From Middle English taken (“to take, lay hold of, grasp, strike”), from Old English tacan (“to grasp, touch”), probably of North Germanic origin, from Old Norse taka (“to touch, take”), from Proto-Germanic *tēkaną (“to touch”), from pre-Germanic *deh₁g- (“to touch”), possibly a phonetically altered form of Proto-Indo-European *te-th₂g- (“to touch, take”) (see there for details). Gradually displaced native English nim, from Middle English nimen, from Old English niman (“to take”). Cognates Cognate with Scots tak (“to take”), Icelandic and Norwegian Nynorsk taka (“to take”), Norwegian Bokmål ta (“to take”), Swedish ta (“to take”), Danish tage (“to take, seize”), West Frisian take, taakje (“to grab, steal”), Dutch taken (“to take; grasp”), Middle Low German tacken (“to grasp”). English thack may be from the same root. Compare tackle. Despite superficial similarity, unrelated to Proto-Indo-European *tek- (“to take by hand, obtain”), which is instead cognate with English thig (“to beg”).
To get into one's hands, possession, or control, with or without force.
They took Charlton's gun from his cold, dead hands.
I'll take that plate off the table.
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All theſe Ceremonies thus being performed; the Prince which ſucceeded taketh a torch, and firſt putteth to the fire himſelfe, and after him all the reſt of the company, and by and by as the fire was kindled out of the toppe of the higheſt turret, an Eagle was let fly to carry vp his ſoule into heaven, and ſo he was afterward reputed, and by the Romanes adored among the reſt of the Gods: […]1627, G[eorge] H[akewill], An Apologie of the Power and Prouidence of God in the Gouernment of the World. […], Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] Iohn Lichfield and William Turner, […], →OCLC, book IV, pages 402–403:
That viſage miſ-becomes, thy Pipe / Caſt from thee, Warlike dame, / Take unto thee thy wonted Armes, / And keepe thy Cheekes in frame.1637, Tho[mas] Heywood, Londini Speculum: Or, Londons Mirror, […], London: […] I[ohn] Okes […], →OCLC, signature B, verso:
She took the policeman’s helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him.1963, Margery Allingham, “Meeting Point”, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC, page 232:
We take, take, take until we can't take anymore. Maybe it's because our inner nature is not primarily one of giving, but of taking. Even these things we take that should balance our lives and give us rest do not. We make work out of them. We do them aggressively; always in control. Take.1997, George Carlin, Brain Droppings, New York, N.Y.: Hyperion, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 67:
2
To seize or capture.
take the guards prisoner
take prisoners
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After a bloody battle, they were able to take the city.
Therefoꝛe cheere vp your mindes, pꝛapare to fight, / He that can take oꝛ ſlaughter Tamburlaine, / Shall rule the Pꝛouince of Albania.c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act II, scene ii:
The river ran behind us and the town had been captured very handsomely but the mountains beyond it could not be taken and I was very glad the Austrians seemed to want to come back to the town some time, if the war should end, because they did not bombard it to destroy it but only a little in a military way.1929 May–October, Ernest Hemingway, chapter 2, in A Farewell to Arms, 1st British edition, London: Jonathan Cape […], published 1929, →OCLC, book I, page 13:
The front line, ours and the Fascists', lay in positions of immense natural strength, which as a rule could only be approached from one side. Provided a few trenches have been dug, such places cannot be taken by infantry, except in overwhelming numbers.1938 April, George Orwell [pseudonym; Eric Arthur Blair], chapter III, in Homage to Catalonia, London: Secker & Warburg, →OCLC, page 32:
3
To catch or get possession of (fish or game).
took ten catfish in one afternoon
The horses appear to thrive well, yet they are small sized, and have lost so much strength, that they are unfit to be used in taking wild cattle with the lazo.1839, Charles Darwin, chapter XII, in Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty’s Ships Adventure and Beagle, between the Years 1826 and 1836, […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 248:
4
Ball games, Cricket, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports To catch the ball; especially as a wicket-keeper and after the batsman has missed or edged it.
5
To appropriate or transfer into one's own possession, sometimes by physically carrying off.
Billy took her pencil.
6
To exact.
take a toll
take revenge
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"Load away now, and take thy revenge, my fine fellow," said Samoa to himself. But not yet.1849, Herman Melville, chapter XXII, in Mardi: And a Voyage Thither. […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], →OCLC, page 92:
It is only when we invoke the aid of pain for our self-gratification that she becomes evil and takes her vengeance for the insult done to her by hurling us into misery.1913 November, Rabindranath Tagore, “The Problem of Evil”, in Sādhanā: The Realisation of Life, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company, →OCLC, page 65:
7
To capture or win (a piece or trick) in a game.
took the next two tricks
took Smith's rook
8
To receive or accept (something, especially something which was given).
took third place
took bribes
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The camera takes 35mm film.
Moꝛeouer, yee ſhall take no ſatiſfaction foꝛ the life of a murderer, which is guiltie of death, but he ſhalbe ſurely put to death.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Numbers 35:31, column 1:
You were lonely for a man I said, "Take me as I am" 'Cause you might enjoy some madness for a while1980 March 7, Billy Joel, “You May Be Right”, in Glass Houses:
9
To receive or accept (something) as payment or compensation.
The store doesn't take checks.
She wouldn't take any money for her help.
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Do you take plastic?
The vending machine only takes bills, it doesn't take coins.
