Three out of four equal parts, three quarters. Hence as advb. phrase, To the extent of three quarters; well-nigh, almost.
1711. Swift, Jrnl. to Stella, 30 June. Patrick comes early, and wakes me…, though I am three parts asleep.
1842. Borrow, Bible in Spain, vii. 45. He was half-intoxicated, and soon became three-parts so.
1871. M. Collins, Mrq. & Merch., x. He rides a three-parts thorough-bred.
1877. Browning, La Saisiaz, 72. There’s the stoppage at the inn Three-parts up the mountain.
1887. Stevenson, Mem. & Portraits, xv. 250. Conduct is three parts of life, they say; but I think they put it high.
