Also 7–9 compleat. [f. the adj.; cf. mod. F. compléter. Probably having a further association with L. complēt- ppl. stem of complēre: see prec.]
1. trans. To bring to an end, finish (an action, performance, work, a distance, period of time, etc.).
1530. Palsgr., 491/2. I complete, I fulfyll. Jaccomplis. Who shall complete this worke nowe he is deed? Ibid., 492/1. I complete, I fynisshe or performe a thyng.
1646. Recorde’s Gr. Artes, Pref. 9. All which … I have almost compleated to be exhibited to your Highnesse.
1684. R. Waller, Nat. Exper., 56. We … compleated the filling of the Cane to A, and tyed it over fast with a Bladder.
1751. Labelye, Westm. Br., 108. In Case I should be prevented by Death, from compleating this Work.
1874. Green, Short Hist., vii. § 6 (1882), 407. After completing the circuit of the globe.
2. To make whole or entire, so as to leave nothing wanting.
1726. Butler, Serm., iii. 45. Add to these the superior faculty … and you compleat the Idea of Humane Nature.
1795. Mason, Ch. Mus., i. 14. When the sense is compleated.
1875. Jowett, Plato, V. 10. Plato completes his sketch of the constitution by the appointment of officers.
b. To fill up the number of; to make up the full tale or amount of.
1650. Denham, Death Ld. Hastings, 15, in Poems 1779, 145.
| Within these cold embraces, ravish’d, lies | |
| That which compleats the age’s tyrannies. |
1738. Glover, Leonidas, I. 214. Three hundred more compleat th’intrepid band.
1841. Penny Cycl., s.v. Regiment, XIX. 359/1. The legions of Henry II. were never completed to the extent prescribed by the ordonnance.
3. To make perfect; to accomplish; to furnish or equip completely.
1667. Milton, P. L., XI. 618. That fair femal Troop … Bred onely and completed to the taste Of lustful appetence.
1745. De Foe’s Eng. Tradesman, Introd. (1841), I. 3. In order to complete the English tradesman in this manner.
1805. Wordsw., Prelude, XIV. (1851), 293. All that love can do … to complete the man, Perfect him, made imperfect in himself.
† b. To give a full title or degree to (a person); to invest fully with a rank or office. Obs.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett. (1650), I. 413. Every churchman compleated in holy orders was called Presbyter.
1678. Walton, Life Sanderson, 4. Mr. Sanderson was compleated Master of Arts.
1727. Swift, Circumcis. E. Curll. He was now completed a perfect Jew.
4. To accomplish, fulfil (a vow, hope). rare. Cf. COMPLETION.
1680. Otway, Orphan, II. iv. 653. Honourable Vows Which he this day appointed to compleat.
1732. Pope, Ep. Bathurst, 213. To town he comes, compleats the nation’s hope.
1814. Wordsw., Excursion, IX. Wks. 525/1. Your Country must complete Her glorious destiny.