I take no monie, but good vvordes, raile not if I tell true, if I doe not reuenge. Farevvell.c. 1590 (date written), [John Lyly], Mother Bombie. […], London: […] Thomas Scarlet for Cuthbert Burby, published 1594, →OCLC, Act III, scene iv, signature [E], verso:
But I said that, so far as you employ it at all, bad work should be paid no less than good work; as a bad clergyman yet takes his tithes, a bad physician takes his fee, and a bad lawyer his costs.1860 August–December, John Ruskin, “Essay I. The Roots of Honour.”, in “Unto This Last:” Four Essays on the First Principles of Political Economy, London: Smith, Elder and Co., […], published 1862, →OCLC, page 95:
10
To accept and follow (advice, etc.).
take my advice
Between theſe, thoſe ſeem to do beſt who taking material and uſeful hints, ſometimes from ſingle matters of Fact, carry them in their Minds to be judg'd of, by what they ſhall find in Hiſtory to confirm or reverſe theſe imperfect Obſervations; which may be eſtabliſh'd into Rules fit to be rely'd on, when they are juſtify'd by a ſufficient and wary Induction of Particulars.a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC, § 13, page 49:
11
To receive into some relationship.
take a wife
The school only takes new students in the fall.
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The therapist wouldn't take him as a client.
12
Law To receive or acquire (property) by law (e.g. as an heir).
There was no intestacy, and they did not take under the will as heirs, but the widow and the children, under the residuary devise, take as tenants in common.1831 June, J. Duncan, “Lodge against Simonton”, in Reports of Cases Argued and Adjudged in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, third edition, volume II, Philadelphia, P.A.: Kay & Brother, published 1880, page 442:
13
To accept, be given (rightly or wrongly), or assume (especially as if by right).
He took all the credit for the project, although he had done almost none of the work.
She took the blame, in the public's eyes, although the debacle was more her husband's fault than her own.
14
To remove.
take two eggs from the carton
And therefore, according to the tenor of ſuch a covenant, he has made no proviſion to ſecure his people in any ſuch temporalties, but took from them all right of war and reſiſtance.a. 1717 (date written), Robert South, “Sermon VI”, in Five Additional Volumes of Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions. […], volume X, London: […] Charles Bathurst, […], published 1744, →OCLC, page 187:
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Nor can the Wooll be work'd, or made up, without being firſt greaſed or oiled: All which unctuous Matter muſt be taken forth again out of the Cloth before it can be worn.1729, J[ohn] Woodward, An Attempt towards a Natural History of the Fossils of England; […], tome I, London: […] F[rancis] Fayram, […]; J[ohn] Senex, […]; and J. Osborn and T[homas] Longman, […], →OCLC, part I (Of the Fossils that are Real and Natural: […]), page 5:
15
To remove or end by death; to kill.
The earthquake took many lives.
The plague took rich and poor alike.
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Cancer took her life.
He took his life last night.
16
To subtract.
Take one from three and you are left with two.
17
To have sex with.
Sometimes he would have her standing up by the side of the bed, not bothering to undress, merely undoing his fly and using her like a cheap envelope to receive his lust. At others he would take her on the floor of her clothes closet and then leave her, locked in for the rest of the night, awash with his sex, until her embarrassed maid freed her the next morning.1990, Pat Booth, Malibu, Crown Publishers, Inc., page 222:
I wonder what it would feel like to take two cocks at the same time.2002 September 16, INCESTOR, “STORY: "Horny Peeping Sister" (6/9) (mf, voy, family) 566710”, in alt.sex.stories (Usenet):
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He remembered her look of distress, her childish "Oh!" when he took her for the first time, clumsily, because he felt ashamed. And each time after that, each time they had sex together, though he tried to be as gentle as possible, he knew she was wearing the same expression, he avoided seeing her face, and thus it happened that instead of being a pleasure the sexual act became an ordeal.1967 [1945], Georges Simenon, translated by Jean Stewart, Monsieur Monde Vanishes, New York, N.Y.; London: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, →ISBN, page 126:
Modern Amsterdam is among Europe's most progressive cities, leading in such fields as design, fisting, felching, civil engineering, fashion, five-ways, pony play, computer science, and transportation. Its stock exchange is the oldest in Europe, and lovely Anastasia takes six men at once while shitting into a crystal goblet during her live show on the Bloedstraat at 11:30 p.m. every Tuesday.2012, The Onion Book of Known Knowledge: A Definitive Encyclopaedia of Existing Information: In 27 Excruciating Volumes, New York, N.Y.: Little, Brown and Company, →ISBN, page 8:
And the queen takes the bishop...this is turning out to be quite the royal wedding! [winks at the camera]2014 July 3, Mock the Week, season 13, episode 4, Susan Calman (actor):
18
To defeat (someone or something) in a fight.
Don't try to take that guy. He's bigger than you.
The woman guarding us looks like a professional, but I can take her!
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"I'll stop 'em'" cried Quilp, diving into the little counting-house and returning with a thick stick, "I'll stop 'em. Now my boys fight away. I'll fight you both, I'll take both of you, both together, both together!"1840 April – 1841 November, Charles Dickens, “Chapter the Sixth”, in The Old Curiosity Shop. A Tale. […], volume I, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1841, →OCLC, page 111:
"What is cruel now was not cruel then," he said; "it was a way of fighting; it was what is called an ambush now—enticing your enemy, and then taking him at a disadvantage. And if you did not do that to him he would do it to you. And when a man is mad with anger or revenge, what does he care for anything?"1878, William Black, “Fionaghal”, in Macleod of Dare. […], volume I, London: Macmillan and Co., →OCLC, page 57:
19
To grasp or grip.
He took her hand in his.
The young females ſeeing him approach in ſuch haste; and according to cuſtom, expecting a dance; inſtantly aſſembled in a circle, and took each other by the hand: but Gulchenrouz, coming up out of breath, fell down, at once, on the graſs.1786, [William Beckford], translated by [Samuel Henley], An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: […] [Vathek], London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], →OCLC, pages 119–120:
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She sat half upright, supported on Henrietta's shoulder; and, taking her father's hand, she clasped it with her husband's.1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Sick Room”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 142:
20
To select or choose; to pick.
