance to a conventional falsehood; to make pretense ...1867
PRETENTIOUS - adjectives
• AFFECTATIOUS †* of the nature of affectation; pretentious, fake, sham, feigned ...1687
• AIRIFIED made airy; flimsy; pretentious, affectedly superior, given to assuming airs ...1837
• AIRY * assuming airs; making lofty pretensions ...1606
• ARSEY, ARSY having an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance; arrogant, pretentious, conceited ...1993 UK sl.
• ARTY pretentiously artistic; ostentatiously bohemian in speech or manner ...c1900 Amer. sl.
• ARTSY-CRAFTSY pretentious, humourless, self-opinionated ...1960s sl.
• ARTSY-FARTSY pretentious ...1960s sl.
• ARTY-AND-CRAFTY pretentious; humourless ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-CRAFTY pretentious; humourless ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-FARTY pretentious, overly intellectual or artistic; exhibiting superficial form and little positive content, etc. ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-TARTY pretentious, overly intellectual or artistic; exhibiting superficial form and little positive content, etc. ...1950s sl.
• BOSS pretentious ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CHI-CHI smart, stylish; pretentious, affected; fancy ...20C Amer. sl.
• COUNTY snobbish, pretentious ...1921 Brit. sl.
• FANCY highfalutin, pretentious, putting on airs ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FANCY-DAN fancy; pretentious; affected ...1938 Amer. sl.
• FANCY PANTS smart, pretentious ...1949 sl.
• FASTUOSE † haughty, arrogant, pretentious, ostentatious ...1727
• FASTUOUS * proud, haughty, disdainful, arrogant; pretentious, ostentatious ...a1638
• GACK unappealing, pretentious ...1980s sl.
• HALF-HUNG-TEE of persons aping their betters: pretentious, affecting gentility ...1929 Sc.
• HIGHFALUTIN absurdly pompous or pretentious; stuck-up, snobbish...1839 colloq.
• HIGH-FLYING pompous, pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• HIGH-NOSED arrogant, supercilious; intellectual, pretentious ...L18 sl.
• HOITY-TOITY haughty, conceited, snobbish, pretentious ...1713 sl.
• HOKEY sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HOKIE sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HOKY sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HORSESHIT contemptible or pretentious; worthless; offensive; unsatisfactory ...1939 US sl.
• HUMGUMPTIOUS splendid, excellent, pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LA-DE-DA very stylish; affectedly smart of costume, voice, manners; pretentious ...c1860 colloq.
• LA-DE-DAH affected; pretentious ...1922 sl.
• LA-DI-DA pert. to the affectedly cultured speech and manners of the upper-classes, esp. when noted from a lower social station; hence, pretentious ...1895 jocular
• LA-DI-DAH pert. to the affectedly cultured speech and manners of the upper-classes, esp. when noted from a lower social station; hence, pretentious ...1890 US jocular
• LAH-DE-DAH affected; stylish; pretentious ...a1889 sl.
• MORE FRONT THAN MYERS very cheeky or pretentious ...Bk1999 Aust. sl.
• NABBY neat, trim, well-dressed; pretentious, dressed above one's station ...1879 Sc.
• NABITY neat, trim, well-dressed; pretentious, dressed above one's station ...Bk1903 Sc.
• ON ONE'S HIGH HORSE pretentious ...Bk1995 US sl.
• PAVEAN pretentious, proud ...1825 Sc.
• PISS-ELEGANT affectedly refined, pretentious, precious; also, cheaply showy or flashy in dress or appearance ...1941 sl.
• PSEUD pretentious ...1962 colloq.
• PSEUDO pretentious ...1945 sl.
• PSEUDY pretentious ...1989 sl.
• PUT-ON affected, pretentious ...L19 US sl.
• SADIDDY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1992 Amer. dial.
• SADITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1972 Amer. dial.
• SCABBERT socially pretentious, snobbish, aspiring to gentility ...1825 Sc.
• SEDDITY snobbish and pretentious ...1960s US Black sl.
• SEDITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1967 Amer. dial.
• SIDDITY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1992 Amer. dial.
• SIDITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1969 Amer. dial.
• SILVERTAIL pretentious ...1962 Aust. sl.
• SLANGY flashy or pretentious ...c1850 sl.
• SNOOTY snobbish, pretentious ...1919 sl.
• STUCK-UP snobbish, pretentious ...1829 sl.
• TARTUFFISH hypocritical, pretentious ...1768
• TOFFEE-NOSED snobbish, pretentious ..1925 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TOPLOFTY lofty in manner or character; elevated; haughty, high and mighty, pretentious, stuck-up ...1859 colloq. humorous
• UPSTUCK stuck up, arrogant, pretentious ...1904 Amer. dial.
• VAPOURING 1. acting or talking in a pretentious or high-flown manner ...1647
2. having a fantastical, pretentious, or foolishly boastful character ...1649
pretentious - nouns (includes PRETENTIOUSNESS)
• BLA pretentious or misleading talk ...1918 sl., orig. US
• BLAH pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1918 US sl.
• BLAH-BLAH pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
• DOG boastful or pretentious manner or attitude; flashiness ...1871 sl., orig. US
• FANTOOSHERIE fuss, pretentiousness, 'swank' ...1951 Sc.
• MAGUFFY anything large and pretentious ...20C W. Indies sl.
• MONMOUTH STREET FINERY tawdry clothes, furniture, etc.; pretense, pretentiousness ...c1850 Brit. colloq.
• MOODY pretentious or misleading talk ...1934 Brit. sl.
• MUMBO JUMBO pretentious or misleading talk ...1896 sl.
• OIL pretentiousness, presumption ...20C UK sl.
• PISS-ELEGANCE the state of being affectedly refined or pretentious ...1971 sl.
• SIDE pretentiousness; swagger; conceit ...1878 sl.
• SOME PUNKINS something prominent or pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• TARATANTARA † high-flown, loud, extravagant, or pretentious talk; bombast ...1599
• TARATANTARO † high-flown, loud, extravagant, or pretentious talk; bombast ...1670
• TIGERISM vulgar ostentation or affectation; pretentiousness; swagger ...1836
• TINSELRY cheap and pretentious display ...1820
• VAPOURING the act of talking or acting in a high-flown or pretentious manner ...c1630
pretentious - person
• AFFECTER a professed adherent or practiser of anything; an ostentatious or pretentious user, possessor, or professor ...1580
• ARTSY-FARTSY a pretentious person ...1960s sl.
• BATTERLASH a small-witted person; a foolish or gullible person; a pretentious fool ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BIG IKE a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BLADDER an inflated pretentious man; a windbag ...1579
• BLUEBELLY a proud, pretentious person; a term of reproach ...1950 Amer. dial.
• FANCY DAN a dandy; an affected or pretentious fellow; a show-off ...1943 Amer. sl.
• FANCY PANTS a dandy; a pretentious, superior, self-important person ...1934 US sl.
• GENTLEMAN a stuck-up, pretentious, or conceited person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GOBDAW a fool; a pretentious person ...M20 sl., chiefly Irish
• HALF NAB a pretentious person; one claiming to be genteel ...1892 Sc.
• IKE a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• LADY ESTHER a pretentious or self-important woman ...1966 Amer. dial.
• LADY ESTHERBILT a pretentious or self-important woman ...1966 Amer. dial.
• LADY MUCK a woman who is unjustifiably self-important or esteemed; an arrogant, pretentious woman of any class ...1957 UK sl.
• NABS a vain, pretentious, or impudent person - a term of familiarity ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• OLD PUT a pretentious old gentleman ...M18 sl.
• PISS-ARTIST a pretentious and usually pompous poseur who is incompetent, but full of promises ...L20 colloq.
• POP-SQUIRT a pert, conceited man of small physique; an insignificant, pretentious fellow ...1905 Amer. dial.
• PSEUD a false, artificial, or pretentious person ...1964 colloq.
• PSEUDO a pretentious person ...1959 sl.
• SCAWBERT a pretentious person; one who wishes to appear above his rank ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SNOLLYGOSTER a pretentious, boastful fellow; a shrewd, unprincipled fellow, especially a politician ...1846 US sl.
• SOME PUNKINS someone prominent or pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• STUFFED SHIRT a pretentious, uptight person ...1913 colloq.
• TINHORN a pretentious or flashy person ...1887 US sl.
• TOFFEE-NOSE someone who is snobbish or pretentious ...1943 sl., chiefly Brit.
• WANK a person who deceives, deludes himself by refusing to see the truth or reality; a pretentious person ...1973 Aust. sl.
• WANKER a person who deceives, deludes himself by refusing to see the truth or reality; a pretentious person ...1978 Aust. sl.
• WISE IKE a self-important, pretentious person ...20C sl.
pretentious - verbs
• BLAH to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BE UP ONE'S OWN ARSE to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...1988 UK sl.
• BE UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...2014
• BLAH-BLAH to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BUNG ON THE BULL to show off; to act in a pretentious manner ...1940s Aust. sl.
• CLIMB UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...1992
• DISAPPEAR UP ONE'S OWN ARSE to become self-involved pretentious, or conceited, typically to a degree which is abnormal or harmful ...1966 UK sl.
• DISAPPEAR UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...1973
• LIVE UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...1997
• MOUNT THE HIGH HORSE said of a person affecting airs of superiority, or behaving pretentiously or arrogantly; to be overbearing or oppressive; to be proud; to take offense ...1871
• QUACK to talk pretentiously and ignorantly, like a quack ...1756
• SIDE to act in a pretentious manner, to put on airs ...1910s sl.
• VANISH UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...2008
• WOOF to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1934 US Black sl.
PRETENTIOUSLY - adverbs
• AIRLY pretentiously ...L18 US sl.
• FASTUOUSLY ostentatiously, haughtily, arrogantly, pretentiously ...a1677
PRETEXT - nouns
• BACKSET an excuse, a colourable pretext ...1862 Eng. dial.
• HAIR TO MAKE A TETHER OF, A a slight pretext of which to make a great deal ...1809
• SCONCE a pretext; an apology, an excuse; a trick; deception ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• UMBRAGE † a pretext or pretense; a false show ...1634
pretext - verbs
• UMBRAGE † to give a pretext or ground for ...1689
PRETTY - adjectives
• BELLE † pretty, handsome ...1668
• CUNNING quaintly interesting; pretty, attractive ...1854 sl. orig. US
• DEFT pretty; neat ...1671 Eng. dial.
• DIMBER pretty ...1665 rogues' cant
• FACEABLE fit to be seen, pretty, fitting ...1894 Sc.
• FEAT † neat in form or appearance, pretty, elegant ...a1471 obs. exc. arch. & Eng. dial.
• FEATY † neat, pretty ...1621
• GIM † smart, spruce, fine, neat, pretty ...1513 obs. exc. Eng dial.
• JANT † pretty ...c1648-50
• MINIONETTE †* small and pretty; delicate, dainty, effeminate ...1749
• NEAT † pleasing to the eye, pretty ...1798 Sc.
• OUTLOOKINGEST prettiest ...1975 Amer. dial.
• P pretty ...1982 Hawaiian youth usage
• PRETTY AS A SPECKLED PUP, AS exceedingly pretty ...Bk1912 Amer. dial.
• PRUNK neat, smart, pretty ...1892 Sc.
• PURTY pretty ...1960 Irish sl.
• SLICK AS A GREASED PIG very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SLICK AS A RAM-CAT very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SLICK AS A SCHOOL-MARM'S LEG very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• VIRE of persons, animals, or things: pretty, showy, handsome, well-made, or well-fed ...1929 Sc.
pretty - person
• ANGEL PUSS a person, esp. a young woman, having an angelic or pretty face; a slightly ironic term of endearment ...1941 Amer. sl.
• ARM CANDY a pretty woman whose role is merely to adorn the arm of her male companion ...1990s sl.
• BABYCAKES a pretty young woman or handsome man ...1964 sl.
• BANTER a young girl, a slender or pretty young woman ...1944 US Black sl.
• BARBIE DOLL a pretty, giddy girl or woman ...Bk2006 US sl.
• BEAUT FROM THE INSTITUTE a pretty college girl ...Bk1942 US sl.
• BENE MORT a fine woman, or pretty girl ...1608 UK sl.
• BIEN MORT a fine woman, or pretty girl ...1612 UK sl.
• BOMB HEAVER a pretty girl ...Bk1944 Amer. services sl.
• BONNIBEL a bonny lass - a fair maid - a pretty girl ...1579 arch.
• CAKES a pretty young woman, or a handsome young man ...1960s US sl.
• CAKIE a pretty young woman, or a handsome young man ...1960s US sl.
• DAB-CHICK a pretty girl or woman ...1610
• DALL a pretty, silly woman ...1818 Sc.
• DALLY a pretty, silly woman ...1822 Sc.
• DIMBER-COVE a pretty fellow ...1837 rogues' cant
• DIME a pretty girl ...1999 US sl.
• FAIRY a pretty young woman ...20C colloq.
• GEAR a pretty girl ...2013 US sl.
• GOOEY a pretty girlfriend ...1980s sl.
• HEATHER a superficial girl or young woman, pretty but lacking in intelligence; a girl who's a trendy dresser ...Bk1989 US college sl.
• HEIFER a female; a woman, a girl; a pretty or personable young woman ...1835 sl.
• JAM a pretty young woman - not necessarily with any sexual connotation ...M19 Brit. sl.
• LITTLE SILLY a girl; a pretty girl ...1900s Aust. sl.
