arch. [f. the vb., on the analogy of the pre-existing fright vb. and sb.]
1. actively, The action of frightening or causing terror; also concr. A cause or source of terror.
1611. B. Jonson, Catiline, IV. (J.). I see, the gods Vpbraid our suffrings, or would humble them; By sending such affrights, while we are here.
1633. Bp. Hall, Hard Texts, 195. Full of troubles and dangerous affrights.
1697. Dryden, Æneid, VIII. 743 (J.). The War at hand appears with more affright.
1817. Coleridge, Sybil. Leaves (1862), 231. A tale of less affright, And tempered with delight.
2. passively, The state of sudden and great fear; terror, fright.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., II. iii. 19. Then dead through great affright They both nigh were.
1665. Pepys, Diary (1879), III. 110. This puts me into a most mighty affright.
1789. Belsham, Ess., II. xl. 511. Mr. Burke, in his affright, forgets what in his calmer moments he readily concedes.
1847. Barham, Ingold. Leg. (1877), 311. Thy bosom pants in wild affright.