Take whichever bag you like.
She took the best men with her and left the rest to garrison the city.
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I'll take the blue plates.
I'll take two sugars in my coffee, please.
Salv. We can think no other, if we do but conſider the way he taketh to confute their aſſertion; the confutation of which confiſts in the demolition of buildings, and the toſſing of ſtones, living creatures and men themſelves up into the Air.1661, Galilæus Galilæus Lyncæus [i.e., Galileo Galilei], “The Systeme of the World: In Four Dialogues. […]. The Second Dialogue.”, in Thomas Salusbury, transl., Mathematical Collections and Translations, tome I, 1st part, London: […] William Leybourne, →OCLC, page 168:
21
To adopt (select) as one's own.
She took his side in every argument.
take a stand on the important issues
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Heeding the wise caution of his com rades, he took the habit of wearing the ring only at night. Wrapped in his blanket, he stealthily slipped the golden circlet over his little finger, and, as he averred, "slept all the better for it."1882, Bret Harte, “Found at Blazing Star”, in Flip; and Found at Blazing Star, Boston, Mass.; New York, N.Y.: Houghton, Mifflin and Company […], →OCLC, page 117:
Wha-?! He gets to mess up like this and everyone takes his side?!2026 June 19, Gooseworx, “Remember” (1:34 from the start), in The Amazing Digital Circus, episode 9, spoken by Jax (Michael Kovach):
22
To apply or assign a character option.
Roleplaying games
I'll take a level as a fighter, so I can take the weapon specialization skill.
23
To carry or lead (something or someone).
She took her sword with her everywhere she went.
I'll take the plate with me.
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Perſonal offence I have given them none. The part they take againſt me is from zeal to the cauſe. It is well! It is perfectly well! I have to do homage to their juſtice.1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles] Rivington, […], →OCLC, page 2:
24
Especially, Of a vehicle To transport or carry; to convey to another place.
The next bus will take you to Metz.
I took him for a ride
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I took him down to London.
All I claim for the ten-horse-power Citroën is this: that it works. In a modest and unassuming way, not very rapidly, indeed, but steadily and reliably, it takes one about.1925, Aldous Huxley, Along the Road: Notes and Essays of a Tourist, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC, part I (Travel in General), page 16:
25
Road, TransportUsually, Of a path To lead (to a place); to serve as a means of reaching.
These stairs take you down to the basement.
Stone Street took us right past the store.
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Our old wooden Battersea bridge takes me over the river; in ten minutes' swift trotting I am fairly away from the monster and its bricks.1884, James Anthony Froude, Thomas Carlyle: A History of His Life in London, 1834–1881 […], volume I, London: Longmans, Green, and Co., →OCLC, page 188:
26
To pass (or attempt to pass) through or around.
She took the steps two or three at a time.
He took the curve / corner too fast.
1 more example
The pony took every hedge and fence in its path.
27
To escort or conduct (a person).
He took her to lunch at the new restaurant, took her to the movies, and then took her home.
And fain would take thee with me, in the Dell / Of Peace and mild Equality to dwell, / Where Toil ſhall call the charmer Health his Bride, / And Laughter tickle Plenty's ribleſs ſide!1796, S[amuel] T[aylor] Coleridge, “To a Young Ass, It's Mother Being Tethered Near It”, in Poems on Various Subjects, London: […] G[eorge] G[eorge] and J[ohn] Robinsons, and J[oseph] Cottle, […], →OCLC, page 93:
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Here was my chance. I took the old man aside, and two or three glasses of Old Crow launched him into reminiscence.1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter II, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., →OCLC, page 25:
'You had better wait here,' said the wizard to the dwarves; 'and when I call or whistle begin to come after me — you will see the way I go — but only in pairs, mind, about five minutes between each pair of you. Bombur is fattest and will do for two, he had better come alone and last. Come on Mr. Baggins! There is a gate somewhere round this way.' And with that he went off along the hedge taking the frightened hobbit with him.1937 September 21, J[ohn] R[onald] R[euel] Tolkien, “Queer Lodgings”, in The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again, London: Unwin Books, George Allen & Unwin, →OCLC, page 108:
28
To go.
In a rare example of clemency Pope John assured him of a pardon, perhaps on the grounds that the innocent monk had merely been the victim of Louis's overbearing ambitions. Nicholas then took himself to Avignon where in August 1330 he formally renounced his claim to the papacy.2007, Edwin B. Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, New York, N.Y.: BlueBridge, published 2008, →ISBN, page 59:
29
To use as a means of transportation.
take the ferry
I took a plane.
2 more examples
He took the bus to London, and then took a train to Manchester.
He's 96 but he still takes the stairs.
30
To obtain for use by payment or lease.
She took a condo at the beach for the summer.
He took a full-page ad in the Times.
1 more example
We understand that His Royal Highness Prince Florestan, who has been for some little time in this country, has taken the mansion in Carlton Gardens, recently occupied by the Marquis of Katterfelto. The mansion is undergoing very considerable repairs, but it is calculated that it will be completed in time for the reception of His Royal Highness by the end of the autumn; His Royal Highness has taken the extensive moors of Dinniewhiskie for the coming season.1880, [Benjamin Disraeli], chapter IX, in Endymion […], volume II, London: Longmans, Green, and Co., →OCLC, page 95:
31
To obtain or receive regularly by (paid) subscription.
They took two magazines.
I used to take The Sunday Times.
