advb. phr. Obs. [A prep.1 in, into + pieces: see PIECE sb.] In pieces, to pieces.

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1560.  J. Heywood, Seneca’s Thyestes, 22. Their limmes eche one apeeces let them go Disperste.

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1662.  H. More, Enthus. Triumph. (1712), 38. And break a-pieces their lanthorns against the ground.

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1678.  Cudworth, Intell. Syst., I. ii. 84. The whole structure … must needs fall a-pieces.

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  b.  fig.

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1653.  Shirley, Court Secr., I. i. This jealousy will take my brains a-pieces!

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1663.  Pepys, Diary, 6 Nov. The plot is spoiled, and the whole committee broke, Mr. Montagu and the Duke of Buckingham fallen a-pieces.

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