advb. phr.; also 4–5 awerke. [A prep.1 + WORK.] At work, in activity; esp. in phr. to set a-work.

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c. 1375.  Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. 1871, II. 16. Monkis and freris assenten to werris wiþouten cause and bringen þes lordis awerke, to make hem enemyes.

2

1483.  Caxton, Gold. Leg., 54/4. Provostes and maystres … to sette them awerke.

3

1523.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. ciii. 124. They helde the Englysshe archers well aworke all the day.

4

1600.  Rowlands, Let. Humours Bl., i. 47. Setting his mynt aworke to coyne false tales.

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1855.  Browning, Saul, in Men & Wom., II. 121. The throe That a-work in the rock, helps its labour.

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