32
To receive (medicine or drugs) into one's body, e.g. by inhalation or swallowing; to ingest.
take two of these and call me in the morning
take the blue pill
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I take aspirin every day to thin my blood.
Frankly, he tells me, he's really disappointed in my attitude. He hopes ah'm not taking drugs, scrutinising my face as if he can tell.1994 [1993], Irvine Welsh, Trainspotting, London: Minerva, →ISBN, page 73:
To such men as Mr. Hellyer, who every night take much strong drink, and on no occasion whatever take any exercise, sixty is the grand climacteric. He was a year ago just fifty-nine. Alas! he has not even reached his grand climacteric. Already he is gone. He was cut off by pneumonia, or apoplexy, last Christmas.1892, Walter Besant, chapter III, in The Ivory Gate […], New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], →OCLC, page 48:
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He was conscious that other officers tried to avoid eating at the same time, and everyone was gready relieved when he stopped coming there altogether and began taking his meals in his trailer.1961 November 10, Joseph Heller, “Major Major Major Major”, in Catch-22 […], New York, N.Y.: Simon and Schuster, →OCLC, page 89:
34
To undergo; to put oneself into, to be subjected to.
take sun-baths
take a shower
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She made the decision to take chemotherapy.
35
To experience or feel.
She takes pride in her work.
I take offence at that.
4 more examples
to take a dislike
to take pleasure in his opponent's death
Man taketh paine, God giueth gaine, / Man doth his best, God doth the rest, / Man well intendes, God foizon sendes, / else want he shall.1557 February 13 (Gregorian calendar), Thomas Tusser, “The Authors life.”, in A Hundreth Good Pointes of Husbandrie, London: […] Richard Tottel, →OCLC; republished London: […] Robert Triphook, […], and William Sancho, […], 1810, →OCLC, stanza 37, page 214:
Taking great ioy / If you will daine his faculties imploy / But in the mean’st ingenious quality.1599, W. Kinsayder or Theriomastix [pseudonyms; John Marston], “Humours”, in The Scourge of Villanie. […], London: […] I[ames] R[oberts], →OCLC; republished as G[eorge] B[agshawe] Harrison, editor, The Scourge of Villanie (The Bodley Head Quartos; 13), London: John Lane, The Bodley Head […]; New York, N.Y.: E[dward] P[ayson] Dutton & Company, 1925, →OCLC, page 117:
36
To submit to; to endure (without ill humor, resentment, or physical failure).
took a pay cut
take a joke
4 more examples
If you're in an abusive relationship, don't just sit and take it; you can get help.
The hull took a lot of punishment before it broke.
I can take the noise, but I can't take the smell.
That truck bed will only take two tons.
37
To suffer; to endure (a hardship or damage).
The ship took a direct hit and was destroyed.
Her career took a hit.
1 more example
This gap had been caused by the sweep of tempest that went up the valley at the climax of the storm. The wall, being low, had taken little harm; but the great west gable of the Abbey had been smitten, and swung on its back, as a trap-door swings upon its hinges.1894, R[ichard] D[oddridge] Blackmore, “His Last Bivouac”, in Perlycross: A Tale of the Western Hills, London: Sampson Low, Marston, & Company […], →OCLC, page 429:
38
To participate in.
She took a vacation to France but spent the whole time feeling miserable that her husband couldn't be there with her.
Aren't you supposed to take your math final today?
1 more example
Despite my misgivings, I decided to take a meeting with the Russian lawyer.
39
To cause to change to a specified state or condition.
He had to take it apart to fix it.
She took down her opponent in two minutes.
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In 1961, they lined up a lawyer and an underwriter to take the company public. And they retained an accounting firm to produce audited financial statements.2011, Thomas M. Bloch, Many Happy Returns: The Story of Henry Bloch, America's Tax Man, Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., →ISBN, page 86:
40
To regard in a specified way.
He took the news badly.
Not unnaturally, "Auntie" took this communication in bad part. Thus outraged, she showed herself to be a bold as well as a furious virago.1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter XXII, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC, page 361:
41
To conclude or form (a decision or an opinion) in the mind.
took the decision to close its last remaining outlet
took a dim view of city officials
42
To understand (especially in a specified way).
Don't take my comments as an insult.
if she took my meaning
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The author explained the theory of Dove, which, if we took him correctly, was, that the lustre of bodies and particularly the metallic lustre arose from the light coming from the one stratum of the superficial particles of bodies interfering on the eye with the light coming from other and deeper strata,—the regular symmetrical arrangement of the particles in these bodies producing effects somewhat analogous to that of mother-of-pearl1853 January, The American Journal of Science and Arts, volume 15, number 43, →ISSN, page 125:
More than a third of the new flats will be a mix of council rent and "affordable" rent – definitions vary but often this is taken to mean that their cost won't exceed 80% of the normal market rate.2022 October 29, Felix Bazalgette, “'It was more than a pub' – the story of five boozers forced to call last orders”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 05 Feb 2023:
43
To believe, to accept the statements of.
take her word for it
take him at his word
1 more example
Ax. Oh! name the mighty Ranſom, task my Power, / Let there be Danger, Difficulty, Death, / T' enhance the Price. / Baj. I take thee at thy word, / Bring me the Tartar’s Head.1702, N[icholas] Rowe, Tamerlane. A Tragedy. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC, Act III, scene i, page 36:
44
To assume or suppose; to reckon; to regard or consider.
I took him to be a person of honor.
He was often taken to be a man of means.
4 more examples
Do you take me for a fool?
Do you take me to be stupid?
Looking at him as he came into the room, I took him for his father.
Using "gay" as a noun can be taken to be offensive.
45
To draw, derive, or deduce (a meaning from something).
take it from her comments she won't be there.