• MIDNIGHT SNACK a small pretty girl ...Bk1945 jive usage
• MOPPET a pretty, saucy girl ...Bk1930 UK sl.
• MOPSEY, MOPSIE a young girl; a pretty child; a darling, a sweetheart; often as a term of endearment ...1582
• PASTRY a pretty young women ...L19 sl.
• PATOOTIE a sweetheart or girlfriend - a pretty girl ...1921 US sl.
• QUEEN a pretty young woman - a beauty ...18C US sl.
• SPARKLER one who sparkles or shines in respect of beauty or accomplishments; esp. a vivacious, witty, or pretty young woman ...1713
• TODDLES a pretty young woman ...M19 sl.
• YUM-YUM a pretty young woman ...1883 sl.
• WHITING-MOP † a fair lass; a pretty girl; a term of endearment for a girl ...1701
PREVAIL - verbs
• VAIL † to have might or power; to prevail ...a1300
PREVAILING - nouns
• MASTERY † predominance; predominating feature; prevailing character ...1477
PREVALENT - adjectives
• BRIEF prevalent, widespread; esp. said of a communicable disease ...1722 Amer. dial.
• PENNY-RIFE † as rife or common as pennies; very common or prevalent ...1606
prevalent - verbs
• REIGN to be prevalent ...1885 Eng. dial.
PREVARICATE - verbs
• CAFFLE to prevaricate, to argue, to haggle ...1886 Eng. dial.
• GLADSTONIZE to talk at great length without saying much of consequence; to speak much and mean nothing; to evade or prevaricate ...1892
• HAFFLE to hesitate; to speak confusedly; to falter; to stammer; to prevaricate, to quibble ...1790 Eng. dial.
• PALTER to shift, to shuffle, to equivocate, to prevaricate in statement or dealing; to deal crookedly or evasively; to play fast and loose, to use trickery ...1601
• PAVIE to talk in a guarded manner; to prevaricate, to equivocate; to hedge ...1914 Sc.
• TONGUE-TWIST to act evasively, to prevaricate ...1836
PREVARICATING - adjectives
• CAFFLING prevaricating, excusing ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLING hesitating, indecisive; prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLING AND SHAFFLING confused, prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLY hesitating, indecisive; prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PREVARICATION - nouns
• HIFFLE-HAFFLE hesitancy, prevarication ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• JACK AN' DANNY nonsense, time-wasting, prevarication ...1990s rhyming sl. for 'fanny'
• JACKY DANNY nonsense, time-wasting, prevarication ...1990s rhyming sl. for 'fanny'
PREVARICATOR - person
• KEELIE, KEELY a prevaricator; one who is not straightforward in his dealings ...1932 Sc.
PREVENT - verbs
• AIL to hinder, to prevent ...1817 Sc.
• BALK to hinder, to prevent, to thwart, to impede ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BAR BY AND MAIN † to prevent entirely; to stop altogether ...1567
• BEFORE-COME † to prevent ...1382
• CRUSH IN THE EGG vb. to nip in the bud, to halt at an early stage, to thoroughly check something; to prevent ...1689
• FALL THROUGH to bungle, to blunder; to spoil, to prevent by mismanagement ...1766 Sc.
• FORFEND to avert, to keep away or off, to fend off, to prevent ...1382 arch.
• IMPEACH † to impede, to hinder, to prevent ...c1380
• INHABLE † to disable, to prevent, to disqualify ...1631 Sc.
• LET to hinder, to prevent, to obstruct, to stand in the way of ...c888 arch.
• MAR ALL † to act so as to prevent a project or operation from being carried to a successful issue; to spoil everything; to act badly ...c1420
• OBVENT †* to prevent, to frustrate ...1599
• OBVIATE † to meet and dispose of or do away with a thing; to clear out of the way; to prevent by anticipatory measures ...1598
• PUT THE BLOCKS ON to prevent from going ahead ...Bk1999
• PUT THE KIBOSH ON to frustrate, to ruin, to prevent, to jeopardize ...1830s sl.
• PUT THE KYBOSH ON to frustrate, to ruin, to prevent, to jeopardize ...1830s sl.
• TENT to prevent, to hinder ...1781 Eng. dial.
• TIE OFF to prevent, to prohibit ...1894 Eng. dial.
• WARN † 1. to prevent, to hinder, to restrain from action ...c888
2. to prevent a person from having something ...a1240
PREVENTION - nouns
• IMPEACH † hindrance, impediment, prevention ...1551
• IMPEACHMENT † hindrance, prevention, obstruction; impediment, obstacle ...1432
• OBVIATION a preventing; prevention ...c1400
PREVENTIVE - nouns
• CAMMICK a preventive, a stop ...Bk1898 Sc.
PREVIOUS - adjectives
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
• PREDECESSIVE †* that has gone before; preceding; previous ...1599
• PREVIAL † going before, previous ...1613
• PREVIANT †* going before, previous ...1601
PREVIOUSLY - adverbs
• BEFOREHAND † before this or that, previously ...a1300
• BEFORETIMES † formerly, previously ...a1555
• RATHER † previously, beforehand ...c1325
• TOFORE † of time: previously, beforehand, earlier; in the past ...c1175
• TOFOREHAND † beforehand, previously ...1387
• TOFORETIME † previously, aforetime ...c1400
PREY - adjectives
• RAPTORIAL given to seizing prey, predatory ...1825
prey - nouns
• CREAM PUFF an easy target; easy prey ...1915 US sl.
• RAVEN prey; anything got by violence ...B1900 Eng. dial.
prey - verbs
• VAMPIRE to assail or prey upon after the manner of a vampire ...1831
• VAMPIRIZE * to assail or prey upon after the manner of a vampire ...1888
PRICE - adjectives
• BASE †* of price: low, cheap ...1599 obs
• BETTER greater, more higher in price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER-CHEAP cheaper, at a less price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DEAR-BOUGHT bought at a high price, obtained at great cost ...c1384
• DEARTHFUL † costly, expensive; high in price ...1786 nonce word obs. exc. Sc.
• EYEWATERING of a price or figure: extremely high or large ...1950
• KEEN of prices: good, competitive ...1928 Sc.
• LONG of a price or offer: high, undiscounted ...1887 Amer. dial.
• LOW-TICKET having a relatively low price ...colloq.
• ROCK-BOTTOM of a price: unbeatable
• SALT of expense, cost: excessive in amount; costly, expensive, high in price. dear ...1710 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SIMPLE † of price or sale: low, poor ...1436
price - adverbs
• EATHLY † at an easy price, cheaply ...c1225
• LARGELY †* for a large sum; at a high price ...1611
price - nouns
• ARM AND A LEG, AN an enormous amount of money, an exorbitant price ...1924 colloq.
• BANTER a haggling about prices ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BATING haggling, beating down in price ...1851 Eng. dial.
• CALF-STICKING pretending that perfectly normal goods have supposedly been stolen; a greater price can thus be asked, since some customers like the idea of obtaining stolen goods ...M19 UK criminals' sl.
• DAMAGE, THE cost; price ...1755 sl.
• DAYLIGHT ROBBERY an exorbitant price ...1949 UK sl.
• DEARTH † dearness, costliness, high price ...1632
• END price, rate ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FULL WHACK a very high (esp. the highest) price or rate ...1978 Brit. sl.
• HIGH PIKE an exorbitantly high price ...M19 sl.
• HOLD-UP a sale at an exorbitant price ...Bk1913-17 Amer. sl.
• IBM DISCOUNT a price increase ...1991 US sl.
• MONKEY MONEY silly money; an excessive price to pay ...1999 UK sl.
• P the price ...1997 UK sl.
• RANSOM an extravagant price or rent ...1882 Sc.
• SALT-COLLOP anything not of a bulky description purchased at a high price ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SILLY MONEY a false or ridiculous price, which could be too low or too high ...Brit. sl.
• SNOW AND ICE the price ...20C rhyming sl.
• TOP WHACK a very high (esp. the highest) price or rate ...1978 Brit. sl.
• VALOIR † value, worth, price ...c1495
• VIRE a prize specimen, a good price, etc.; something well done ...1908 Sc.
price - person
• TASKER † one who assesses or regulates a rate or price; e.g. of lodgings, things brought to market, etc. ...1538
price - verbs
• AFFORARE † o set a value or price upon anything ...a1250
• BADGER to barter; to banter over a bargain; to beat down in price ...1875 Eng. dial.
• BANT to beat down in price; to haggle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BANTER DOWN to beat down in price ...1864 Eng. dial.
• BATE to make a reduction in price, to lower a bargain; to cause to reduce ...1805 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEAT THE BARGAIN † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1640
• BEAT THE MARKET † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1655
• BEAT THE PRICE † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1592
• BRACE to charge extortionately ...1923 US sl.
• BREAK to lower prices or wages ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BULL to advance in price ...1928
• CHARGE LIKE A WOUNDED BULL to set excessively high prices ...Bk1999 Aust. sl.
• CUT UNDER to undersell in price ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• DEAL to conclude a bargain of purchase or sale; to agree as to price ...1888 Eng. dial.
• DEAR † to make dear or expensive; to raise the price of ...1424 Sc. obs
• DEARTH † to make dear in price; to raise the price of anything; to cause or produce a scarcity of or in anything ...c1440 obs. exc. Sc.
• FAIK to abate the price ...1823 Sc.
• FALL † to lower a price, etc.; to bring down in value, to depreciate; to depress the market ...1677
• GAZUMP to raise the price of a property after having accepted an offer by an intending buyer ...1971 Brit. sl.
• GAZUNDER to lower the offer made to the seller of a property, esp. just before the exchange of contracts, so putting pressure on the seller to lower the price or risk losing the deal ...1988 Brit. sl.
• HAGGLE-BARGAIN to argue, to wrangle over the price of anything ...1898 Sc.
• HAIN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HARDEN of prices: to advance, to grow dear, to heighten ...1721 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• HEIGN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HEYNE to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HIGHEN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• IMPROVE † to enhance the monetary value; to raise the price or amount of ...1548
• JAW to talk a seller into lowering his price ...1954 Amer. dial.
• JEW DOWN (derogatory & offensive) to beat someone down in price; to haggle ...1848 sl.
• KNOCK DOWN to lower prices ...M19 sl.
• LET FALL †* to lower a price ...c1475
• OCKER † to increase in price ...a1838 Sc.
• OPEN ONE'S MOUTH to ask a high price ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• POP IT ON to ask for more, esp. when raising a commodity's price ...L19 sl.
• RAISE THE MARKET to charge a higher price ...1535
• RATIFY †* to fix the rate or price of ...1511
• SALT to heighten in price ...1825 Sc.
• SOAK to charge a high price; to tax heavily; to extort money from ...L19 orig. US sl.
• TAX to charge, to make a claim upon one for an amount; to set the price, to cost ..1848 Amer. dial.
• UP to raise, to increase prices, charges, etc. ...1930s sl., orig. US
• UP THE ANTE to increase the amount, to demand a higher price ...L19 US sl.
• VAMPER to beat down the price (an old word used in the yearly bargainings of farm servants) ...B1900 Eng. dial.
PRICELESS - adjectives
• IMPRETIABLE †* invaluable, priceless ...1638
priceless - nouns
• GEM an object of rare beauty or priceless worth; the choicest part of anything; something greatly prized, a 'treasure' ...c1560
PRICK - nouns
• JAG a prick or tear made by a sharp instrument, thorn, etc. ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• LAUNCH † the act of lancing; a prick ...1558
prick - verbs
• ACUPUNCTUATE to prick with a needle or pin ...1865
• DAKE to prick with anything sharp; to poke with the finger ...1885 Eng. dial.
• JAG to prick or pierce with some sharp instrument; to throb or prick painfully ...1706 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• PICK to prick; to pierce ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TANG † to pierce, to prick ...a1400
• TO-STICK † to prick all over ...c1315
PRICKLE - adjectives
• ECHINULATE having or covered with small prickles ...1846
• JACULIFEROUS having prickles, or spine-like darts ...1855
prickle - nouns
• DAWK a prickle or spine of a thorn ...20C Ireland
• JAG a prickle, a thorn; something which causes a sting ...c1800 Sc.
• JAGGER a prickle ...1825 Sc.
• PICKER a burr, a bramble, a prickle ...1950 Amer. dial.
• PICKY a burr, a bramble, a prickle ...1950 Amer. dial.
prickle - verbs
• ECHINATE to set up one's prickles like a hedgehog ...1788 nonce word
• PRINKLE to have a thrilling sensation, such as the feeling of 'pins and needles'; to tingle, to prickle ...1721 Sc.
PRICKLY - adjectives
• JABBIE prickly ...1947 Sc.
• JAGGIE prickly, sharp-pointed, piercing ...1788 Sc.
• JAGGY prickly, sharp-pointed, piercing ...1788 Sc.
• PICKY prickly, thorny, scratchy ...c1970 Amer. dial.
• SCRAG prickly, rough ...1876 Eng. dial.
PRIDE - adjectives (also see PROUD)
• FASTIDIOUS † full of pride; disdainful; scornful ...c1440
• TO-BOLLEN † puffed up with pride or swollen with anger ...a1225
pride - nouns
• BIGOTTY pride, conceit, haughtiness ...1884 Eng. dial.
