v. [f. L. concuss-, ppl. stem of concutĕre to dash together, shake violently; in the jurists ‘to terrify by threats in order to extort money’; f. con- + quatĕre to shake, strike, dash, etc. Cf. It. concussare (of freq. form) to shake.]
1. trans. To shake violently; to agitate, disturb. Chiefly fig.
1597. [see CONCUSSED 1].
1603. Daniel, Epist., Wks. (1717), 342. Concussed with uncertainty.
1796. Campaigns 1793–4, II. ix. 64. The clouds overloaded concus’d by the sound.
1863. Wynter, Subtle Brains, 290. Being twice bumped or concussed across the South Downs.
2. To injure (the brain, etc.) by concussion.
1689. Moyle, Sea Chyrurg., II. vii. 50. ’Tis a sign that the brain is concussed.
1865. J. Payn, Married beneath him, I. 34. Mr. Merrick, by getting his [brain] concussed, silenced the voice of detraction.
3. To force by threats (into, or to do, something).
From Roman Law, and used chiefly by Sc. writers.
1839. Alison, Hist. Europe (1849), I. iii. § 53. 306. Louis … had been literally concussed into this … ruinous step.
1843. Fraser’s Mag., XXVII. 519. She concussed Donald to move his heels.
1880. Knight, Scotch Serm., 102. Every party … ought to tolerate a dissentient minority, and not concuss it into acquiescence.
b. To overawe or influence by threats; to subject to undue coercive influence.
1849. Tait’s Mag., XVI. 267/1. The Times has endeavoured to concuss country gentlemen.
1864. Mrs. Oliphant, Perpetual Curate, II. 43. Frank … was no longer to be coerced and concussed.
1885. Manch. Exam., 23 June, 57. Without supposing that he is absolutely concussed by the Crown.
