[ad. med.L. affīxā-re, frequentative of affīg-ĕre, to fasten to, f. ad to + fīg-ĕre to fasten. First used by Scotch writers, and perhaps directly due to MFr. affixer, an occas. refash. of OFr. afichier, mod. afficher (see AFFICHE).]
1. trans. To fix, fasten, or make firm (a thing to, on, upon another). a. lit. as by a nail, a string, cement.
1533. Bellenden, Livy, IV. (1822), 347. The dictator affixt his tentis at Tusculum.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scotl., II. 482. Ane crucifix … In quhome the image of ouir Saluiour Affixt wes.
1695. Woodward, Nat. Hist. Earth, IV. (1723), 218. Affixing them upon any Thing which occurrs in the Way.
1734. trans. Rollin’s Anc. Hist. (1827), I. 39. This sail was affixed to a vessel.
1827. Hallam, Const. Hist. (1876), I. iii. 137. Felton affixed this bull to the gates of the bishop of London’s palace.
1880. P. O. Guide, 14. Obtain postage stamps, and affix them carefully to the letters.
† b. To fix in occupation or possession. Obs.
1649. Selden, Laws of Eng., I. lxviii. (1739), 178. Other Courts were rural, and affixed also to some certain place.
1654. Gataker, Disc. Apolog., 57. This affixed me for a longer space of time, then before, to my Bed.
1658. Osborn, Adv. to Son (1673), 221. A dread they have to affix the Miter in a particular Family.
† c. fig. To fix (the desires or mental faculties) on or to an object. Obs.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., III. ii. 11. She affixed had Her hart on knight so goodly-glorifyde.
1596. Bell, Surv. Pop., III. x. 439. Ye must not affixe your mindes to these.
1640. Fuller, Abel. Rediv., Jewel (1867), I. 365. He was so affixed to his studies.
2. refl. To attach oneself, cling to.
1796. Morse, Amer. Geog., I. 201. They [young opossums], from a principle of instinct, affix themselves to her teats.
† 3. intr. (by omission of refl. pron.) To cling or be attached to. Obs.
1695. Woodward, Nat. Hist. Earth, IV. (1723), 222. Part [of these Minerals] affix to them, incrusting them over.
4. From the affixing of a seal (actually attached by a strip of parchment, etc.) extended to, To impress a seal, stamp or signature, write one’s ‘signature,’ initials or name, add a postscript or note (to).
1658. Bramhall, Consecr. Bps., xi. 18. And did cause his Authentick Episcopall Seale, to be there to affixed.
1771. Junius Lett., xlix. 254. The king … graciously affixed his stamp.
1824. Dibdin, Libr. Comp., 208. But it seems to be above all price. At least, none is affixed.
1878. Simpson, Sch. Shaks., I. 98. To this paper the following notes are affixed in Philip’s handwriting.
b. fig. To attach as a stigma (to), to stamp or stigmatize (with).
1665. Glanville, Scepsis Sci., 96. Very innocent truth’s are often affix’t with the reproach of Heresie.
1734. trans. Rollin’s Anc. Hist. (1827), I. 115. Affixing ridicule to them.
1805. Foster, Ess., I. ii. 23. The ungracious necessity of affixing blame.
c. fig. To attach as an appurtenance or concomitant.
1759. Hume, Hist. Eng., an. 1521. To bribe their indolence, by affixing stated salaries to their profession.
† 5. intr. (for refl.) To stick as a mark or stigma; to attach. Obs. rare.
1802. Mar. Edgeworth, Moral T. (1816), I. 224. No stain affixes to his honour from the accusation.
† 6. trans. To fix upon, determine, settle. Obs.
1621. 1st & 2nd Bk. Discipline, 66. Another day to be affixed by your Honours.
1725. Pope, Odyss., V. 372. The land, affix’d by Fate’s eternal laws To end his toils.
