ppl. a.
1. Well-informed by reading, learned in (a subject). Also gen., versed or skilled (in).
1596. Shaks., Tam. Shr., I. ii. 170. This yong man … well read in Poetrie, And other bookes.
1607. Beaum. & Fl., Woman-hater, I. iii. A Gentleman, well read, deeply learned, and thoroughly grounded in the hidden knowledge of all Sallads and Pot-herbs whatsoever.
1623. Massinger, Dk. Milan, III. i. We embrace you, As one well read in all the points of honor.
1670. G. H., Hist. Cardinals, II. II. 150. All the world holds him very well read in the Art of dissembling.
1700. Dryden, Fables, Pythag. Philos., 15. Then thus a Senior of the Place replies, (Well read, and curious of Antiquities).
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 8, ¶ 7. As I am very well read in Waller, I repeated to her the four following Verses.
1756. Burke, Subl. & B., IV. xxiv. The author, so well read in human nature.
1772. Barrington, in Phil. Trans., LXII. 312. Not only a well-read naturalist, but an active sportsman.
1864. Pusey, Daniel (1876), 380. Well-read as he was in Greek.
1876. Emerson, Lett. & Soc. Aims, Quot. & Orig., Wks. (Bohn), III. 212. Our high respect for a well-read man is praise enough of literature.
2. Of a book: Attentively perused; read in a proper or profitable way.
1865. Ruskin, Sesame, ii. § 77. I speak therefore of good novels only…. Well read, indeed, these books have serious use.