I'm not sure what moral to take from that story.
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And the firm belief of a future Judgment, which ſhall render to every man according to his deeds, if it be well conſider'd, is to a reaſonable nature the moſt forcible motive of all other to a good life; becauſe it is taken from the conſideration of the greateſt and moſt laſting happineſs and miſery that Humane nature is capable of.1671, John Tillotson, “Phil[ippians] iij. 8.”, in Sermons Preach’d upon Several Occasions, London: […] A[nne] M[axwell] for Sa[muel] Gellibrand, […], →OCLC, page 196:
46
To derive (as a title); to obtain from a source.
"As I Lay Dying" takes its title from Book XI of Homer's "Odyssey"
The benign or milder Species takes its Originall from a bilious hot ſerum: the other is commonly ſaid to proceed from Aduſtion in the Bloud, with a mixture of Choler or ſalt Phlegm.1676, Richard Wiseman, “The First Book. A Treatise of Tumours.”, in Severall Chirurgicall Treatises, London: […] E. Flesher and J. Macock, for R[ichard] Royston […], and B[enjamin] Took, […], →OCLC, page 55:
47
To catch or contract (an illness, etc.).
took a chill
to take cold
48
To come upon or catch (in a particular state or situation).
49
To captivate or charm; to gain or secure the interest or affection of.
took her fancy
took her attention
1 more example
I know not why, but there was a something in those half-seen features,—a charm in the very shadow that hung over their imagined beauty,—which took my fancy more than all the out-shining loveliness of her companions.1839, Thomas Moore, The Epicurean: A Tale, London: John Macrone, page 33:
50
Of a material To absorb or be impregnated by (dye, ink, etc.); to be susceptible to being treated by (polish, etc.).
cloth that takes dye well
The flu shot didn't take (on me).
1 more example
the leather that takes a certain kind of polish
51
Of a ship To let in (water).
The British brought the ship into Haifa harbor. The ship was taking seawater in 4 places, and the passengers had been without fresh water for the last few days of their voyage, with several ill from drinking seawater.1972, Anne Sinai, Israel & the Arabs: Prelude to the Jewish State, New York, N.Y.: Facts on File, Inc., →ISBN, pages 107–108:
52
To require (a person, resource or thing in order to achieve an outcome).
Looks like it's gonna take a taller person to get that down.
Finishing this on schedule will take a lot of overtime.
4 more examples
If the summary of the Tientsin society as accurate, a famine population of.more than 14,000,000 is already bad enough. If it takes five dollars to keep one of them alive, the task of relieving the whole population affected will require nearly $80,000,000.1921 January 15, Millard's Review of the Far East, volume XV, number 7, →OCLC, page 357:
I know now what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work.1960 July 11, Harper Lee, chapter 13, in To Kill a Mockingbird, Philadelphia, Pa.; New York, N.Y.: J[oshua] B[allinger] Lippincott Company, →OCLC, part 2, page 145:
It took an effort to restrain himself, and in a level voice to reassure earnest young Mark in his David Ogilvy-clone outfit that even the most red-faced colonels in England were unlikely to be upset by his banal formulation.2001, Salman Rushdie, Fury: A Novel, London: Jonathan Cape, →ISBN, page 36:
While it takes courage to come out, the acceptance of parents and other family members can really help the person coming out to accept themselves.2009, Rachel Hagger-Holt, Sarah Hagger-Holt, Living It Out, Norwich, Norfolk: Canterbury Press, →ISBN, page 82:
53
To proceed to fill.
He took a seat in the front row.
54
To fill, occupy, require, or use up (space).
His collection takes a lot of space.
55
To fill or require: to last or expend (an amount of time).
Unloading the moving truck took us half a day, but this mess of a house will take us all weekend to tidy up. It takes ages to finish house moving!
Hunting that whale takes most of his free time.
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The trip will take about ten minutes.
It takes a while to get used to the smell.
"Barbara, what I have to confess will amaze and grieve you," began Lucinda, with grave tenderness. "But it is best for your happiness, for the future that I see can be yours. And surely best for all of us Huetts. It has taken me years—years to come to this decision—to break one aspect of our happy home life here for a possible fuller and better one."1940, Zane Grey, chapter 12, in 30,000 on the Hoof, Roslyn, N.Y.: Walter J. Black, →OCLC, page 193:
56
To avail oneself of; to exploit.
He took that opportunity to leave France.
When that happened, he almost gave up the idea of asking what he had come to ask. But then the opportunity arose, and he took it, then waited breathlessly for her answer.2000, Cameron Judd, The Overmountain Men: A Novel, Nashville, T.N.: Cumberland House, →ISBN, page 166:
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He took the pause to allow himself time to begin to catalog all the surfaces he may have touched during the scuffle.2001, Stephen White, The Program, Waterville, M.E.: Thorndike Press, →ISBN, page 365:
57
To practice; perform; execute; carry out; do.
take a walk
take action/steps/measures to fight drug abuse
4 more examples
take a trip
take aim
take the tempo slowly
The kick is taken from where the foul occurred.
› To assume or perform (a form or role).
58
To assume (a form).
took the form of a duck
took shape
1 more example
a god taking the likeness of a bird
59
To perform (a role).
take the part of the villain/hero
When we play baseball, he always takes pitcher.