• BOBANCE † presumptuous boasting, pride, pomp, arrogance, vanity ...c1325
• FASTIDIE †* pride, haughtiness...1536
• FASTIDIOUSNESS † disdainfulness, haughtiness, pride ...1613
• HAUTAINESSE † haughtiness, pride, arrogance ...1297
• HAUTESSE † highness, height; loftiness of rank or character; nobility; haughtiness, pride; grandeur, stateliness; length of time ...a1300
• HIGH-HEELED SHOES pride ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• JAISTER swagger, pride of manner and gait ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LUGS proud manners ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• MASS pride, haughtiness, self-conceit ...Bk1905 Sc.
• ORGEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• ORGELNESS † pride, haughtiness, disdain ...a1000
• ORGHEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• ORGUEIL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGUIL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGUL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGULITY † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...1470-85
• ORHEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• SAUCE vanity, pride, display ...1793 Sc.
• STOMACH pride
• VAINGLORINESS * vaingloriousness ...1820
• VAINGLORY glory that is vain, empty or worthless; inordinate or unwarranted pride in one's accomplishments or qualities; disposition or tendency to exalt oneself unduly; idle boasting or vaunting ...a1300
pride - verbs
• BURST ONE'S BUTTONS to swell with pride ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BUST ONE'S BUTTONS to swell with pride ...1966 Amer. dial.
• KVELL to feel or show great happiness, pride, or satisfaction; to exult, to rejoice ...1940 colloq., esp. Jewish usage
• TO-BELL † to be puffed up with pride or swollen with anger ...a1225
PRIEST - person
• AARON * a person resembling the Jewish high priest Aaron, esp. a high priest, a leader ...1565
• ALDGATE EAST a priest ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• BAG OF YEAST a priest ...1971 Aust. rhyming sl.
• BAKER'S YEAST a priest ...1983 Aust. rhyming sl.
• BEAD-JIGGLER a Roman Catholic, esp. a priest ...1968 US sl.
• BEAD MUMBLER a Roman Catholic, esp. a priest ...1966 sl.
• BEAUPERE † a term of courtesy for father: used especially in addressing or speaking of priests ...c1300
• BELL-HALLOWER a priest who uses blessing bells ...1549
• BIG KAHUNA * in Hawaii: a prominent priest, sage, or healer ...1886
• BLACK BEETLES Roman Catholic priests ...1959 UK sl.
• BLACK GOWN a Roman Catholic priest ...1804 US Indian usage
• BLACK ROBE esp. among North American Indians: a Christian priest, esp. a missionary ...1811 Can.
• BOGGIE a displaced priest who married people contrary to canon laws, though not to nature's laws ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CORBIE a Roman Catholic priest ...1930 Amer. dial.
• DAFF a priest ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GALWAY a Catholic priest ...1891 American tramps' sl.
• GOD-BOTHERER a parson, priest, or chaplain ...1937 Brit. sl., orig. services' usage
• HEDGE-PRIEST (derogatory) an illiterate priest of low status ...hist.
• HOLY JOE a priest or clergyman ...1874 sl., orig. nautical
• JACK-FRIAR a hedge-priest ...Bk1896 sl.
• JOHN † (derogatory) a priest ...LME
• JOSSER a priest or clergyman ...1887 Aust. sl.
• KAHUNA a priest of the native Hawaiian religion, a wise man, a minister; now esp. a sorcerer ...1873 Hawaii
• MAKE-GOD † a derisive term to Romish priests ...1705
• MASSER † one who celebrates mass; a mass-priest; also, one who attends mass ...a1000
• MASS-PRIEST a priest whose function it is to celebrate mass ...c893 arch.
• MOBED a Zoroastrian priest; esp. one who is a Parsee ...1815
• MORN PRIEST † the priest who celebrates the first mass of the day ...1466
• MORROW PRIEST †* a priest who says morrow-mass (the first mass of the day) ...1563
• NEOPHYTE a new convert; one newly admitted to a church or religious body; also, a newly ordained priest, or a novice of a religious order ...a1550
• OINTLING † an anointed priest; used contemptuously ...a1603 nonce word
• PADRE in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other areas of Spanish and Portuguese influence: a Christian clergyman, esp. a Roman Catholic priest ...1584
• PAPA a parish priest, or any member of the lower orders of the clergy in the Orthodox Eastern Church ...1591
• SACERDOS † the Latin word for priest ...c1590
• SACERDOTE † a priest ...1685
• SACRIFICER a sacrificial priest ...1547
• SACRIFICUL(E) † a priest ...1604
• SACRIFICULIST † a sacrificing priest ...1652
• SACRIFIER † a sacrificing priest ...1382
• SAGGART a priest ...1836 Irish
• SIN-SHIFTER a priest or clergyman ...a1912 sl.
• SIR † a parson or priest ...1591 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SIR JOHN † (derogatory) a priest ...LME
• SIR JOHN LACK-LATIN † an ignorant priest ...c1534
• TALAPOIN a Buddhist monk or priest ...1586
• TIPPET-CAPTAIN † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• TIPPET-KNIGHT † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• TIPPET-MAN † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• WAITER AT THE ALTAR † a priest or other minister of the altar; one who celebrates mass ...1711
priest - person, other
• PARNEL † a priest's concubine or mistress; a harlot; a wanton young woman; an immodest girl; an immoral woman; one lost to all sense of decency; a sexually loose woman; a prostitute ...1362 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRIGGISH - adjectives
• Y.M.C.A. priggish, puritan, 'goody-goody' ...L19 sl.
priggish - person
• NANNY a weak-willed, priggish, or effeminate fellow; a sissy ...1947 Amer. sl.
PRIM - adjectives
• BUTTONED UP reluctant to reveal emotion or to express thoughts freely; reserved, inhibited, or formal in manner or disposition; repressed prim ...1767
• DAPSTUCK prim, proper; dapper ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• EYEGLASSY * prim or prissy ...1922 colloq.
• MAISK prim, fastidious; applied esp. to one who has to be coaxed to eat ...1929 Sc.
• MEE-MAW affected, mincing, prim ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MEESK prim, fastidious; applied esp. to one who has to be coaxed to eat ...1929 Sc.
• MIM prim, demure; affectedly modest or shy; prudish; primly silent or reticent ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMINY-MOUTHED prim, demure, affected ...1897 Eng. dial.
• MIM-MOUTHED affectedly prim or proper in speech, etc.; reticent, shy at speaking out; soft-spoken ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMP prim, demure, affected ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMSEY prim, prudish ...1880 Eng. dial.
• MIM-SPOKEN affectedly prim or proper in speech, etc.; reticent, shy at speaking out; soft-spoken ...1896 Sc.
• NEBSIE, NEBSY prim, precise ...1825 Sc.
• QUAINT † dainty, fastidious, nice; prim ...1483
• QUEEM prim, affectedly nice; over-fastidious ...1924 Sc.
• QUIM prim, affectedly nice ...20C Irish sl.
prim - person
• DOZZLE a prim, stiff-looking person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FANCY DOO-DAD WOMAN a woman who is overly prim or conscious of decorum ...1968 Amer. dial.
• FRUMP an old woman with one or more of the following qualities: primness, wrinkles, slatternliness, gossipiness, grouchiness, or a holier-than-thou attitude ...19C
• MISS NANCY a prim person of either sex ...19C colloq.
• MISS PRISS a female who is a bit too prim or acting fussily feminine ...Bk1992 Amer. South
• OLD MAID (derogatory) a person with the alleged characteristics of an elderly spinster, such as primness, prudery, fastidiousness, etc. ...Aust. sl.
• TAMMIE-TIT a prim, affected sort of person ...1924 Sc.
prim - verbs
• MIM to act in a prim, affected manner, either in speaking, eating, walking, etc. ...Bk1905 Sc.
• QUAINT IT † to assume a prim air ...c1585
PRIMITIVE - adjectives
• PINEY dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive ...1809 Amer. dial.
• PINEY-WOOD dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive ...1809 Amer. dial.
PRIMLY - adverbs
• MIMLIE primly, prudishly ...Bk1905 Sc.
PRIMNESS - nouns
• MIMNESS prudishness, primness ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PRIMOSITY † a state of primness, prudery ...a1839 humorous nonce word
PRIMROSE - nouns
• COCKS AND KAMES bursting buds of primroses ...1875 Sc.
• QUEEN OF MAY the primrose ...1787 Sc.
PRINCE - person
• ATHEL a prince, a noble ...1857 Sc.
• BEYOND-SEA-SHIP † humorously applied to a foreign prince ...1620
PRINCETON - nouns
• OLD NASSAU Princeton University ...M19 US college sl.
PRINCIPAL - adjectives
• CAPTAIN † chief, principal, leading ...1566
• HEADLY † chief, principal ...971
• MASTER chief, principal; great, best; remarkable ...1750 Eng. dial.
• PALMARIAN * that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1815
• PALMARY that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1657
• TOPPING very high or superior in position, rank, degree, amount, or estimation; chief, principal; pre-eminent, distinguished ..c1685
principal - person
• ELDERLY MAN † a chief, principal man ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HEAD a person to whom others are subordinate; a chief, a captain, a commander, a ruler, a leader, a principal person ...c897
• HEAD-BUMMER the head of a house; the chief representative of a family; the principal person ...1864 Sc.
• TANG O' THE TRUMP, THE the most important person in any company, enterprise, or organization; the life and soul of a party, a movement, etc; the active partner in a firm; the principal person in any popular outburst. ...1887 Sc.
• TONGUE OF THE TRUMP the most important person or thing; the principal person in any undertaking; the leader; that which is essential to the success of anything ...1820 Sc.
PRINCIPLE - nouns
• EDGE principle, disposition ...1895 Eng. dial.
PRINCIPLES - phrases
• DOWN TO THE ABC down to first principles or the simplest rudiments ...1899 sl.
PRINT - nouns
• IMPRIMERY † a print or impression ...1674
PRINTED - nouns
• FAKEMENT any form of printed material ...M19 sl.
• LITERATURE any form of printed material ...L19 sl.
PRINTING - nouns
• CROOKS † in printing: brackets, parentheses ...1641
• HELL BOX a box for holding broken or damaged type ...1888 US printing usage
• IMPRESSION * the process of printing ...1509
• IMPRIMATURE † printing; imprint, impression ...1762
• IMPRIMERY † 1. a printing office or printing house ...1663
† 2. printing ...1681
• IMPRINTING † printing of books ...c1440
• KALOTYPOGRAPHY beautiful printing ...1834
• MACKLE in printing: a blur in printing; also, a blurred sheet ...1706
• MACULE in printing: a blur causing the impression of a page to appear double ...1841
printing - person
• GALLEY-SLAVE † in printing: a compositor ...1683
• PIG † (humorous or derogatory) a pressman in a printing office ...1806 printing sl.
printing - verbs
• MACKLE in printing: to blur, spot, or spoil a sheet of paper ...1594
• MACULE in printing: to blur, spot, or spoil a sheet of paper ...1841
PRIOR - adjectives
• RATHER †* antecedent, prior; of greater importance ...1657
PRIORITY - nouns
• BACK BURNER a condition or position of low priority ...1963 sl.
• BEFORENESS * priority, anteriority, pre-existence ...1625
• FURTHERHEAD † priority ...c1380
PRISE - verbs
• YOIK to force; to prise open ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PARASCEUASTIC†* preparatory, preliminary ...1672
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
PRELUDE - adjectives
• PRELUDIAL pert. to a prelude; serving to introduce ...1647
PREMATURE - adjectives
• BEFORE-RIPE † premature ...1388
• IMMATURE † occurring before its time; untimely, premature ...1548 obs. or arch.
PREMATURELY - adverbs
• EARLY DOORS prematurely ...1980s sl.
• UNTIMEOUSLY prematurely, unseasonably ...1792 Sc.
PREMATURENESS - nouns
• IMMATURITY † prematureness; untimeliness ...c1540
PREMISES - nouns
• DIGGINGS a place, locality, neighbourhood, region; premises ...1834 Amer. dial.
PREMONITION - phrases
• I'VE A FEELING IN ME WATER I have a premonition, a hunch, an instinctive feeling ...19C sl.
PREPARATION - nouns
• ADDIGHTING † preparing, preparation ...1567
• ADDRESS † the act of making ready; the state of being ready, preparation ...1633
• ADIGHTING † preparing, preparation ...1567
• BANDOBAST an arrangement, a settlement; preparation ...1776
• BIG READY a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BUNDOBUST an arrangement, a settlement; preparation ...1776
• GOOD READY a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1866 Amer. dial.
• ORDINANCE † the act or process of making ready, preparing, or providing; preparation, provision, equipment; a preparatory step or measure; hence, the result of such ...c1374
• PARATION †* a making ready, preparation ...a1617
• YARKING † preparation ...c1000
preparation - phrases
• IN THE CALMS † in course of construction; in the state of preparation ...a1662
PREPARATORY - adjectives
• PARASCEUASTIC†* preparatory, preliminary ...1672 obs. rare
• PARASCEUOLOGICAL †* relating to preparation, preparatory ...1671
PREPARE - verbs
• ACCINGE †* to 'gird up one's loins', to apply oneself, to prepare oneself for what is to come ...1657
• ADDRESS † to order or arrange for any purpose; to prepare, to make ready; to prepare oneself ...1485
• ADIGHT † to prepare, to dispose, to order, to appoint ...c1220
• BAKE † to prepare, to make ready ...1460
• BEFORE-GRAITHE † to prepare, to make ready beforehand ...1382
• BOUN † to prepare, to make ready ...c1390
• CLEAR THE DECKS to prepare for action ...Bk1999
• CUT † to make ready, to prepare, to plan ...1645
• DECOCT †* to prepare, to devise, to concoct ...1602
• DERSE to cleanse, to prepare ...1828 Eng. dial.
• DIGHT 1. to prepare, to put in order, to tidy, to clean; to sweep, to dust ...1678 Sc. & Eng. dial.
2. to prepare, to make fit for use ...1773 Sc.
• ETTLE to prepare, to make ready; to rake together into a heap ...1874 Eng. dial.
• FIX to prepare ...1725 US sl.
• HATCH to prepare for; to develop a disease ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• HAUSE, HAWSE to prepare; to attempt, to try; to offer ...1851 Eng. dial.
• JACK UP to prepare anything; to arrange, organize, contrive ...1939 NZ sl.
• LICK INTO FASHION to prepare, to get ready, esp. if the person or object is far from ready when one starts the 'licking' ...19C sl., orig. US
• LICK INTO SHAPE to prepare, to get ready, esp. if the person or object is far from ready when one starts the 'licking'; to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc. ...19C colloq., orig. US
• LICK ONE'S FLINT to prepare for a difficult task; to take precautions against disaster ...1953 Amer. dial.
• MAKE DOWN to prepare, to make ready ...1838 Eng. dial.
• ORDAIN † to put in order for a purpose; to prepare, to make ready, to equip; to furnish, to provide ...1375
• ORDER † to be in order or readiness; to make ready, to prepare ...1526
• PODGE to prepare ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• PUDGE to prepare ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• REDD to set in order, to arrange; to prepare; to tidy, to clean up ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAPE OFF to prepare, to get ready, to put into place ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TEEL to prepare; to make ready ...1895 Eng. dial.
• TIFF † to put in order, to arrange; to prepare, to make, to construct ...1300s
• TIFT † to prepare, to make ready, to put in order; to dress ...1300s obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TIGHT † to prepare, to get ready; to devise, to contrive ...a1300
• YARE † to make or get ready, to prepare ...c888
• YARK † to make ready, to prepare ...c1000
• YARKEN † to prepare ...c1205
PREPARED - adjectives
• ACCINCT † girded, prepared, ready ...1731
• ADDRESSED † made ready, prepared, 'dressed' as food ...1387
• ALL SET ready, prepared ...M19 sl.
• ANATE prepared ...B1900 Ireland
• ARMED TO THE TEETH well equipped with firearms; alert; fully prepared; awake to danger ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEFOREHAND †* ready, prepared ...a1704
• BOUN ready, prepared ...Bk1708
• BOUND † of persons and things: ready, prepared. of persons: dressed, attired ...c1175
• EXPLORATE †* thoroughly examined; carefully prepared ...1655
• LOADED FOR BEAR fully prepared for a situation; esp. ready and eager for a confrontation; very angry...1896 Amer. dial.
• MEETEN'D made fit; prepared, or adapted ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NATE prepared; intended ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OILED adj. ready; well-prepared ...1999 UK sl.
• ON DECK available, prepared ...L19 sl.
• ORDERED † made ready, prepared ...1579
• PARABLE † that can be readily prepared, procured, or got; procurable ...1581
• REDD ready, willing, prepared ...1790 Sc.
• ROTTEN IN ONE'S HEAD †* thoroughly prepared and rehearsed ...1640
• SAUCERED AND BLOWED all ready to go; prepared for use in any way ...1987 Can. sl.
• TIGHT † prepared; ready for action ...1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• UP of a person: ready, prepared ...1950s US Black sl.
• WARE prepared, on one's guard, watchful, vigilant, cautious, alert ...c1000 arch.
• WRAPPED carefully arranged; carefully prepared; entirely in order ...c1935 Services' usage
• WRAPPED-UP carefully arranged; carefully prepared; entirely in order ...c1935 Services' usage
• YARE ready, prepared; desirous, eager ...c888 arch. & Eng. dial.
• YDIGHT † prepared, furnished, dressed ...1297
prepared - adverbs
• RARE early; ready, prepared ...1790 Eng. dial.
• TIFT † prepared, ready; set in order; provided, furnished ...1300s Sc.
prepared - nouns
• ADDRESS † that which is prepared; a device, a contrivance ...1598
• ADDRESSEDNESS †* the state of being prepared; preparedness ...1633
• PARABILITY †* the quality of being easily procured or prepared ...1654
prepared - verbs
• HAVE ONE'S MEGS SET TO GO to be ready or prepared to go ...1944 Amer. dial.
• NOT TO HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE LADLE WHEN THE POT COMES A-BOIL to be prepared, to take proper precautions ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
PREPOSTEROUS - adjectives
• ARSE-VERSY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSE-WISE inept; preposterous; awry ...20C colloq.
• ARSEY-WARSEY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSY-FARCY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARSY-VARSY preposterous; topsy-turvy ...M17
• ARSY-VERSY fanciful, preposterous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• LAPUTAN pertaining to Laputa, the flying island in Gulliver's Travels; hence, visionary, absurd, fanciful, preposterous, ridiculous, impossible ...1866
• NEVER-TO-BE-HEARD-TELL-OF unheard of, preposterous ...1826 Sc.
preposterous - adverbs
• ARSE-WISE inept; preposterous; awry ...20C colloq.
PRESAGE - nouns
• OOMUND a presage, presentiment, omen ....1899 Sc.
presage - verbs
• HARBINGER to announce, to presage ...1646
PRESBYTERIAN - person
• BLACKMOUTH a Presbyterian ...1979 Ulster sl.
• BLACK NEB a Presbyterian ...1915 Ulster sl.
• BLUESKIN a Christian, esp. a Presbyterian, who adheres to a strict moral code ...1790 Amer. dial.
• BLUESTOCKING a Christian, esp. a Presbyterian, who adheres to a strict moral code ...1829 Amer. dial.
PRESCRIPTION - nouns
• PAPER a drug prescription ...1960s sl.
• READER a drug prescription ...1980s drugs sl.
• SCRIP a prescription for narcotics ...1960s US Black sl.
• SCRIPT a prescription for narcotic drugs ...1951 sl., orig. US
• WRITING n. a narcotics prescription ...1930s US drugs sl.
prescription - verbs
• WRITE SCRIP(T) to give out prescriptions for narcotics ...1930s drugs sl.
PRESENCE - nouns
• OMNIPRESENCE presence everywhere ...a1822
• OMNIPRESENCY † presence everywhere ...1647
PRESENT - adjectives
• MODERNAL † belonging to the present day ...1542
• OMNIPRESENT present everywhere; present at the same time in all places ...a1711
• OMNIPRESENTIAL †* pert. to omnipresence (see 'presence') ...a1716
present - adverbs
• ABOARD present, part of an enterprise ...1957 US sl.
present - nouns
• ECCEITY † the quality of being present ...1549
• NOWANIGHTS the present time ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
PRESENT (gift) - nouns (also see GIFT)
• CADEAU a present or gift ...a1845 Fr.
• CHERRY-MERRY a present of money ...M19 Anglo-Indian sl.
• COLLIBY † a small present or gift ...c1450
• DASH a gift, present, tip ...1788
• DRUERY † a love-token, a keepsake, a gift, a present ...a1225
• HANDSEL 1. a gift or present (expressive of good wishes) at the beginning of a new year, or on entering upon any new condition, situation, or circumstances, the donning of new clothes, etc.; orig. deemed to be auspicious, or to ensure good luck for the new year, etc.; a good omen ...a1300
† 2. a gift or present given on any occasion; reward ...1390
• HANDY-DANDY † something held or offered in the closed hand; a covert bribe or present ...1362
• HANSEL 1. a gift or present (expressive of good wishes) at the beginning of a new year, or on entering upon any new condition, situation, or circumstances, the donning of new clothes, etc.; orig. deemed to be auspicious, or to ensure good luck for the new year, etc. ...a1300
† 2. a gift or present given on any occasion; reward ...1390
• HOUSE-STOY a wedding present ...1975 Nova Scotia usage
• MARKET FAIR a present from the market ...1821 Eng. dial.
• OBLATION † a present or gratuity ...1433
• TIDING a present bought at a feast ...1899 Eng. dial.
• TOE-COVER a cheap and useless present ...1948 sl.
• VAIL a gift or present in the nature of a bribe ...1687
present (gift) - person
• INDIAN GIVER (offensive) a person who asks for the return of a present he has given ...US & Can.
present (gift) - verbs
• DASH to give a present to; to tip ...1861
• HANDSEL to give money or a present to celebrate a new undertaking, etc.; to celebrate for the first time, esp. by drinking ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OFFER † to give something as a present ...1671
• SALUTE † to honour a person with a present, gift, etc. ...a1592
• SKINK †* to make a present of; to make over to another ...1508 Sc.
PRESENTABLE - adjectives
• FEASIBLE adj. of persons: neat, tidy, presentable; of pleasing appearance or manner, decent, respectable ...1820 Sc.
PRESENTATION - nouns
• DOG AND PONY ACT an elaborately prepared or staged presentation, event, etc. intended to sway or convince ...1970s Amer. sl.
• DOG AND PONY SHOW a press conference; any carefully prepared performance ...1970s sl.
PRESENTING - nouns
• OBLATION † the act of offering or presenting, as a gift in token of respect or honour; also, a gift so offered ...1595
PRESENTLY - adverbs
• ANBY presently, by and by ...1825 Eng. dial.
• ASOON presently ...1790 Eng. dial.
• AZOON presently ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BAMBY presently, soon; by-and-by ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BELIVE immediately, soon; presently, by-and-by ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIMEBY presently, soon, before long ...1722 Amer. dial.
• BUMBY by and by, presently ...1786 Amer. dial.
• BY-AM-BY by and by, presently ...1825 Amer. dial.
• BYMEBY by and by, presently ...1825 Amer. dial.
• EFTERSOONS † again; soon after, presently ...c950
• ENOW shortly, very soon, in a moment, presently, by and by ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YEENOO just now; at present, presently ...1874 Sc.
• YENOO just now; at present, presently ...1874 Sc.
• YETTUS as yet; at present, presently ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRESERVE - verbs
• BERGH † to give shelter; to protect, to preserve; to deliver, to save ...a1000
• FIRE DOWN to preserve, to can ...1941 Amer. dial.
• WARISH † to guard, to secure, to protect, to preserve; to save, to rescue ...c1350
PRESIDENT - person
• PREX the president of a college, corporation, etc. ...1858 sl.
• PREXY the president of a college, corporation, etc. ...1858 sl.
• VEEP a vice-president ...1949 US sl.
PRESS - nouns
• THROW pressure; a press, crowd; a rush ...1868 Sc.
press - verbs
• ADPRESS to press closely to a surface, to lay flat ...1872
• BIRSE to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAY to press, to squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• IMPACK * to pack in; to press closely together in a mass; to pack up ...1611
• JAMMOCK to squeeze, to press; to beat, to crush, to trample into a soft mass ...1876 Eng. dial.
• NODGE to push, to press; to strike with the knuckles or elbow, to poke ...1853 Sc.
• PACK to press, to squeeze ...1897 Sc.
• QUAT † to beat or press down; to squash, to flatten, to extinguish ...c1400-50 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• QUEAK to squeeze, to press down, to pinch, to hold tight ...1876 Eng. dial.
• QUEASE †* to press, to squeeze ...c1450
• QUEEK to squeeze, to press down, to pinch, to hold tight ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SCASH † to beat, to batter; to crush or press roughly or carelessly ...1801 Sc.
• SCASS † to beat, to batter; to crush or press roughly or carelessly ...1801 Sc.
• SCRINGE † to squeeze violently; to press down; to crowd together ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SCRINNY to squeeze against or through; to press close ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SMASH to squeeze, to press, to put one's weight on; to apply pressure ...1994 Amer. dial.
• THRIMBLE to crowd, to throng, to press; to wrestle ...1774 Sc.
• THRIMP to press, to squeeze; to press as in a crowd ...1850 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• THRING † 1. to press, to crowd, to throng; to move or gather in a crowd; to assemble; to crowd around, to throng a person ...a800
† 2. to press or push forward, as against obstacles; to push or force one's way hastily or eagerly; to press, rush, hasten, push on ...c893 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• THRIST to thrust, to push; to press, to squeeze, to hug; to wring ...1838 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• THRUMBLE to press, compress, squeeze; to crowd or heap together, to throng ...1589 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• THRUSH to thrust; to press, as in or by a throng of people ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• THRUTCH 1. to thrust; to press, to push, to shove; to push or elbow one's way through a crowd, etc. ...1740 Eng. dial.
2. to crowd, to press, to squeeze, to huddle together ...1874 Eng. dial.
• TRIST to thrust, to push; to press, to squeeze, to hug; to wring ...1838 Sc.
PRESS AGENT - person
• SPACE BANDIT a press agent ...c1940 Amer. theatre sl.
PRESS CONFERENCE - nouns
• DOG AND PONY SHOW a press conference; any carefully prepared performance ...1970s sl.
PRESS DOWN - verbs
• BAT to press down, to flatten, to compress ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
PRESSING - adjectives
• IMPORTUNATE † pressing, urgent; busy ...1542-3
• IMPORTUNE 1. persistent or pressing in solicitation; pertinacious; irksome through persistency of request ...1447
2. † pressing, urgent; busy ...c1450
• INSTANT urgent, pressing, persistent ...1839 Sc.
• RASH †* urgent, pressing ...1606
PRESSINGLY - adverbs
• BATAUNTLY † hastily, pressingly, eagerly ...1393
• IMPORTUNATELY with pressing or persistent action or purpose; pressingly ...1568
• IMPORTUNELY † pressingly, persistently, pertinaciously ...1502
• NEEDFULLY * necessarily, upon compulsion or constraint; urgently, pressingly ...a1340
PRESSURE - adjectives
• HARD PUSHED hard pressed; subjected to pressure of one kind or another, usually financial ...1834 Amer. dial.
• HARD RUN hard pressed; subjected to pressure of one kind or another, usually financial; without resources; needy ...1791 Amer. dial.
• UNDER THE COSH under pressure, usually at work ...2000s sl.
• UNDER THE GUN under great pressure or stress ...1940s sl., orig. US
• UNDER THE SCREWS under pressure ...E19
pressure - nouns
• ACCORDION ACT collapsing under pressure ...1989 US sl.
• BEAR † pressure, thrust ...1674
• MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK a burden or great disadvantage; a source of emotional pressure ...1959 Amer. colloq.
• THROW pressure; a press, crowd; a rush ...1868 Sc.
pressure - verbs (includes PRESSURIZE)
• APPLY THE ACID to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...1935 Aust. sl.
• CHEW ONE'S ASS to put pressure on somebody ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CHEW ONE'S ASS OUT to bawl out, to scold, to reprimand; to put pressure on somebody ...1965 Amer. dial.
• CHEW OUT to bawl out, to scold, to reprimand; to put pressure on somebody ...1948 Amer. dial.
• DANCE SOMEONE AROUND to harass; to pressurize someone ...1980s US sl.
• DOG to crumble under pressure ...20C teen & high school sl.
• FREAK OUT to snap under intolerable pressure ...1979 UK sl.
• GIVE SOME SLACK to let someone relax, to stop pressuring ...1950s sl.
• HIGH-PRESSURE to pressurize, to intimidate ...1920s sl.
• KICK ONE'S NORTH END TO GOING SOUTH to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done but hasn't ...1970 Amer. dial.
• LEAN INTO to pressurize, to threaten ...20C Irish sl.
• LEAN ON to pressurize, to persuade, possibly with violence or threats of violence, to threaten with force ..1920s sl., orig. US
• MONSTER to make a verbal attack on someone or something; to put pressure on ...1967 Aust. sl.
• OOCH to pressure, to urge ...1979 Amer. dial.
• OOTZ to pressure, to urge ...1958 Amer. dial.
• PLY THE ACID (ON) to exert a pressure which is difficult to resist; to exert such pressure on a person, etc. ...1906 Aust.
• POKE to urge, to push, to pressure ...1913 Amer. dial.
• POKE UP to urge, to push, to pressure ...1950 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE ACID ON to exert a pressure which is difficult to resist; to exert such pressure on a person, etc. ...1903 Aust.
• PUT THE BEAD ON to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done but hasn't ...1968 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE BEE ON SOMEONE to pressure someone, often to make or repay a loan ...1918 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE BITE ON to pressurize someone, esp. for a loan or repayment of money owed, or as part of a campaign of intimidation ...E20 Amer. sl.
• PUT THE BUG ON to put pressure on somebody to do something he ought to have done ...1968 Amer. dial.
• PUT THE GAS ON to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...1900s Aust. sl.
• RANK OUT to beg for help, to surrender to pressure, to behave badly or weakly ...1980s US Black sl.
• STAND THE ACID to stand up under pressure, to maintain one's composure ...1900s US sl.
• TRY THE ACID to exert pressure on a person for a loan, a favour, sexual compliance, etc. ...20C Aust. sl.
• WARM ONE'S BRITCHES to put pressure on someone to do something he should have already done ...1965 Amer. dial.
PRESTIGE - nouns
• IZZAT, IZZUT honour, reputation, credit, prestige ...1857
• KUDOS glory, game, prestige ...1890 UK
PRESUME - verbs
• BEAR † to exalt or lift up oneself upon; to plume oneself, to presume ...c1400
• FANCY YOUR CHANCE to presume that your charm or skill will suffice to achieve success ...1962 UK sl.
• FANCY YOUR CHANCES to presume that your charm or skill will suffice to achieve success ...1962 UK sl.
• FASHION to dare, to presume, to venture; to have the face to ...1847 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ON to assume airs; to behave proudly or haughtily; to presume; to take liberties ...1668
PRESUMING - adjectives
• HOIT-A-POIT assuming airs of importance unsuitable to years or action; presuming, forward ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• UP-STARING somewhat presuming ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRESUMPTION - nouns
• ASSUMACY presumption ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BAYARDISM † ignorant presumption ...1624
• OGART † arrogance, presumption ...c1375 Sc.
• OIL pretentiousness, presumption ...20C UK sl.
• SUCCUDRY † presumption, arrogance ...1375 Sc.
• SUMPTION † the taking of a thing as true without proof; hence, an assumption, presumption ...1572
presumption - verbs
• HAVE A NECK to show impudence or presumption ...1895 Eng. dial.
PRESUMPTUOUS - adjectives
• ABOVE ONESELF arrogant, conceited, self-important, presumptuous; overly ambitious ...1823
• DARING-HARDY † foolhardy, presumptuous, audacious ...1593
• FAST-GATED reckless, thoughtless, hasty; presumptuous, immodest ...1874 Eng. dial.
• IGGERANT ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward ...1880 Sc.
• IGNORANT ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward ...1880 Sc.
• MALAPERT † presumptuous, impudent, saucy; bold or forward from lack of proper respect or modesty ...c1420 obs. exc. arch.
• OFF BASE presumptuous; impudent ...1950s US sl.
• ORGEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• ORGHEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• ORGUEIL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORGUIL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORGUL † proud, haughty, disdainful, presumptuous ...a1275
• ORHEL † proud, haughty, presumptuous, disdainful ...c1200
• PAPPY of persons: conceited, stiff with self-esteem, stuck-up, officious, pompous, puffed up with pride; presumptuous ...1881 Sc.
• SUCCUDROUS † presumptuous, arrogant ...c1475 Sc.
• SURCUIDANT †* arrogant, insolent, presumptuous ...a1529
• UMPTUOUS presumptuous ...1864 Eng. dial.
• UPSOME froward; haughty, presumptuous ...1901 Eng. dial.
presumptuous - nouns (includes PRESUMPTUOUSNESS)
• EVEN-UP presumptuousness ...1990s W. Indies sl.
• MALAPERTNESS † the quality of being presumptuous; impudence, sauciness ...1430-40 obs. exc. arch.
presumptuous - person
• GAMFREL † a fool; a forward, presumptuous person ...a1758 Sc.
• GAMPHRELL a fool; a forward, presumptuous person ...1800 Sc.
• IMPERTINENT a meddlesome, presumptuous, or insolent person; one who does or says that which he has no business to do or say, and which is considered a piece of presumption or insolence ...1635
• MALAPERT † a presumptuous, impudent, pert, or saucy person ...1622 obs. exc. arch.
• SQUIRT someone insignificant but presumptuous ...1848 sl., orig. US
presumptuous - verbs
• TAKE † to take too much upon one; to behave presumptuously or haughtily, to assume airs ...c1470
PRESUMPTUOUSLY - adverbs
• SUCCUDROUSLY † presumptuously, arrogantly ...c1375 Sc.
PRETEND - person (includes PRETENDER)
• AEOLIST * a pretender to inspiration or spiritual regeneration ...1704
• AFFRONTER † one who impudently deceives; a pretender ...1598
• BLUFFER one who pretends to know what he does not ...Bk1913-17 Amer. college sl.
• CACAFUEGO a pretender and braggart ...a1640
• DEADBEAT an impostor or pretender; a fraud; a cheat ...1873 Amer. sl.
• FANFARON a bully, blusterer, swaggerer; an empty boaster or braggart; a vain pretender ...1622
• FIGURE-CASTER † a pretender to astrology ...1584
• FLUBDUB a snob, a pretender ...1893 Amer. dial.
• GAR-ME-TRUE a hypocrite, a pretender; a philanderer; one who makes believe ...1871 Sc.
• HUGGINS AND MUGGINS a pretender to importance ...Bk1922
• IDOL † a fictitious personation; a counterfeit, sham; a pretender ...1590
• JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT a pretender; an upstart ...Bk1896 sl.
• LADY-WIT † an effeminate pretender to culture ...1647
• LITERATOR † a pretender to learning; a sciolist ...a1641
• MAMAMOUCHI a pompous-sounding title; one who assumes such a title; a ridiculous pretender to elevated dignity; a buffoon ...1672
• MEDICASTER a pretender to medical skill; a quack, charlatan ...1639
• MOUNTEBANK a charlatan, a person who falsely claims knowledge of or skill in some matter, esp. for personal gain; a person who pretends to be something he or she is not, in order to gain prestige, fame, etc.; a boastful pretender ...1589
• ONPUT one who puts on an act; a pretender, a shammer ...1958 Sc.
• PANJANDRUM a mock title for an imaginary or mysterious person of much power, or one of great pretensions; a pompous pretender; one who is self-important ...a1880
• PANSOPHIST a claimant or pretender to universal knowledge ...1864
• SACRIPANT * a boastful pretender to valour ...1830
pretend - verbs
• AFFECT to put on a pretense of; to assume a false appearance of, to counterfeit or pretend ...1661
• APE to pretend ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BOURT † to pretend, to make believe ...Bk1886
• BRADE † to pretend ...Bk1886
• CRACK ON to pretend, esp. to pretend to be ill or hurt ...1880s sl. ? orig, military
• DISSIMULATE to dissemble; to feign; to pretend ...1610
• FAKE to feign or simulate; to pretend ...1889 sl.
• FAKE IT to feign or simulate; to pretend ...1889 sl.
• FAKE THE FUNK to pretend to be in the know; to fake being stylish ...Bk2006 US sl.
• FALSE GIG to pretend to be what one is not; to act under false pretenses ...1940s Aust. sl.
• FALSIFY to sham illness, to pretend ...1875 Eng. dial.
• GAM to pretend ...1989 Irish sl.
• GAME to pretend, to sham ...1865 Eng. dial.
• GAMMON to feign, to pretend ...1812
• GAM ON to pretend, to make out that ...1940s Irish sl.
• GAR-BELIEVE to make believe; to pretend ...1916 Sc.
• LEET to feign, pretend ...Bk1855 Eng. dial.
• LEETEN to pretend ...Bk1855 Eng. dial.
• LET † to behave, to comport oneself; to have a particular behaviour or appearance; to make as though, to pretend ...c1000
• MAKE to act, to pretend, to feign ...1848 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• MAKE FASHION to pretend; to make a pretense of ...1816 Sc.
• MAKE OFF to pretend ...1940s US sl.
• MAKE WISE to pretend, to feign, to make believe ...1867 Eng. dial.
• MIMICATE † to mimic; to pretend, sham ...1824 Sc.
• MIMP to make believe; to sham, to pretend ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MUCK ABOUT to pretend, to act half-heartedly, to play about ...M19 sl.
• OBTEND † to put forward as a statement, reason, etc.; to pretend, to allege, to maintain ...1573
• PERSEEN to pretend ...Bk1893 Eng. dial.
• PRETEX † to allege falsely; to pretend ...1545
• PUT ONESELF AWAY to pretend; to hoax ...1930s sl.
• RAMP to pretend ...2000 UK sl.
• SCHLENTER to pretend (for criminal purposes) to defraud ...L19 sl.
• SIMULACRIZE to pretend ...1845
• SPORT A NESCIO not to understand anything ...B1670 university sl.
• SWANK to pretend by one's behaviour to be something superior to what one is ...1809
• TAKE † to affect, to feign, to pretend, to make believe to do something ...1571
• TAKE ON to assume; to feign, to pretend; to act as a hypocrite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRETENDED - adjectives
• FAINT † feigned, pretended, simulated ...a1300
• FAKE fraudulent; spurious; counterfeit; false; pretended ...1775
• FICTIONARY pretended, imaginary, existing only in fiction ...1882
• GAMMONING † counterfeit, false, pretended, feign ...1802 UK sl.
• SIMULAR simulated, pretended, counterfeited ...1611
• VARNISHED simulated, pretended ...1607
PRETENSE - adjectives
• SIMULATIVE characterized by simulation or pretense ...1490
• SIMULATORY †* characterized by simulation or pretense ...1618
pretense - adverbs
• FAINTLY † feignedly, by way of feint or pretense, deceitfully ...c1330
• UNDER THE UMBER OF † on pretense of ...1423
pretense - nouns
• ACT an instance of insincere behaviour; a display of pretended feeling; an affected pretense ...1934
• AIRS AND GRACES would-be elegant or genteel mannerisms intended to impress; affected manners intended to convey a person's refinement or superiority; pretensions ...1697
• AUNTER a pretense, needless scruple, excuse, hesitation ...1703 Eng. dial.
• BLUFF an excuse, a pretense; talk intended to mystify or deceive ...M19
• FAFF swagger, pretense; show, useless adornments ...1880 Eng. dial.
• FAINTISE † deceit, dissimulation, hypocrisy, pretense ...1340
• FAITING † deceit, pretense ...1377
• FARANCE a pretense, make believe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FA-SAY a pretense, a sham ...Bk1900 Sc.
• FASHION † outward action or ceremony; a mere form, pretense ...1571
• FLASH a boast, brag, or great pretense made by a spendthrift, quack, or pretender to more art or knowledge than he really has ...1748 sl.
• GAFF † a pretense; an imposture ...1877 UK prison sl.
• GAS empty or boastful talk; showy pretense, bombast; humbug, nonsense ...1847 sl.
• GAUD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GAWD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GUIVER insincere talk; pretense ...1864 Aust. sl.
• GUYVER insincere talk; pretense ...1864 Aust. sl.
• GYVO humbug; flattery; insincerity, pretense; deceptive talk or behaviour ...c1935 Aust. sl.
• MAKE-BELIEF * pretense ...1833-40
• MAKE-WISE a pretense, make-believe ...1846 Eng. dial.
• MAKING-AS-IF pretense, make-believe ...1813 nonce word
• MASQUERADE disguise; false, outward show; pretense ...1674
• MONMOUTH STREET FINERY tawdry clothes, furniture, etc.; pretense, pretentiousness ...c1850 Brit. colloq.
• OFF-COME an excuse, pretense, evasion; an apology; a strange speech ...a1700 Sc.
• OFF-PUT a delay; postponement; a pretense for delay, an evasion; a feint ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OFF-SET an excuse, pretense ...1768 Sc.
• OKEY-DOKE foolishness; stupidity; pretense ...1969 sl., esp. Black usage
• ONPUT a pretense, insincere behaviour ...1958 Sc.
• RACKET pretense, deceit ...Bk19C Eng, dial.
• UMBRAGE † a pretext or pretense; a false show ...1634
• VARNISH an outward show; a pretense ...1565
• VITTRE a whim; a pretense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
pretense - verbs
• AFFECT to put on a pretense of; to assume a false appearance of, to counterfeit or pretend ...1661
• PASS THE BOTTLE OF SMOKE to give countenance to a conventional falsehood; to make pretense ...1867
PRETENTIOUS - adjectives
• AFFECTATIOUS †* of the nature of affectation; pretentious, fake, sham, feigned ...1687
• AIRIFIED made airy; flimsy; pretentious, affectedly superior, given to assuming airs ...1837
• AIRY * assuming airs; making lofty pretensions ...1606
• ARSEY, ARSY having an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance; arrogant, pretentious, conceited ...1993 UK sl.
• ARTY pretentiously artistic; ostentatiously bohemian in speech or manner ...c1900 Amer. sl.
• ARTSY-CRAFTSY pretentious, humourless, self-opinionated ...1960s sl.
• ARTSY-FARTSY pretentious ...1960s sl.
• ARTY-AND-CRAFTY pretentious; humourless ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-CRAFTY pretentious; humourless ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-FARTY pretentious, overly intellectual or artistic; exhibiting superficial form and little positive content, etc. ...1950s sl.
• ARTY-TARTY pretentious, overly intellectual or artistic; exhibiting superficial form and little positive content, etc. ...1950s sl.
• BOSS pretentious ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CHI-CHI smart, stylish; pretentious, affected; fancy ...20C Amer. sl.
• COUNTY snobbish, pretentious ...1921 Brit. sl.
• FANCY highfalutin, pretentious, putting on airs ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FANCY-DAN fancy; pretentious; affected ...1938 Amer. sl.
• FANCY PANTS smart, pretentious ...1949 sl.
• FASTUOSE † haughty, arrogant, pretentious, ostentatious ...1727
• FASTUOUS * proud, haughty, disdainful, arrogant; pretentious, ostentatious ...a1638
• GACK unappealing, pretentious ...1980s sl.
• HALF-HUNG-TEE of persons aping their betters: pretentious, affecting gentility ...1929 Sc.
• HIGHFALUTIN absurdly pompous or pretentious; stuck-up, snobbish...1839 colloq.
• HIGH-FLYING pompous, pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• HIGH-NOSED arrogant, supercilious; intellectual, pretentious ...L18 sl.
• HOITY-TOITY haughty, conceited, snobbish, pretentious ...1713 sl.
• HOKEY sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HOKIE sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HOKY sentimentally or melodramatically artificial; pretentious ...1945 sl., orig. US
• HORSESHIT contemptible or pretentious; worthless; offensive; unsatisfactory ...1939 US sl.
• HUMGUMPTIOUS splendid, excellent, pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LA-DE-DA very stylish; affectedly smart of costume, voice, manners; pretentious ...c1860 colloq.
• LA-DE-DAH affected; pretentious ...1922 sl.
• LA-DI-DA pert. to the affectedly cultured speech and manners of the upper-classes, esp. when noted from a lower social station; hence, pretentious ...1895 jocular
• LA-DI-DAH pert. to the affectedly cultured speech and manners of the upper-classes, esp. when noted from a lower social station; hence, pretentious ...1890 US jocular
• LAH-DE-DAH affected; stylish; pretentious ...a1889 sl.
• MORE FRONT THAN MYERS very cheeky or pretentious ...Bk1999 Aust. sl.
• NABBY neat, trim, well-dressed; pretentious, dressed above one's station ...1879 Sc.
• NABITY neat, trim, well-dressed; pretentious, dressed above one's station ...Bk1903 Sc.
• ON ONE'S HIGH HORSE pretentious ...Bk1995 US sl.
• PAVEAN pretentious, proud ...1825 Sc.
• PISS-ELEGANT affectedly refined, pretentious, precious; also, cheaply showy or flashy in dress or appearance ...1941 sl.
• PSEUD pretentious ...1962 colloq.
• PSEUDO pretentious ...1945 sl.
• PSEUDY pretentious ...1989 sl.
• PUT-ON affected, pretentious ...L19 US sl.
• SADIDDY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1992 Amer. dial.
• SADITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1972 Amer. dial.
• SCABBERT socially pretentious, snobbish, aspiring to gentility ...1825 Sc.
• SEDDITY snobbish and pretentious ...1960s US Black sl.
• SEDITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1967 Amer. dial.
• SIDDITY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1992 Amer. dial.
• SIDITTY exhibiting an unwarranted air of superiority; conceited, stuck-up, pretentious, affected ...1969 Amer. dial.
• SILVERTAIL pretentious ...1962 Aust. sl.
• SLANGY flashy or pretentious ...c1850 sl.
• SNOOTY snobbish, pretentious ...1919 sl.
• STUCK-UP snobbish, pretentious ...1829 sl.
• TARTUFFISH hypocritical, pretentious ...1768
• TOFFEE-NOSED snobbish, pretentious ..1925 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TOPLOFTY lofty in manner or character; elevated; haughty, high and mighty, pretentious, stuck-up ...1859 colloq. humorous
• UPSTUCK stuck up, arrogant, pretentious ...1904 Amer. dial.
• VAPOURING 1. acting or talking in a pretentious or high-flown manner ...1647
2. having a fantastical, pretentious, or foolishly boastful character ...1649
pretentious - nouns (includes PRETENTIOUSNESS)
• BLA pretentious or misleading talk ...1918 sl., orig. US
• BLAH pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1918 US sl.
• BLAH-BLAH pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
• DOG boastful or pretentious manner or attitude; flashiness ...1871 sl., orig. US
• FANTOOSHERIE fuss, pretentiousness, 'swank' ...1951 Sc.
• MAGUFFY anything large and pretentious ...20C W. Indies sl.
• MONMOUTH STREET FINERY tawdry clothes, furniture, etc.; pretense, pretentiousness ...c1850 Brit. colloq.
• MOODY pretentious or misleading talk ...1934 Brit. sl.
• MUMBO JUMBO pretentious or misleading talk ...1896 sl.
• OIL pretentiousness, presumption ...20C UK sl.
• PISS-ELEGANCE the state of being affectedly refined or pretentious ...1971 sl.
• SIDE pretentiousness; swagger; conceit ...1878 sl.
• SOME PUNKINS something prominent or pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• TARATANTARA † high-flown, loud, extravagant, or pretentious talk; bombast ...1599
• TARATANTARO † high-flown, loud, extravagant, or pretentious talk; bombast ...1670
• TIGERISM vulgar ostentation or affectation; pretentiousness; swagger ...1836
• TINSELRY cheap and pretentious display ...1820
• VAPOURING the act of talking or acting in a high-flown or pretentious manner ...c1630
pretentious - person
• AFFECTER a professed adherent or practiser of anything; an ostentatious or pretentious user, possessor, or professor ...1580
• ARTSY-FARTSY a pretentious person ...1960s sl.
• BATTERLASH a small-witted person; a foolish or gullible person; a pretentious fool ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BIG IKE a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BLADDER an inflated pretentious man; a windbag ...1579
• BLUEBELLY a proud, pretentious person; a term of reproach ...1950 Amer. dial.
• FANCY DAN a dandy; an affected or pretentious fellow; a show-off ...1943 Amer. sl.
• FANCY PANTS a dandy; a pretentious, superior, self-important person ...1934 US sl.
• GENTLEMAN a stuck-up, pretentious, or conceited person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GOBDAW a fool; a pretentious person ...M20 sl., chiefly Irish
• HALF NAB a pretentious person; one claiming to be genteel ...1892 Sc.
• IKE a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• LADY ESTHER a pretentious or self-important woman ...1966 Amer. dial.
• LADY ESTHERBILT a pretentious or self-important woman ...1966 Amer. dial.
• LADY MUCK a woman who is unjustifiably self-important or esteemed; an arrogant, pretentious woman of any class ...1957 UK sl.
• NABS a vain, pretentious, or impudent person - a term of familiarity ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• OLD PUT a pretentious old gentleman ...M18 sl.
• PISS-ARTIST a pretentious and usually pompous poseur who is incompetent, but full of promises ...L20 colloq.
• POP-SQUIRT a pert, conceited man of small physique; an insignificant, pretentious fellow ...1905 Amer. dial.
• PSEUD a false, artificial, or pretentious person ...1964 colloq.
• PSEUDO a pretentious person ...1959 sl.
• SCAWBERT a pretentious person; one who wishes to appear above his rank ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SNOLLYGOSTER a pretentious, boastful fellow; a shrewd, unprincipled fellow, especially a politician ...1846 US sl.
• SOME PUNKINS someone prominent or pretentious ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• STUFFED SHIRT a pretentious, uptight person ...1913 colloq.
• TINHORN a pretentious or flashy person ...1887 US sl.
• TOFFEE-NOSE someone who is snobbish or pretentious ...1943 sl., chiefly Brit.
• WANK a person who deceives, deludes himself by refusing to see the truth or reality; a pretentious person ...1973 Aust. sl.
• WANKER a person who deceives, deludes himself by refusing to see the truth or reality; a pretentious person ...1978 Aust. sl.
• WISE IKE a self-important, pretentious person ...20C sl.
pretentious - verbs
• BLAH to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BE UP ONE'S OWN ARSE to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...1988 UK sl.
• BE UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...2014
• BLAH-BLAH to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BUNG ON THE BULL to show off; to act in a pretentious manner ...1940s Aust. sl.
• CLIMB UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...1992
• DISAPPEAR UP ONE'S OWN ARSE to become self-involved pretentious, or conceited, typically to a degree which is abnormal or harmful ...1966 UK sl.
• DISAPPEAR UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...1973
• LIVE UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be self-involved, pretentious, or conceited ...1997
• MOUNT THE HIGH HORSE said of a person affecting airs of superiority, or behaving pretentiously or arrogantly; to be overbearing or oppressive; to be proud; to take offense ...1871
• QUACK to talk pretentiously and ignorantly, like a quack ...1756
• SIDE to act in a pretentious manner, to put on airs ...1910s sl.
• VANISH UP ONE'S OWN ASS to be over-engaged with oneself or one's own concerns, affairs, or work, to the exclusion of anyone or anything else; to become excessively self-involved, self-important, or pretentious ...2008
• WOOF to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1934 US Black sl.
PRETENTIOUSLY - adverbs
• AIRLY pretentiously ...L18 US sl.
• FASTUOUSLY ostentatiously, haughtily, arrogantly, pretentiously ...a1677
PRETEXT - nouns
• BACKSET an excuse, a colourable pretext ...1862 Eng. dial.
• HAIR TO MAKE A TETHER OF, A a slight pretext of which to make a great deal ...1809
• SCONCE a pretext; an apology, an excuse; a trick; deception ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• UMBRAGE † a pretext or pretense; a false show ...1634
pretext - verbs
• UMBRAGE † to give a pretext or ground for ...1689
PRETTY - adjectives
• BELLE † pretty, handsome ...1668
• CUNNING quaintly interesting; pretty, attractive ...1854 sl. orig. US
• DEFT pretty; neat ...1671 Eng. dial.
• DIMBER pretty ...1665 rogues' cant
• FACEABLE fit to be seen, pretty, fitting ...1894 Sc.
• FEAT † neat in form or appearance, pretty, elegant ...a1471 obs. exc. arch. & Eng. dial.
• FEATY † neat, pretty ...1621
• GIM † smart, spruce, fine, neat, pretty ...1513 obs. exc. Eng dial.
• JANT † pretty ...c1648-50
• MINIONETTE †* small and pretty; delicate, dainty, effeminate ...1749
• NEAT † pleasing to the eye, pretty ...1798 Sc.
• OUTLOOKINGEST prettiest ...1975 Amer. dial.
• P pretty ...1982 Hawaiian youth usage
• PRETTY AS A SPECKLED PUP, AS exceedingly pretty ...Bk1912 Amer. dial.
• PRUNK neat, smart, pretty ...1892 Sc.
• PURTY pretty ...1960 Irish sl.
• SLICK AS A GREASED PIG very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SLICK AS A RAM-CAT very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SLICK AS A SCHOOL-MARM'S LEG very pleasing, successful, pretty, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• VIRE of persons, animals, or things: pretty, showy, handsome, well-made, or well-fed ...1929 Sc.
pretty - person
• ANGEL PUSS a person, esp. a young woman, having an angelic or pretty face; a slightly ironic term of endearment ...1941 Amer. sl.
• ARM CANDY a pretty woman whose role is merely to adorn the arm of her male companion ...1990s sl.
• BABYCAKES a pretty young woman or handsome man ...1964 sl.
• BANTER a young girl, a slender or pretty young woman ...1944 US Black sl.
• BARBIE DOLL a pretty, giddy girl or woman ...Bk2006 US sl.
• BEAUT FROM THE INSTITUTE a pretty college girl ...Bk1942 US sl.
• BENE MORT a fine woman, or pretty girl ...1608 UK sl.
• BIEN MORT a fine woman, or pretty girl ...1612 UK sl.
• BOMB HEAVER a pretty girl ...Bk1944 Amer. services sl.
• BONNIBEL a bonny lass - a fair maid - a pretty girl ...1579 arch.
• CAKES a pretty young woman, or a handsome young man ...1960s US sl.
• CAKIE a pretty young woman, or a handsome young man ...1960s US sl.
• DAB-CHICK a pretty girl or woman ...1610
• DALL a pretty, silly woman ...1818 Sc.
• DALLY a pretty, silly woman ...1822 Sc.
• DIMBER-COVE a pretty fellow ...1837 rogues' cant
• DIME a pretty girl ...1999 US sl.
• FAIRY a pretty young woman ...20C colloq.
• GEAR a pretty girl ...2013 US sl.
• GOOEY a pretty girlfriend ...1980s sl.
• HEATHER a superficial girl or young woman, pretty but lacking in intelligence; a girl who's a trendy dresser ...Bk1989 US college sl.
• HEIFER a female; a woman, a girl; a pretty or personable young woman ...1835 sl.
• JAM a pretty young woman - not necessarily with any sexual connotation ...M19 Brit. sl.
• LITTLE SILLY a girl; a pretty girl ...1900s Aust. sl.
• MIDNIGHT SNACK a small pretty girl ...Bk1945 jive usage
• MOPPET a pretty, saucy girl ...Bk1930 UK sl.
• MOPSEY, MOPSIE a young girl; a pretty child; a darling, a sweetheart; often as a term of endearment ...1582
• PASTRY a pretty young women ...L19 sl.
• PATOOTIE a sweetheart or girlfriend - a pretty girl ...1921 US sl.
• QUEEN a pretty young woman - a beauty ...18C US sl.
• SPARKLER one who sparkles or shines in respect of beauty or accomplishments; esp. a vivacious, witty, or pretty young woman ...1713
• TODDLES a pretty young woman ...M19 sl.
• YUM-YUM a pretty young woman ...1883 sl.
• WHITING-MOP † a fair lass; a pretty girl; a term of endearment for a girl ...1701
PREVAIL - verbs
• VAIL † to have might or power; to prevail ...a1300
PREVAILING - nouns
• MASTERY † predominance; predominating feature; prevailing character ...1477
PREVALENT - adjectives
• BRIEF prevalent, widespread; esp. said of a communicable disease ...1722 Amer. dial.
• PENNY-RIFE † as rife or common as pennies; very common or prevalent ...1606
prevalent - verbs
• REIGN to be prevalent ...1885 Eng. dial.
PREVARICATE - verbs
• CAFFLE to prevaricate, to argue, to haggle ...1886 Eng. dial.
• GLADSTONIZE to talk at great length without saying much of consequence; to speak much and mean nothing; to evade or prevaricate ...1892
• HAFFLE to hesitate; to speak confusedly; to falter; to stammer; to prevaricate, to quibble ...1790 Eng. dial.
• PALTER to shift, to shuffle, to equivocate, to prevaricate in statement or dealing; to deal crookedly or evasively; to play fast and loose, to use trickery ...1601
• PAVIE to talk in a guarded manner; to prevaricate, to equivocate; to hedge ...1914 Sc.
• TONGUE-TWIST to act evasively, to prevaricate ...1836
PREVARICATING - adjectives
• CAFFLING prevaricating, excusing ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLING hesitating, indecisive; prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLING AND SHAFFLING confused, prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HAFFLY hesitating, indecisive; prevaricating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PREVARICATION - nouns
• HIFFLE-HAFFLE hesitancy, prevarication ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• JACK AN' DANNY nonsense, time-wasting, prevarication ...1990s rhyming sl. for 'fanny'
• JACKY DANNY nonsense, time-wasting, prevarication ...1990s rhyming sl. for 'fanny'
PREVARICATOR - person
• KEELIE, KEELY a prevaricator; one who is not straightforward in his dealings ...1932 Sc.
PREVENT - verbs
• AIL to hinder, to prevent ...1817 Sc.
• BALK to hinder, to prevent, to thwart, to impede ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BAR BY AND MAIN † to prevent entirely; to stop altogether ...1567
• BEFORE-COME † to prevent ...1382
• CRUSH IN THE EGG vb. to nip in the bud, to halt at an early stage, to thoroughly check something; to prevent ...1689
• FALL THROUGH to bungle, to blunder; to spoil, to prevent by mismanagement ...1766 Sc.
• FORFEND to avert, to keep away or off, to fend off, to prevent ...1382 arch.
• IMPEACH † to impede, to hinder, to prevent ...c1380
• INHABLE † to disable, to prevent, to disqualify ...1631 Sc.
• LET to hinder, to prevent, to obstruct, to stand in the way of ...c888 arch.
• MAR ALL † to act so as to prevent a project or operation from being carried to a successful issue; to spoil everything; to act badly ...c1420
• OBVENT †* to prevent, to frustrate ...1599
• OBVIATE † to meet and dispose of or do away with a thing; to clear out of the way; to prevent by anticipatory measures ...1598
• PUT THE BLOCKS ON to prevent from going ahead ...Bk1999
• PUT THE KIBOSH ON to frustrate, to ruin, to prevent, to jeopardize ...1830s sl.
• PUT THE KYBOSH ON to frustrate, to ruin, to prevent, to jeopardize ...1830s sl.
• TENT to prevent, to hinder ...1781 Eng. dial.
• TIE OFF to prevent, to prohibit ...1894 Eng. dial.
• WARN † 1. to prevent, to hinder, to restrain from action ...c888
2. to prevent a person from having something ...a1240
PREVENTION - nouns
• IMPEACH † hindrance, impediment, prevention ...1551
• IMPEACHMENT † hindrance, prevention, obstruction; impediment, obstacle ...1432
• OBVIATION a preventing; prevention ...c1400
PREVENTIVE - nouns
• CAMMICK a preventive, a stop ...Bk1898 Sc.
PREVIOUS - adjectives
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
• PREDECESSIVE †* that has gone before; preceding; previous ...1599
• PREVIAL † going before, previous ...1613
• PREVIANT †* going before, previous ...1601
PREVIOUSLY - adverbs
• BEFOREHAND † before this or that, previously ...a1300
• BEFORETIMES † formerly, previously ...a1555
• RATHER † previously, beforehand ...c1325
• TOFORE † of time: previously, beforehand, earlier; in the past ...c1175
• TOFOREHAND † beforehand, previously ...1387
• TOFORETIME † previously, aforetime ...c1400
PREY - adjectives
• RAPTORIAL given to seizing prey, predatory ...1825
prey - nouns
• CREAM PUFF an easy target; easy prey ...1915 US sl.
• RAVEN prey; anything got by violence ...B1900 Eng. dial.
prey - verbs
• VAMPIRE to assail or prey upon after the manner of a vampire ...1831
• VAMPIRIZE * to assail or prey upon after the manner of a vampire ...1888
PRICE - adjectives
• BASE †* of price: low, cheap ...1599 obs
• BETTER greater, more higher in price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER-CHEAP cheaper, at a less price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DEAR-BOUGHT bought at a high price, obtained at great cost ...c1384
• DEARTHFUL † costly, expensive; high in price ...1786 nonce word obs. exc. Sc.
• EYEWATERING of a price or figure: extremely high or large ...1950
• KEEN of prices: good, competitive ...1928 Sc.
• LONG of a price or offer: high, undiscounted ...1887 Amer. dial.
• LOW-TICKET having a relatively low price ...colloq.
• ROCK-BOTTOM of a price: unbeatable
• SALT of expense, cost: excessive in amount; costly, expensive, high in price. dear ...1710 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SIMPLE † of price or sale: low, poor ...1436
price - adverbs
• EATHLY † at an easy price, cheaply ...c1225
• LARGELY †* for a large sum; at a high price ...1611
price - nouns
• ARM AND A LEG, AN an enormous amount of money, an exorbitant price ...1924 colloq.
• BANTER a haggling about prices ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BATING haggling, beating down in price ...1851 Eng. dial.
• CALF-STICKING pretending that perfectly normal goods have supposedly been stolen; a greater price can thus be asked, since some customers like the idea of obtaining stolen goods ...M19 UK criminals' sl.
• DAMAGE, THE cost; price ...1755 sl.
• DAYLIGHT ROBBERY an exorbitant price ...1949 UK sl.
• DEARTH † dearness, costliness, high price ...1632
• END price, rate ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FULL WHACK a very high (esp. the highest) price or rate ...1978 Brit. sl.
• HIGH PIKE an exorbitantly high price ...M19 sl.
• HOLD-UP a sale at an exorbitant price ...Bk1913-17 Amer. sl.
• IBM DISCOUNT a price increase ...1991 US sl.
• MONKEY MONEY silly money; an excessive price to pay ...1999 UK sl.
• P the price ...1997 UK sl.
• RANSOM an extravagant price or rent ...1882 Sc.
• SALT-COLLOP anything not of a bulky description purchased at a high price ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SILLY MONEY a false or ridiculous price, which could be too low or too high ...Brit. sl.
• SNOW AND ICE the price ...20C rhyming sl.
• TOP WHACK a very high (esp. the highest) price or rate ...1978 Brit. sl.
• VALOIR † value, worth, price ...c1495
• VIRE a prize specimen, a good price, etc.; something well done ...1908 Sc.
price - person
• TASKER † one who assesses or regulates a rate or price; e.g. of lodgings, things brought to market, etc. ...1538
price - verbs
• AFFORARE † o set a value or price upon anything ...a1250
• BADGER to barter; to banter over a bargain; to beat down in price ...1875 Eng. dial.
• BANT to beat down in price; to haggle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BANTER DOWN to beat down in price ...1864 Eng. dial.
• BATE to make a reduction in price, to lower a bargain; to cause to reduce ...1805 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEAT THE BARGAIN † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1640
• BEAT THE MARKET † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1655
• BEAT THE PRICE † to endeavour to bring down the price; to chaffer for the lowest terms; to cheapen ...1592
• BRACE to charge extortionately ...1923 US sl.
• BREAK to lower prices or wages ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BULL to advance in price ...1928
• CHARGE LIKE A WOUNDED BULL to set excessively high prices ...Bk1999 Aust. sl.
• CUT UNDER to undersell in price ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• DEAL to conclude a bargain of purchase or sale; to agree as to price ...1888 Eng. dial.
• DEAR † to make dear or expensive; to raise the price of ...1424 Sc. obs
• DEARTH † to make dear in price; to raise the price of anything; to cause or produce a scarcity of or in anything ...c1440 obs. exc. Sc.
• FAIK to abate the price ...1823 Sc.
• FALL † to lower a price, etc.; to bring down in value, to depreciate; to depress the market ...1677
• GAZUMP to raise the price of a property after having accepted an offer by an intending buyer ...1971 Brit. sl.
• GAZUNDER to lower the offer made to the seller of a property, esp. just before the exchange of contracts, so putting pressure on the seller to lower the price or risk losing the deal ...1988 Brit. sl.
• HAGGLE-BARGAIN to argue, to wrangle over the price of anything ...1898 Sc.
• HAIN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HARDEN of prices: to advance, to grow dear, to heighten ...1721 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• HEIGN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HEYNE to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• HIGHEN to raise in price ...1787 Eng. dial.
• IMPROVE † to enhance the monetary value; to raise the price or amount of ...1548
• JAW to talk a seller into lowering his price ...1954 Amer. dial.
• JEW DOWN (derogatory & offensive) to beat someone down in price; to haggle ...1848 sl.
• KNOCK DOWN to lower prices ...M19 sl.
• LET FALL †* to lower a price ...c1475
• OCKER † to increase in price ...a1838 Sc.
• OPEN ONE'S MOUTH to ask a high price ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• POP IT ON to ask for more, esp. when raising a commodity's price ...L19 sl.
• RAISE THE MARKET to charge a higher price ...1535
• RATIFY †* to fix the rate or price of ...1511
• SALT to heighten in price ...1825 Sc.
• SOAK to charge a high price; to tax heavily; to extort money from ...L19 orig. US sl.
• TAX to charge, to make a claim upon one for an amount; to set the price, to cost ..1848 Amer. dial.
• UP to raise, to increase prices, charges, etc. ...1930s sl., orig. US
• UP THE ANTE to increase the amount, to demand a higher price ...L19 US sl.
• VAMPER to beat down the price (an old word used in the yearly bargainings of farm servants) ...B1900 Eng. dial.
PRICELESS - adjectives
• IMPRETIABLE †* invaluable, priceless ...1638
priceless - nouns
• GEM an object of rare beauty or priceless worth; the choicest part of anything; something greatly prized, a 'treasure' ...c1560
PRICK - nouns
• JAG a prick or tear made by a sharp instrument, thorn, etc. ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• LAUNCH † the act of lancing; a prick ...1558
prick - verbs
• ACUPUNCTUATE to prick with a needle or pin ...1865
• DAKE to prick with anything sharp; to poke with the finger ...1885 Eng. dial.
• JAG to prick or pierce with some sharp instrument; to throb or prick painfully ...1706 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• PICK to prick; to pierce ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TANG † to pierce, to prick ...a1400
• TO-STICK † to prick all over ...c1315
PRICKLE - adjectives
• ECHINULATE having or covered with small prickles ...1846
• JACULIFEROUS having prickles, or spine-like darts ...1855
prickle - nouns
• DAWK a prickle or spine of a thorn ...20C Ireland
• JAG a prickle, a thorn; something which causes a sting ...c1800 Sc.
• JAGGER a prickle ...1825 Sc.
• PICKER a burr, a bramble, a prickle ...1950 Amer. dial.
• PICKY a burr, a bramble, a prickle ...1950 Amer. dial.
prickle - verbs
• ECHINATE to set up one's prickles like a hedgehog ...1788 nonce word
• PRINKLE to have a thrilling sensation, such as the feeling of 'pins and needles'; to tingle, to prickle ...1721 Sc.
PRICKLY - adjectives
• JABBIE prickly ...1947 Sc.
• JAGGIE prickly, sharp-pointed, piercing ...1788 Sc.
• JAGGY prickly, sharp-pointed, piercing ...1788 Sc.
• PICKY prickly, thorny, scratchy ...c1970 Amer. dial.
• SCRAG prickly, rough ...1876 Eng. dial.
PRIDE - adjectives (also see PROUD)
• FASTIDIOUS † full of pride; disdainful; scornful ...c1440
• TO-BOLLEN † puffed up with pride or swollen with anger ...a1225
pride - nouns
• BIGOTTY pride, conceit, haughtiness ...1884 Eng. dial.
• BOBANCE † presumptuous boasting, pride, pomp, arrogance, vanity ...c1325
• FASTIDIE †* pride, haughtiness...1536
• FASTIDIOUSNESS † disdainfulness, haughtiness, pride ...1613
• HAUTAINESSE † haughtiness, pride, arrogance ...1297
• HAUTESSE † highness, height; loftiness of rank or character; nobility; haughtiness, pride; grandeur, stateliness; length of time ...a1300
• HIGH-HEELED SHOES pride ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• JAISTER swagger, pride of manner and gait ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LUGS proud manners ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• MASS pride, haughtiness, self-conceit ...Bk1905 Sc.
• ORGEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• ORGELNESS † pride, haughtiness, disdain ...a1000
• ORGHEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• ORGUEIL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGUIL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGUL † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...c1200
• ORGULITY † pride, haughtiness, disdainfulness ...1470-85
• ORHEL † pride, haughtiness ...a1023
• SAUCE vanity, pride, display ...1793 Sc.
• STOMACH pride
• VAINGLORINESS * vaingloriousness ...1820
• VAINGLORY glory that is vain, empty or worthless; inordinate or unwarranted pride in one's accomplishments or qualities; disposition or tendency to exalt oneself unduly; idle boasting or vaunting ...a1300
pride - verbs
• BURST ONE'S BUTTONS to swell with pride ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BUST ONE'S BUTTONS to swell with pride ...1966 Amer. dial.
• KVELL to feel or show great happiness, pride, or satisfaction; to exult, to rejoice ...1940 colloq., esp. Jewish usage
• TO-BELL † to be puffed up with pride or swollen with anger ...a1225
PRIEST - person
• AARON * a person resembling the Jewish high priest Aaron, esp. a high priest, a leader ...1565
• ALDGATE EAST a priest ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• BAG OF YEAST a priest ...1971 Aust. rhyming sl.
• BAKER'S YEAST a priest ...1983 Aust. rhyming sl.
• BEAD-JIGGLER a Roman Catholic, esp. a priest ...1968 US sl.
• BEAD MUMBLER a Roman Catholic, esp. a priest ...1966 sl.
• BEAUPERE † a term of courtesy for father: used especially in addressing or speaking of priests ...c1300
• BELL-HALLOWER a priest who uses blessing bells ...1549
• BIG KAHUNA * in Hawaii: a prominent priest, sage, or healer ...1886
• BLACK BEETLES Roman Catholic priests ...1959 UK sl.
• BLACK GOWN a Roman Catholic priest ...1804 US Indian usage
• BLACK ROBE esp. among North American Indians: a Christian priest, esp. a missionary ...1811 Can.
• BOGGIE a displaced priest who married people contrary to canon laws, though not to nature's laws ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CORBIE a Roman Catholic priest ...1930 Amer. dial.
• DAFF a priest ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GALWAY a Catholic priest ...1891 American tramps' sl.
• GOD-BOTHERER a parson, priest, or chaplain ...1937 Brit. sl., orig. services' usage
• HEDGE-PRIEST (derogatory) an illiterate priest of low status ...hist.
• HOLY JOE a priest or clergyman ...1874 sl., orig. nautical
• JACK-FRIAR a hedge-priest ...Bk1896 sl.
• JOHN † (derogatory) a priest ...LME
• JOSSER a priest or clergyman ...1887 Aust. sl.
• KAHUNA a priest of the native Hawaiian religion, a wise man, a minister; now esp. a sorcerer ...1873 Hawaii
• MAKE-GOD † a derisive term to Romish priests ...1705
• MASSER † one who celebrates mass; a mass-priest; also, one who attends mass ...a1000
• MASS-PRIEST a priest whose function it is to celebrate mass ...c893 arch.
• MOBED a Zoroastrian priest; esp. one who is a Parsee ...1815
• MORN PRIEST † the priest who celebrates the first mass of the day ...1466
• MORROW PRIEST †* a priest who says morrow-mass (the first mass of the day) ...1563
• NEOPHYTE a new convert; one newly admitted to a church or religious body; also, a newly ordained priest, or a novice of a religious order ...a1550
• OINTLING † an anointed priest; used contemptuously ...a1603 nonce word
• PADRE in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other areas of Spanish and Portuguese influence: a Christian clergyman, esp. a Roman Catholic priest ...1584
• PAPA a parish priest, or any member of the lower orders of the clergy in the Orthodox Eastern Church ...1591
• SACERDOS † the Latin word for priest ...c1590
• SACERDOTE † a priest ...1685
• SACRIFICER a sacrificial priest ...1547
• SACRIFICUL(E) † a priest ...1604
• SACRIFICULIST † a sacrificing priest ...1652
• SACRIFIER † a sacrificing priest ...1382
• SAGGART a priest ...1836 Irish
• SIN-SHIFTER a priest or clergyman ...a1912 sl.
• SIR † a parson or priest ...1591 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SIR JOHN † (derogatory) a priest ...LME
• SIR JOHN LACK-LATIN † an ignorant priest ...c1534
• TALAPOIN a Buddhist monk or priest ...1586
• TIPPET-CAPTAIN † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• TIPPET-KNIGHT † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• TIPPET-MAN † a contemptuous nickname for a priest or ecclesiastic ...1550
• WAITER AT THE ALTAR † a priest or other minister of the altar; one who celebrates mass ...1711
priest - person, other
• PARNEL † a priest's concubine or mistress; a harlot; a wanton young woman; an immodest girl; an immoral woman; one lost to all sense of decency; a sexually loose woman; a prostitute ...1362 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRIGGISH - adjectives
• Y.M.C.A. priggish, puritan, 'goody-goody' ...L19 sl.
priggish - person
• NANNY a weak-willed, priggish, or effeminate fellow; a sissy ...1947 Amer. sl.
PRIM - adjectives
• BUTTONED UP reluctant to reveal emotion or to express thoughts freely; reserved, inhibited, or formal in manner or disposition; repressed prim ...1767
• DAPSTUCK prim, proper; dapper ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• EYEGLASSY * prim or prissy ...1922 colloq.
• MAISK prim, fastidious; applied esp. to one who has to be coaxed to eat ...1929 Sc.
• MEE-MAW affected, mincing, prim ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MEESK prim, fastidious; applied esp. to one who has to be coaxed to eat ...1929 Sc.
• MIM prim, demure; affectedly modest or shy; prudish; primly silent or reticent ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMINY-MOUTHED prim, demure, affected ...1897 Eng. dial.
• MIM-MOUTHED affectedly prim or proper in speech, etc.; reticent, shy at speaking out; soft-spoken ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMP prim, demure, affected ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MIMSEY prim, prudish ...1880 Eng. dial.
• MIM-SPOKEN affectedly prim or proper in speech, etc.; reticent, shy at speaking out; soft-spoken ...1896 Sc.
• NEBSIE, NEBSY prim, precise ...1825 Sc.
• QUAINT † dainty, fastidious, nice; prim ...1483
• QUEEM prim, affectedly nice; over-fastidious ...1924 Sc.
• QUIM prim, affectedly nice ...20C Irish sl.
prim - person
• DOZZLE a prim, stiff-looking person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FANCY DOO-DAD WOMAN a woman who is overly prim or conscious of decorum ...1968 Amer. dial.
• FRUMP an old woman with one or more of the following qualities: primness, wrinkles, slatternliness, gossipiness, grouchiness, or a holier-than-thou attitude ...19C
• MISS NANCY a prim person of either sex ...19C colloq.
• MISS PRISS a female who is a bit too prim or acting fussily feminine ...Bk1992 Amer. South
• OLD MAID (derogatory) a person with the alleged characteristics of an elderly spinster, such as primness, prudery, fastidiousness, etc. ...Aust. sl.
• TAMMIE-TIT a prim, affected sort of person ...1924 Sc.
prim - verbs
• MIM to act in a prim, affected manner, either in speaking, eating, walking, etc. ...Bk1905 Sc.
• QUAINT IT † to assume a prim air ...c1585
PRIMITIVE - adjectives
• PINEY dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive ...1809 Amer. dial.
• PINEY-WOOD dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive ...1809 Amer. dial.
PRIMLY - adverbs
• MIMLIE primly, prudishly ...Bk1905 Sc.
PRIMNESS - nouns
• MIMNESS prudishness, primness ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PRIMOSITY † a state of primness, prudery ...a1839 humorous nonce word
PRIMROSE - nouns
• COCKS AND KAMES bursting buds of primroses ...1875 Sc.
• QUEEN OF MAY the primrose ...1787 Sc.
PRINCE - person
• ATHEL a prince, a noble ...1857 Sc.
• BEYOND-SEA-SHIP † humorously applied to a foreign prince ...1620
PRINCETON - nouns
• OLD NASSAU Princeton University ...M19 US college sl.
PRINCIPAL - adjectives
• CAPTAIN † chief, principal, leading ...1566
• HEADLY † chief, principal ...971
• MASTER chief, principal; great, best; remarkable ...1750 Eng. dial.
• PALMARIAN * that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1815
• PALMARY that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1657
• TOPPING very high or superior in position, rank, degree, amount, or estimation; chief, principal; pre-eminent, distinguished ..c1685
principal - person
• ELDERLY MAN † a chief, principal man ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HEAD a person to whom others are subordinate; a chief, a captain, a commander, a ruler, a leader, a principal person ...c897
• HEAD-BUMMER the head of a house; the chief representative of a family; the principal person ...1864 Sc.
• TANG O' THE TRUMP, THE the most important person in any company, enterprise, or organization; the life and soul of a party, a movement, etc; the active partner in a firm; the principal person in any popular outburst. ...1887 Sc.
• TONGUE OF THE TRUMP the most important person or thing; the principal person in any undertaking; the leader; that which is essential to the success of anything ...1820 Sc.
PRINCIPLE - nouns
• EDGE principle, disposition ...1895 Eng. dial.
PRINCIPLES - phrases
• DOWN TO THE ABC down to first principles or the simplest rudiments ...1899 sl.
PRINT - nouns
• IMPRIMERY † a print or impression ...1674
PRINTED - nouns
• FAKEMENT any form of printed material ...M19 sl.
• LITERATURE any form of printed material ...L19 sl.
PRINTING - nouns
• CROOKS † in printing: brackets, parentheses ...1641
• HELL BOX a box for holding broken or damaged type ...1888 US printing usage
• IMPRESSION * the process of printing ...1509
• IMPRIMATURE † printing; imprint, impression ...1762
• IMPRIMERY † 1. a printing office or printing house ...1663
† 2. printing ...1681
• IMPRINTING † printing of books ...c1440
• KALOTYPOGRAPHY beautiful printing ...1834
• MACKLE in printing: a blur in printing; also, a blurred sheet ...1706
• MACULE in printing: a blur causing the impression of a page to appear double ...1841
printing - person
• GALLEY-SLAVE † in printing: a compositor ...1683
• PIG † (humorous or derogatory) a pressman in a printing office ...1806 printing sl.
printing - verbs
• MACKLE in printing: to blur, spot, or spoil a sheet of paper ...1594
• MACULE in printing: to blur, spot, or spoil a sheet of paper ...1841
PRIOR - adjectives
• RATHER †* antecedent, prior; of greater importance ...1657
PRIORITY - nouns
• BACK BURNER a condition or position of low priority ...1963 sl.
• BEFORENESS * priority, anteriority, pre-existence ...1625
• FURTHERHEAD † priority ...c1380
PRISE - verbs
• YOIK to force; to prise open ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.