60
To assume and undertake the duties of (a job, an office, etc.).
take office
take the throne
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Policing the relationship between government and business in a free society is difficult. Businesspeople have every right to lobby governments, and civil servants to take jobs in the private sector.2013 August 10, “Cronies and capitols”, in The Economist, London: The Economist Group, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 27 Jul 2023:
61
To bind oneself by.
he took the oath of office last night
On this, they withdrew to a tenisground in the neighbourhood of Berſailles, as the moſt convenient place they could find, and, after renewing their ſeſſion, took an oath never to ſeparate from each other, under any circumſtance whatever, death excepted, until they had eſtabliſhed a conſtitution.1791, Thomas Paine, Rights of Man: Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution, London: […] J. S. Jordan, […], →OCLC, page 106:
62
To go into, through, or along.
go down two blocks and take the next left
take the path of least resistance
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Theſ. This way the Stag tooke.1613–1614 (date written), John Fletcher, William Shak[e]speare, The Two Noble Kinsmen: […], London: […] Tho[mas] Cotes, for Iohn Waterson; […], published 1634, →OCLC, Act III, scene v, page 45:
After getting out of Beloved Ali's cab he'd picked up a copy of the News and the Post, then had taken an erratic route home, walking fast, as if trying to escape something....Ellen DeGeneres, posters proclaimed, was coming soon to the Beacon Theatre.2001, Salman Rushdie, chapter 6, in Fury: A Novel, London: Jonathan Cape, →ISBN, page 69:
63
To go or move into.
the witness took the stand
the next team took the field
64
To have and use one's recourse to.
take cover/shelter/refuge
65
To ascertain or determine by measurement, examination or inquiry.
take her pulse / temperature / blood pressure
take a census
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He firſt took my Altitude by a Quadrant, and then with Rule and Compaſſes, deſcribed the Dimenſions and Out-lines of my whole Body, all which he enter'd upon Paper, and in ſix days brought my Clothes very ill made, and quite out of ſhape, by happening to miſtake a Figure in the Calculation.1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Humours and Dispositions of the Laputians Described. […]”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume II, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part III (A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdribb, Luggnagg, and Japan), pages 23–24:
66
To write down; to get in, or as if in, writing.
He took a mental inventory of his supplies.
She took careful notes.
1 more example
The days when he was plain George Pyke, humble clerk in a solicitor’s office, and used to thrill at the soft voice of Lucy Maynard as she took the order for his frugal lunch at the Holborn Viaduct Cabin, had long since faded from his memory.1924 May 24 – July 12, P[elham] G[renville] Wodehouse, “A Marriage Has Been Arranged”, in Bill the Conqueror: His Invasion of England in the Springtime, 10th edition, London: Methuen & Co. […], published 1931, →OCLC, § 2, page 6:
67
To make (a photograph, film, or other reproduction of something).
She took a video of their encounter.
Could you take a picture of us?
1 more example
The police took his fingerprints.
68
Dated To make a picture, photograph, etc. of (a person, scene, etc.).
The photographer will take you sitting down.
to take a group/scene
69
To obtain money from, especially by swindling.
took me for ten grand
70
To apply oneself to the study of.
Now chiefly by enrolling in a class or course
As a child, she took ballet.
Next semester, I plan to take math, physics, literature, and art history.
71
To deal with.
take matters as they arise
72
To consider in a particular way, or to consider as an example.
I've had a lot of problems recently: take last Monday, for example. My car broke down on the way to work. Then […] etc.
73
Ball games, Baseball, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports To decline to swing at (a pitched ball); to refrain from hitting at, and allow to pass.
He'll probably take this one.
› To accept as an input to a relation.
74
Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences To have to be used with (a certain grammatical form, etc.).
This verb takes the dative; that verb takes the genitive.
To get or accept (something) into one's possession.
My husband and I have a dysfunctional marriage. He just takes and takes; he never gives.
78
To engage, take hold or have effect.
And ſo likewiſe Flame percuſſing the Aire ſtrongly, (as when Flame ſuddenly taketh, and openeth,) giueth a Noiſe; So, Great Flames, whiles the one implelleth the other, giue a bellowing Sound.1631, Francis [Bacon], “II. Century. [Experiments in Consort, Touching Sounds; and First Touching the Nullity and Entity of Sounds.]”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley […]; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], →OCLC, paragraph 119, page 40:
79
Usually, Of a haircut To look good enough to keep.
Style; look; style; look
I tried a mustache a couple years ago, but it didn't take.
80
Usually, Of ink To adhere or be absorbed properly.
the dye didn't take
Boiling pasta with a bit of the sauce in the water will help the sauce "take."
81
Usually, Of a plant To begin to grow after being grafted or planted; to (literally or figuratively) take root, take hold.
not all grafts take
I started some tomato seeds last spring, but they didn't take.
1 more example
The cradles are supported under their centres by shores, on which the keel takes. The ends of the cradles are hinged, and can drop down clear when the boat is being hoisted or lowered.1884, S[tephen] B[leecker] Luce, Aaron Ward, Text-book of Seamanship. […], New York, N.Y.: D. Van Nostrand, page 179:
82
Of a mechanical device To catch; to engage.
At the depot, Hook climbed out, slamming the door twice before the latch took. A train idled on the main track, the engine hissing as it waited for the crew change. From the windows, passengers watched on at the world outside.2009, Sheldon Russell, The Yard Dog, New York, N.Y.: Minotaur Books, →ISBN, page 210:
83
Dated, Possibly To win acceptance, favor or favorable reception; to charm people.
Each VVit may praiſe it, for his ovvn dear Sake, / And hint He vvrit it, if the Thing ſhou'd take.1716 March 21 (first performance; Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison], “Prologue. Spoken by Mr. [Robert] Wilks.”, in The Drummer; or, The Haunted House. A Comedy. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson […], published 1716 (indicated as 1715), →OCLC:
Here was only cruelty and pain; where was the loving side of Christianity? "When I was young," I said, "I was vaccinated with religion, but the vaccination didn't take."1967, Richard Martin Stern, The Kessler Legacy, New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner's Sons, page 103:
84
To become; to be affected in a specified way.
They took ill within 3 hours.
She took sick with the flu.
85
Dated, Possibly To be able to be accurately or beautifully photographed.
'Photographs never do give anything but a pale imitation, you know, but the likenesses, as likenesses, are good. She "takes well" as they say, and those were done lately.'1881, Jessie Fothergill, chapter IX, in Kith and Kin: A Novel, volume II, London: Robert Bentley and Son, page 259:
I don't know but she would, but just then poor Sukey came in, and looked so frightened and scarey—Sukey is a pretty gal, and looks so trembling and delicate, that it's kinder a shame to plague her, and so I took and come away for that time.1843, Harriet Beecher Stowe, The Mayflower; Or, Sketches of Scenes and Characters Among the Descendants of the Pilgrims, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, page 34:
Speed-the-Plough lurched round on his elbow and regarded him indifferently. "Moighty foin, that be! D'ye call that Doctrin'? He bean't al'ays, or I shoon't be scrapin' my heels wi' nothin' to do, and what's warse, nothin' to eat. Why, look heer. Luck 's luck, and bad luck's the con-trary. Varmer Bollop, t'other day, has's rick burnt down. Next night his gran'ry's burnt. What do he tak' and go and do? He takes, and goes, and hangs unsel', and turns us out o' 'ploy. God warn't above the Devil then, I thinks, or I can't make out the reckonin'."1859, George Meredith, The Ordeal of Richard Feverel. A History of Father and Son. […], volume I, London: Chapman and Hall, →OCLC, page 100:
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As made Queen 'Lizzybeth swear like blazes, and ketched poor old Dizzy sich a smack o' the face, as sent 'im up in a corner a-wimperin' with 'is 'ankercher to 'is nose, as made Gladstin give a grin, tho' he took good care to keep out of old Betsey's way, as glared at 'im; and then took and turned on me and says, "Let me give you a turn, for you're a-layin' on your back too much."1875, Arthur Sketchley, Mrs. Brown at the Crystal Palace, London: George Routledge and Sons, page 100:
I took and beat the devil out of him. I got him against the wall, and the back of his head bumped the wall just when my fist hit his chin, and he went out like a light, and that's how he come to have that big cut on his chin, like you was talking about.1943, Max Brand [pseudonym; Frederick Schiller Faust], Silvertip's Trap, New York, N.Y.: Dodd, Mead & Company, page 30:
[…] I went and kicked the door in and took care of some other people. Then I took and went back to the hotel—" ¶ "The hotel where you live, right? The Gilbert Hotel?" ¶ "Right. I took and went back to the hotel, took a shower, went out and talked to a police officer—" ¶ "A police officer. Sheriff's deputy? LAPD? What's his name?" ¶ "Can't recall. Jim. Charlie, could be."1985, Darcy O'Brien, Two of a Kind: The Hillside Stranglers, New York, N.Y.; Scarborough, Ont.: New American Library, page 34:
87
Obsolete To deliver, bring, give (something) to (someone).
Jeſus perceaved there wylynes ãd ſayde: Why tempte ye me ye ypocrytes: lett me ſe the tribute money. And they toke hym a peny.1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt […] (Tyndale Bible), [Worms, Germany: Peter Schöffer], →OCLC, Matthew xxij:[19], folio xxxi, verso:
Archaic To visit; to include in a course of travel.
Now about a Year ſince, R. B. and B. F. took that City in the Way from Frederickſtadt to Amſterdam, and gave them a Viſit: In which they informed them ſomewhat of Friend's Principles, and recommended the Teſtimony of TRUTH to them, as both a nearer and more certain Thing than the utmoſt of De Labadie's Doctrine. They left them tender and loving.1677, William Penn, A Collection of the Works of William Penn: […], volume I, London: […] J. Sowle, […], published 1726, page 60:
But it seems that he did not attend to this circumstance at present; for in May, he set out again for Epworth, and took Manchester in his way, to see his friend Mr. Clayton, who had now left Oxford.1793, John Whitehead, The Life of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A. […], Dublin: […] John Jones, […], published 1805, page 441:
Beauty alone could beauty take ſo right: / Her dreſs, her ſhape, her matchleſs grace, / Were all obferv'd, as well as heavenly face.a. 1701 (date written), John Dryden, “To The Pious Memory of the Accomplish'd Young Lady Mrs. Anne Killigrew, […]”, in The Miscellaneous Works of John Dryden, […], volume II, London: […] J[acob] and R[ichard] Tonson, […], published 1760, →OCLC, page 216:
91
Used in phrasal verbs: take in, take off, take on, take out, take to, take something to, take up.
From Middle English taken (“to take, lay hold of, grasp, strike”), from Old English tacan (“to grasp, touch”), probably of North Germanic origin, from Old Norse taka (“to touch, take”), from Proto-Germanic *tēkaną (“to touch”), from pre-Germanic *deh₁g- (“to touch”), possibly a phonetically altered form of Proto-Indo-European *te-th₂g- (“to touch, take”) (see there for details). Gradually displaced native English nim, from Middle English nimen, from Old English niman (“to take”). Cognates Cognate with Scots tak (“to take”), Icelandic and Norwegian Nynorsk taka (“to take”), Norwegian Bokmål ta (“to take”), Swedish ta (“to take”), Danish tage (“to take, seize”), West Frisian take, taakje (“to grab, steal”), Dutch taken (“to take; grasp”), Middle Low German tacken (“to grasp”). English thack may be from the same root. Compare tackle. Despite superficial similarity, unrelated to Proto-Indo-European *tek- (“to take by hand, obtain”), which is instead cognate with English thig (“to beg”).
The 1994 Amendments address the incidental take of marine mammals in the course of commercial fishing, not the direct lethal take of pinnipeds for management purposes.1999, Report to Congress: Impacts of California Sea Lions and Pacific Harbor Seals on Salmonids and West Coast Ecosystems, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, page 32:
'I saw you in Norfolk doing twenty-odd takes with that fisherman chap and it looked perfect in the rushes.'2009, Lissa Evans, Their Finest Hour and a Half, London […]: Doubleday, →ISBN, page 321:
› Something that is taken; a haul.
2
Money that is taken in, (legal or illegal) proceeds, income; (in particular) profits; takings.
Why would anyone go along with such things? Money is still the main answer: Almost all prominent climate deniers are on the fossil-fuel take.2018 November 26, Paul Krugman, “The Depravity of Climate-Change Denial”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 17 May 2023:
He wants half of the take if he helps with the job.
1 more example
The mayor is on the take.
3
The or a quantity of fish, game animals or pelts, etc which have been taken at one time; catch.
4
An interpretation or view, opinion or assessment; perspective; a statement expressing such a position.
What's your take on this issue, Fred?
Another unsolicited maths take: talking about quotients in terms of "equivalence classes" or cosets is really unnatural.
4 more examples
Should you crave a fix of my take on tech culture, get the urge to build a 3-D home cinema or want the skivvy on the latest internet memes or robo-romances, you can keep a close eye on me via Twitter or drop me a line at my new digs.2008 November 19, Jenna Wortham, “So Long, and Thanks for All the Tips!”, in Wired, San Francisco, Calif.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 06 Jun 2023:
I wrote Thursday morning that the Washington Post had printed a column that qualified as the worst take on the debate over whether Gina Haspel, who supported the torture of "War on Terror" detainees, should become CIA director. I was very wrong. This is the worst take:2018 May 10, Ben Mathis-Lilley, “Fox News Military Analyst Says John McCain Broke Under Torture and Gave Secrets to North Vietnamese”, in Slate, archived from the original on 28 Nov 2022:
Another of the victims, Michael Brown, was an aspiring rapper himself and a Lamar fan. Though Kendrick's controversial take on Brown's death is somewhat glossed over, the book is constantly putting into context how the rapper's art is a product of the same trauma and working in service to the Black communities that experienced that trauma.2020 October 26, Sheldon Pearce, “Kendrick Lamar and the Mantle of Black Genius”, in The New Yorker, New York, N.Y.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 04 Aug 2023:
We turned to the experts to get their takes on whether you truly need a dining table in a small home. For some designers, having one is nonnegotiable; others have found ways around it. Read on to see what works best for you.2022 September 14, Sarah Lyon, “In a small space, do you really need a dining table?”, in The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 15 Sep 2022:
5
An approach, a (distinct) treatment.
a new take on a traditional dish
Whatever the provenance, the result is a delightfully novel take on a stalwart, often deadening Victorian feature.2009, Tim Richardson, Great Gardens of America, London: Frances Lincoln Limited, →ISBN, page 87:
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The League of Gentlemen was all set in one town; The Fast Show did what it said on the tin, the sketches came thick and fast; Goodness Gracious Me was a brilliant take on British Asian culture.2012, David Walliams, Camp David: The Autobiography, London: Penguin Books, published 2013, →ISBN, page 288:
As part of her acceptance speech for the Billboard Icon Award during the show, Dion showed off her well-honed Las Vegas showmanship during her take on the Queen classic and statement of endurance.2016 May 23, Brittany Spanos, “Celine Dion Delivers Powerful Queen Cover at Billboard Music Awards”, in Rolling Stone, New York, N.Y.: Penske Media Corporation, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 26 Mar 2023:
6
Broadcasting, Film, Media, Television A scene recorded (filmed) at one time, without an interruption or break; a recording of such a scene.
It's a take.
Act seven, scene three, take two.
7
Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music A recording of a musical performance made during an uninterrupted single recording period.
8
A visible (facial) response to something, especially something unexpected; a facial gesture in response to an event.
did a double take and then a triple take
I did a take when I saw the new car in the driveway.
3 more examples
"When our client mentioned Dr. Chesterton, you did a take that was perceptible to one with my trained eye. Know the gent, amigo?"1991, William Shatner, [Ron Goulart], TekLords, New York, N.Y.: G. P. Putnam's Sons, →ISBN, page 48:
Biddy did a 'take' and stared at Mandy speechless for a moment—then she fled back to the kitchen.2007, Laura McBride, Catch a Falling Starr: A Novel, New York, N.Y. […]: iUniverse, Inc., →ISBN, page 138:
He's a stone-cold snake, Nick, but he's our stone—cold snake. Keep tugging on hanging threads and one day your pants will fall off." ¶ Nick did a take, grinning in spite of his miserable mood. "How, exactly, would that work?" ¶ Mavis shrugged, grinned right back at him.2013, Carsten Stroud, The Homecoming, New York, N.Y.: Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, page 301:
9
Medicine, Sciences An instance of successful inoculation/vaccination.
10
Ball games, Cricket, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Rugby, Sports A catch of the ball (in cricket, especially one by the wicket-keeper).
When the copy arrives, it is taken in hand by the printer, who first of all divides it into "takes" or short portions, distributing these among the various compositors. A take usually consists of a little more than a stickful of matter, but it varies sometimes, for if a new paragraph occurs it is not overlooked. These takes are carefully numbered, and a list is kept of the compositors who take the several pieces.1884, John Southward, chapter XXI, in Practical Printing: A Handbook of the Art of Typography, second edition, London: J. M. Powell & Son, page 197: