prep. and conj. Forms: α. 4– unto (5 untoo), 4–7 vnto (5 north. vntew), 5, 6 Sc. wnto. β. 5–6, 7 Sc., 9 dial. onto (5 onne-to, Sc. one-to). [f. on the analogy of UNTIL prep., by substitution of TO prep. in place of the northern equivalent til TILL prep. Cf. the independent OS. untō.]
Since the end of the 17th c. less frequent, and employed chiefly in poetry, or in formal, dignified, or archaic style, or after Biblical use. Very rare in standard writers of the 18th c., and hence noted by Johnson as ‘now obsolete.’
A. prep. (Ordinarily governing a sb. or pron.)
In poetry often placed after the sb. or pronoun.
I. Indicating spatial or local relationship.
1. Expressing or denoting motion directed towards and reaching (a place, point, or goal); = TO prep. 1.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 17547. Helias … Was taken up als vnto heuen.
c. 1300. Havelok, 2399. Cum nu swiþe un-to him.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 104. Vnto þe se side chaced þei Sir Lowys.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), II. 123. And the seete of Welles was chaungede vn to Bathe.
c. 1420. Anturs of Arth. (T.), 111. Vn-to þat grysely gaste Sir Gaweayne es gane.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 215. He tuke bread & keste vnto it [sc. a swine].
c. 1475. Rauf Coilȝear, 5. Thay past vnto Paris.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 4. Theyr iourney out of Egypte into the countre of Jerusalem.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VIII., 85. He called unto him a servaunt of the kynges.
1587. Holinshed, Chron. (ed. 2), III. 1187/1. The campe remooued from Linton brigs vnto salt Preston.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., III. ii. 310. I told him of your stealth into this wood.
1633. G. Herbert, Temple, The Bag, iv. He did repair unto an inne.
1654. H. Dunster, in Quincy, Hist. Harvard Univ. (1840), I. 19. The place unto which I go, is unknown to me.
17[?]. Jock o’ the Side, xiii., in Caw, Poet. Museum. When they cam the gates unto.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 83. We came unto a gentle place.
1801. Wordsw., Prioress’ T., 52. A little scholar … Who day by day unto this school hath gone.
1866. Emerson, Daemonic & Celest. Love, 48. So shall the lights ye pour amain Go … Through from the empyrean walls Unto the same again.
1887. Morris, Odyssey, I. 90. Then speed we … Hermes the Flitter, to go Unto the isle Ogygia.
b. In various fig. uses. (Cf. TO prep. 1 b.)
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 218. With þatt sho come agayn vnto hur selfe, & thankid God. Ibid., 448. When he come vnto his spyrittis agayn.
1526. Tindale, Heb. vii. 19. By which hope we drawe nye vnto god.
1535. Coverdale, Psalm xxiii. 4. Which lifteth not vp his mynde vnto vanite.
1538. Starkey, England, 21. Though … I dowtyd no thyng of thys mater, that you so ernystely moue me vnto.
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 263. They put all their goodes vnto the Englishmens pleasures.
1600. Holland, Livy, 1123. In this last speech he came neere unto the LL. of the Senat, and touched them to the quick.
1606. G. W[oodcocke], Hist. Ivstine, V. 27. It was secretly come vnto their eare, that [etc.].
1639. Ld. Digby, Lett. conc. Relig. (1651), iv. 87. It is a farre more evident impossibility, then what you drive unto.
1683. Pennsylv. Archives, I. 60. I cannot but believe yt you will take my great Wrong, unto your serious consideration.
1801. Wordsw., Troilus, 63. In that very place My Lady first me took unto her grace.
1838. Mrs. Browning, The Sleep, i. Of all the thoughts of God that are Borne inward unto souls afar.
c. With ellipsis of verb of motion. (Cf. TO prep. 1 c.)
a. 1593. Marlowe & Nashe, Dido, II. i. Let vs vnto our ships,… why stay we here?
1596. Shaks., Tam. Shr., II. i. 316. I will vnto Venice To buy apparell.
1768. Ross, ‘To the Begging,’ iv. I’ll then unto the cobler, An’ cause him sole my shoon.
2. In the direction of; directed towards; TO prep. 2.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 10479. Sco lift hir hend vn-to þe lift, And þus to prai sco gaf a scift.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 217. Unto þe kinges partie Edward turned tite.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 8. Unto him which the heved is The membres buxom scholden bowe. Ibid., 45. Whanne I … caste up many a pitous lok Unto the hevene.
1535. Coverdale, Gen. xiv. 22. I lift vp my honde vnto the Lorde. Ibid., xlix. 8. Thy fathers children shall stoupe vnto the.
a. 1600[?]. ‘Gentle heardsman,’ i., in Percy Folio (1868), III. 526. Vnto the towne of Walsingham which is the right and ready way?
1611. [see LIFT v. 5].
1796. Burns, ‘When Januar’ wind,’ iii. I bow’d fu’ low unto this maid.
1858. Whittier, Cable Hymn, i. Lean down unto the white-lipped sea The voice of God to hear!
fig. 1535. Coverdale, Prov. ii. 18. Hir house is enclyned vnto death, and hir pathes vnto hell. Ibid., Dan. ix. 3. I turned me vnto God … for to praye.
1826. Scott, Woodst., i. There is no light in England that shall come nigh unto it.
b. At. (Esp. after look, † smell. Cf. TO prep. 2 b.)
a. 1300–. [see LOOK v. 23].
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts iii. 4. Peter wiþ Ioon bihelde vnto hym.
c. 1430. Pol., Rel. & L. Poems (1903), 180. A semeli man to ben a king, A graciouse face to loken vnto.
1535. Coverdale, Bel. & Dr., 18. The kinge loked vnto ye altare.
1579. Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 222/2. Ministers … must marke why this office is given them;… it is not because a few should be sene vnto [= looked up to].
1594. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., II. v. § 7. God made flowers sweet and beautiful, that being seen and smelt unto they might so delight.
1670. J. Smith, Eng. Improv. Reviv’d, 213. The Root smelled vnto is good for the same purpose.
1848. Aird, Chr. Bride, II. vii. Majestic men who looked unto the skies.
c. In (a specified course or direction, lit. or fig.). Cf. TO prep. 2 c, e.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 2117. Þis land lies mast vnto þe south. Ibid., 2120. Þe thrid part … lies mast vnto þe west.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Miller’s T., 386. [To break] an hole an heigh vp on the gable Vnto the gardynward.
c. 1400. Melayne, 135. He sawe a bryghtenes of a beme Vp vn-to heuenwarde glyde.
1549. Coverdale, etc., Erasm. Par. Rom., Prol. + v. Such a newe herte and lusty corage vnto the lawe warde, canste thou neuer come by.
† d. Indicating a means of access. (OE. tó and intó.) Obs.–1
1535. Coverdale, 2 Kings iv. 5. She wente, and shut the dore vnto her with hir sonnes.
3. Indicating the limit or dimension of a movement, extension, or continuance in space: As far as; even to; not short of; TO prep. 3.
Occas. correlative to from (the remoter of two limits).
a. 1300. Cursor M., 24346. Quen we na hele moght se on him, Fra hefd vnto þe fote.
a. 1325. Prose Psalter, cvi. 3. Fram þe rysyng of þe sunne vnto þe goynge adoune.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 181. Mayster Wace … rymed [his romance] … vnto þe Cadwaladres.
1400. Destr. Troy, 95. All the ferlies þat fell vnto the ferre ende.
c. 1470. Golagros & Gaw., 1313. All thi braid landis, Or all the renttis fra thyne vnto Ronsiwall.
c. 1500. Melusine, xxxvii. 297. He … sawe melusyne within the bathe vnto her nauell.
1535. Coverdale, Exod. xxxviii. 4. A brasen gredyron of net worke rounde aboute, from vnder vp vnto the myddest of the altare.
1548–9. (Mar.) Bk. Com. Prayer, Communion of Sick. With the firste parte of the exhortacion and all other thynges unto the Psalme.
1597. Lyly, Wom. in Moon, I. i. The rundle of this Massiue earth, From vtmost face vnto the Centers point.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 31. Ye see her rigs run just unto our ain.
a. 1774. Goldsm., Hist. Greece, I. 223. A strong haven, with walls reaching unto the city.
1801. Wordsw., Prioress’ T., 198. My throat is cut unto the bone.
1812. Cary, Dante, Parad., xxii. 149. This petty area … from the havens stretched unto the hills.
b. In figurative uses.
1508. Dunbar, Ballad Ld. Stewart, 5. Onto the sterris vpheyt is thyne honour.
1535. Coverdale, Ps. xxxv. 5. Thy mercy (O Lorde) reacheth vnto the heauen.
1591. Drayton, Harmonie of Church, Song Jonah, 2. My voice I did extend Unto the Lord.
1609. Bp. Hall, David’s Psalms Metaphr., viii. Thou hast … stretcht his raigne Vnto the heards, and beasts vntame.
4. Upon (and in contact with); on, against; TO prep. 5 a.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter cxvii. 26. Settes miri daie in thickenesse, Vnto horn þat of weued esse.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Wife’s T., 973. She leyde hir mouth vn-to the water doun.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 363. Þe ymage … fell down vnto þe hard erth.
1480. Cov. Leet Bk., 447. The pepull … carryen their Donge,… & leyen hit vnto the walles & yate.
1535. Coverdale, Exod. xxii. 8. He hath not put his hande vnto his neghbours good.
1550. T. Lever, Serm. (Arb.), 135. Beware therefore that ye staye not your selfe vnto a bryttell staffe.
1559. Q. Eliz., in Strype, Ann. Ref. (1709), I. II. App. x. 440. We have but a weake staff to leane unto.
1602. Marston, Antonio’s Rev., IV. iii. Thou bur, that only sticks Unto the nappe of greatnesse.
1607, 1624. [see LEAN v. 2, 2 c].
1768. Ross, Helenore, 21. She … lean’d her head unto the kindly tree.
1836. R. Allan, Evening Hours, 98. The hope thus to press thee Unto my fond bosom.
fig. c. 1386, c. 1400. [see STAND v. 76 f, g].
b. In contiguity or proximity to; in front of; by, close beside. Cf. TO prep. 5 b.
1590. Shaks., Com. Err., I. ii. 91. Wilt thou flout me thus vnto my face? Ibid. (1606), Ant. & Cl., IV. xiv. 29. What thou would’st do Is done vnto thy hand.
1677. W. Hughes, Man of Sin, III. iii. 79. Which … plainly gives them the lye unto their Teeths.
5. Expressing relative location (esp. with nigh or near).
1526. Tindale, Mark v. 21. Iesus … was nye vnto the see.
1558. Child. Marr., 145. Nether in his house…, nether within iiij myle compas vnto the same Citie.
1600. J. Pory, trans. Leo’s Africa, III. 171. Neere vnto the said plaine are diuers woods. Ibid., V. 262. The citie of Tunis … hath no mountaines nigh vnto it.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 89. They began to speer Gin they were unto Flaviana near.
fig. 1526. Tindale, Heb. vi. 8. But that grounde … is reproved, and is nye vnto cursynge.
1539. Bible (Great), Lev. xxv. 49. Any that is nye of kynne vnto hym.
1548. Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Matt. xii. 75 b. He is moste nere and moste dere vnto me.
1785. Burns, Letter to J. Goudie. Auld Orthodoxy [is] … Nigh unto death.
1870. Morris, Earthly Par., III. 390. Death had need be near Unto such men.
II. Indicating a temporal relationship.
6. Until (a final limit in time); till as late as; = TO prep. 6 and 6 c.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 24739. All mi liue vn-to min end, In hir loueword þof i moght spend.
a. 1325. Prose Psalter, lxxxix. 15. Lord, be þou turned into nov. Ibid., cxii. 2. Be þe name of our Lord blisced, nou of þis & vnto heuen.
1382. Wyclif, Ps. cxii. 2. Be the name of the Lord blissid; fro this now and vnto the world.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Man of Law’s T., 765. Kepeth this child … vn to myn hoom comynge.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 439. Þer devotelie he servid our Ladie vnto his lyfis ende.
1480. Cov. Leet Bk., 436. Certain Common pastures belongyng to the seid Cite vnto nowe.
1484. Caxton, Fables of Alfonce, ix. The wulf … hyd hym self nyghe them vnto the nyght.
1523. Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. lxvii. 89. The bysshoppe … toke hym as his lorde, vnto suche season as somme other shulde come.
1539. Bible (Great), Rom. v. 13. For euen vnto the lawe was synne in the worlde.
1582. N. T. (Rhem.), Luke xvi. 16. The law and the prophets, vnto Iohn.
1613. Acts Privy Council, 4. Yow shall … keepe the same unto suche tyme as … publicacion shall [be] moved thereof.
1691. in E. Walker, Epictetus (1692), A 1 b. All good and perfect Gifts … Which Mortals have from th’ Womb unto the Tomb.
1801. Wordsw., Troilus, 56. She … there so graciously did me behold, That hers unto the death my heart I hold.
1896. ‘Ian Maclaren,’ K. Carnegie, 356. Doctor Manley … praises Kate unto this day.
7. After a negative, UNTIL prep. 5 b.
c. 1400. Brut, 322. The clergye … wolde not graunte hit vnto Ester next comyng.
1450–80. trans. Secreta Secret., lviii. 34. Shewe not thi thought vnto tyme thou performe thi wille.
1485. Caxton, Paris & V. (1868), 11. Never I shal have playsyr ne Ioye unto the tyme that I knowe.
1515. in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 88. He neuer vnto this last yere knew eny man occupye a nothur mans Craft without Interrupcion.
1559. W. Cunningham, Cosmogr. Glasse, 105. Before the sonne be vnder th’ Earth, which is not vnto .6. of the clocke.
III. Expressing the relation of aim, design, destination, result, consequent status or condition.
8. In order to begin, perform, accomplish, or obtain. Cf. TO prep. 8 b.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter ciii. 24. Oute sal man ga vnto his werke.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 9098. Vn-to þe karolle asswyþe he ȝede.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 10734. The sun in his sercle set vnto rest.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 424. In þe mornyng he went vnto his prayers.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, VII. xxvi. 271. Many bold knyghtes wente vnto mete.
1587. Turberv., Trag. T. (1837), 134. The Lady, somewhat hungrie, fell unto the Cates.
1596. R. L[inche], Diella, etc., D 7. They all sat downe vnto a soone-made feast.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 68. Unto their supper they right yaply fa’.
b. With a view to; for the purpose of; for. Cf. TO prep. 8.
c. 1440. Pallad. on Husb., III. 1166. This wyne al medicine is take vnto.
1486. Naval Acc. Hen. VII. (1896), 10. Diuers cabilles of hym bought vnto the Kyngs use.
1487. in Nichols, Illustr. Manners & Exp. (1797), 83. For hokes and hengles unto the skolehouse dore,… and for nailes to the same dore, 41/2d.
1539. Cranmer, Lett., in Misc. Writ. (Parker Soc.), 396. I pray you that the same may be delivered unto the said Whitchurche unto printing.
1549. Thomas, Hist. Italye (1561), 74 b. Vpon a very smal warnyng they [sc. galleys] may be furnyshed out vnto the sea.
1582. N. T. (Rhem.), Mark i. 4. Preaching the baptisme of penance vnto remission of sinnes.
1592. Warner, Alb. Eng., VIII. xlii. 158. Our Cattell vnto stronger draughts we … would vnteame.
9. Indicating a condition, state, or situation, conferred or imposed upon a person. Cf. TO prep. 9.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xviii. 16. Mi helper ai he isse, And mi bier vn-to blisse.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 1418. Wemyn & wale children vnto wo put.
a. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc., 34. Vnto a loueable ende wiþ goddes help aboute half a ȝere I cured hym.
c. 1440. York Myst., xxxvii. 319. Vnto my dome I schall þame drawe, And juge þame worse þanne any Jewe.
c. 1529. Latimer, in Foxe, A. & M. (1563), 1298/2. Which vnthriftye state that wee be borne vnto.
1548. in Starkey, England (1878), p. xciii. If vnto Office they after bee electe.
1591. Drayton, Prayer of Mardocheus, iv. To destroy and bring us unto nought.
1603. Knolles, Hist. Turks (1621), 119. Some [traitors] they roasted, and some they put vnto the Tenalia.
1648. Wilkins, Math. Magic, I. xi. 75. That slavery, which those … Nations were subjected unto.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, v. 103. The Decree of Divine Reprobation … necessarily inferred Man’s Fall, Sin and Damnation violenting him (as it were) unto the same.
1807. Wordsw., ‘Nuns fret not,’ 8. The prison, unto which we doom Ourselves.
10. Indicating result, effect, or consequence: So as to result in, bring about, cause, or produce; = TO prep. 10.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 24746. Þof mans wijt be neuer sa strait, Sco mai well bring it vnto nait.
1430–40. Lydg., Bochas, II. 2812. Senacherib … Leffte his siege & took hym onto flyht.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 440. He was ferd at þai or þer fadurs shulde desyre hym to be maryd or to fall vnto syn.
1526. Tindale, 1 Cor. xv. 34. I speake this vnto youre rebuke.
1591. Drayton, Harmonie of Church, x. They … by their sin provoke Him unto ire.
1601. Breton, Longing Blessed Heart, xxii. Th’ Artificer … bringes his hand vnto his heads deuise, Longes till he see, what it will come vnto.
1660. Nicholas Papers (Camden), IV. 250. The unexpected … admitting to audience and afterwards vnto treatie of the Portugal ambassador.
11. Indicating a resultant condition, status, or capacity: In or into the character, nature, or quality of; = TO prep. 11, 11 b.
13[?]. E. E. Allit P., A. 772. Quat-kyn þyng may be þat lambe, Þat þe wolde wedde vnto hys vyf?
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 114. This lord a worthi ladi hadde Unto his wif.
c. 1400. Rule St. Benet (Verse), 1374. If þat þe priores wor dede, Þo same … Wold ches me vnto priores.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, I. vii. 43. We wille haue Arthur vnto our kyng.
1556. Chron. Gr. Friars (Camden), 28. The gray freeres chaungyd their habbetts from London rossette unto whytt gray.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., I. i. 207 (Q.). Hee hath turnd a hauen vnto a hell!
1599. Drayton, Idea, xlvi. I meruaile not thou feelst not my delight … Whose stomack vnto gaule hath turn’d thy foode.
1609. Bible (Douay), 2 Kings xxi. 14. And they shal be unto waste, and unto spoile to al their adversaries.
1749. C. Wesley, Hymns, I. 57. Turn unto Flesh my Heart of Stone.
12. Indicating the object of desire, right, or claim. Cf. TO prep. 12, 12 b.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 57. He þat had gode right vnto þe regalte.
1530. Palsgr., 538/1. By what meanes is he entyteled unto these landes.
1535. Coverdale, Ps. cxviii. 20. The very feruent desyre that I haue allwaye vnto thy iudgmentes.
1593. Nashe, Christ’s T., 29 b. There is no better clayme vnto wealth.
1738. in Nairne Peerage Evid. (1874), 42. Such personal estate as he … shall become … intitled unto.
IV. Followed by an expression denoting or indicating a limit in extent, number, amount, or degree.
13. a. Up to as many, as much, or as often as. Cf. TO prep. 13.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 12648. Ai to iesu was cummen neir Vn-to þe eild of thritte yeir.
a. 1325. Prose Psalter, lii. 4. Þer nys non þat doþ god, þer nys non vn-to on.
c. 1400. Brut, 295. Slippez & barges were take, vnto þe noumbre of .CC. & xxx.
c. 1500. Melusine, xxiii. 156. There nys thing … that I shuld reffuse you vnto myn owne deth.
1526. Tindale, Mark vi. 23. I will geve it the, even vnto the one halfe of my kyngdom.
1530. in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 46. It was … unknowne what the charges … would drawe vnto.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., IV. i. 129. What may the Kings whole Battaile reach vnto? Vernon. To thirty thousand.
1610. Healey, St. Aug. Citie of God, XIX. i. 752. Thus doth the number arise vnto twelve.
1663. Bp. Patrick, Parab. Pilgr., xiv. There cannot be so much interruption given to them, as the scratch of a pin among us amounts unto.
1812. Cary, Dante, Parad., xxiii. 57. Not … Unto the thousandth parcel of the truth, My song might shadow forth that saintly smile.
1895. Petrie, Egypt. Tales, Ser. I. 70. He came again unto him, even unto six times.
1896. ‘Ian Maclaren,’ K. Carnegie, 328. There is nothing unto life itself I would not give for your good.
b. Down to (an ultimate grade, point, or number).
a. 1325. Prose Psalter, cxxxiv. 8. Þe which … smote þe first borne of Egipt fram man vnto beste.
1515. St. Papers Hen. VIII., II. 11. The King … dyd conquyre all the lande, unto lytyll.
1535. Coverdale, Exod. xxii. 4. Yf ye theft be founde by him alyue (from the oxe vnto the Asse or shepe).
1592. Shaks., Rom. & Jul., I. iii. 11. Faith I can tell her age vnto an houre.
a. 1623. Fletcher, Love’s Cure, V. iii. No Town in Spain, from our Metropolis Unto the rudest hovel.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 274. The whole world perished unto eight persons before the floud.
c. So as to be equivalent or equal to. Cf. TO prep. 14.
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 308. Three Millions of Scutes of Gold,… the which do come unto sterlyng money, fyve hundreth thousand pound.
1660. Willsford, Scales Commerce, I. 108. How much comes 10d. a day unto by the year?
14. To such an extent or degree, so far, as to cause; so much as to bring about or result in; = TO prep. 14 b.
1382. Wyclif, 2 Kings xx. 1. In tho dayes sijknede Ezechias vnto [1388 til to] the deeth.
a. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc., 73. Be þai brissed and boiled in watre vnto mene þikkenez.
c. 1425. St. Christina, xvi., in Anglia, VIII. 125. She was stired of god vnto an vnsufferabil þriste.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 154. Þe Emperour tuke it vnto so grete wrath, þat he garte smyte of his head. Ibid., 408. He fell into a dispayre, vnto so mekull þat he myght not liff with-owten venyall syn.
1542–5. Brinklow, Lament., 3. To persecute vnto dethe all and euery godly person.
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. xxviii. 5. Through stubbornnesse [they] harden themselues vntoo vnsensiblenesse.
1611. Cotgr., Esgoūer,… to eat vnto sacietie.
1640. Bp. Reynolds, Passions, xv. 141. Those vanities what hee seeth doe provoke others unto loathing.
1652. Sclater, Civ. Magistracy (1653), Ep. Ded. His Singular Contentation accompanyed with Temperance unto Admiration.
1812. Cary, Dante, Purg., xxiv. 22. That face beyond him, pierced Unto a leaner fineness than the church.
1896. ‘Ian Maclaren,’ K. Carnegie, 153. [The] fields, now yellow unto harvest, shone in the moonlight.
V. Expressing addition or accumulation, attachment, appurtenance, or possession.
15. a. Denoting attachment, union, adherence, or kinship to a person. Cf. TO prep. 16.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 65. Felawes vnto þefes, to robbours of ilk cuntre. Ibid., 90. With scrite vnto William Sir Dunkan him bond.
1423. James I., Kingis Q., cxxxiii. Lat wisedom ay vnto thy will be Iunyt.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 219. [She] wold not be wed vnto a wurthi man þat wold hafe had hur.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, X. liii. 501. A ful noble Knyghte nyghe kynne vnto sire Launcelot.
1535. Coverdale, Gen. ii. 24. For this cause shal a man … cleue vnto his wife.
1544. in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 279. Factoures vnto one Jacob vanganspole merchaunt of Andwerpe.
1591. Drayton, Harmonie of Church, Song Sol., vii. 25. I am unto my Love a faithful friendly fere.
1601. Important Consid. Priests, 21. Some of his own subiects were … drawne, rather to adhere vnto them then to himselfe.
1649. Lovelace, Lucasta, Paradox, iv. The God that constant keepes Unto his Dieties. Ibid. (a. 1658), Sanazar, 190. I was ally’d dear Uncle unto thee in blood, but thou alas not unto me.
b. Denoting fastening, securing, or junction to something.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, VIII. xxxiv. 326. He loked vpon bothe his handes that were last bounden vnto two knyghtes.
1535. Coverdale, Gen. xlix. 11. He shall bynde his foale vnto the vyne.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. 47. Two sides are washed by the sea, and the thyrd ioyneth Vnto the firme land.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 239. The use of the Navell is to continue the infant unto the Mother.
1661. Dryden, To Ld. Chancellor, 32. Nothing bounds our Eye Until the Earth seems join’d unto the Sky.
a. 1881. Rossetti, House of Life, i. Still some golden hair Unto his shoulder clinging, since the last Embrace.
16. Denoting appurtenance or possession. Freq. after verbs, as appertain, behove, belong, long, pertain, q.v. Cf. TO prep. 17, 17 b.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 6. The vice Which longeth unto this office.
1445. in Anglia, XXVIII. 273. He þat knowith the fadirlaw vnto themperours sone.
a. 1450. Knt. de la Tour, cxvii. 159. Suche an instrument as longithe vnto a mynstralle.
1513. Bradshaw, St. Werburge, I. 452. Elflede … Doughter vnto Oswy.
1568. Grafton, Chron., I. 144. He was Cosyn germaine unto him on the fathers syde.
1594. Drayton, Sonn., viii. Vnto the World, to Learning, and to Heauen, Three nines there are, to euerie one a nine.
1634. Bp. Reynolds, Shields of Earth (1636), 19. This belongeth only unto Princes.
1682. Sir T. Browne, Chr. Mor., III. § 8. So may’st thou be … a Father unto thy contemporaries.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 60. Ye maun, I ween, unto the kards belang.
1845. Bailey, Festus (ed. 2), 194. From this highest orb, the crown of space And footstool unto Heaven.
17. By way of increase to; in addition to; with, besides; = TO prep. 15.
1526. Tindale, Acts ii. 41. The same daye there were added vnto them aboute a thre thousande soules.
1535. Coverdale, Ecclus. xviii. 6. There maye nothinge be taken from them, nothinge maye be put vnto them.
1595. Shaks., John, IV. iii. 46. This is the very top, The heighth, the Crest: or Crest vnto the Crest Of murthers Armes. Ibid. (1600), A. Y. L., I. ii. 250. I should haue giuen him teares vnto entreaties.
1642. Denham, Sophy, II. i. 18. Wisedome he ha’s, and to his wisedome courage; Temper to that, and unto all, successe.
1660. Sharrock, Vegetables, 19. Unto the ashes of every hill [sc. heap] you must put a peck of unslake lime.
1896. ‘Ian Maclaren,’ K. Carnegie, 329. You have many friends, and may God add unto them good men and faithful.
VI. Expressing comparison or correspondence, relation to a standard, etc.
18. After words denoting correspondence, agreement, comparison, proportion, etc. = TO prep. 21.
See also LIKE a. 1, RESEMBLE v.1 2, 6, RESEMBLING 1 b.
c. 1325. Metr. Hom., 37. For mani man mai bisend be Unto the rede, als thinc me.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Prol., 243. Vn to swich a worthy man as he Acorded nat … To haue with sike lazars Aqueyntance.
1423. James I., Kingis Q., clv. The pantere, like vnto the smaragdyne.
c. 1460. Towneley Myst., iii. 506. Like vnto the turtill.
1553. Eden, Treat. New Ind. (Arb.), 5. Which … he thought to be muche inferiour vnto his.
1591. Drayton, Harmonie of Church, Song Sol., ii. 6. No more the sons unto my Love may ought compared be.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. Deschargé, [A colour] neere vnto a light blew, or of a light blew; light.
1634. T. Johnson, Parey’s Chirurg., Wks. XXIV. vi. 891. A certaine thinne skinne … like unto that … over vnscimmed milke.
1644. Digby, Two Treat., II. (1645), 67. When a thing is identifyed unto the soule [etc.].
1809–14. Wordsw., Excurs., IX. 56. A throne that may be likened unto his.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), III. 30. The second principle is like unto it.
19. With regard to; in respect of; as to, concerning; = TO prep. 22.
c. 1400. Cursor M., 25119 (Cott. Galba). Seuin askinges er þarin to rede … both vnto lifing here a space, and whare oure sawl more mister hase.
1502. Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W., 1506), I. iii. C iii. And this is vnto the sygnyfycacyon of the salte.
1520. Chron. Calais (Camden), 92. And as unto ladies ther were … the duches of Norfolk, with her iij doughters.
1591. Wills & Inv. N. C. (Surtees, 1860), 199. For engrossing his will, twice vnto paipar, after vnto parchment 1l xs.
1611. Bible, Rom. vi. 11. Likewise reckon yee also your selues to be dead indeed vnto sinne.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., I. 3. A Commentator unto the Text askes the question.
1669. N. Morton, New Eng. Memorial (1910), 46. They also brought a full intelligence in reference unto the particulars.
1729. Law, Serious C., x. 147. We are to live wholly unto God.
1778. Ross, Helenore, 22. I ken nought unto his dispraise.
1885–94. R. Bridges, Eros & Psyche, Jan. xxi. Shut thy soft ear unto his clamour thin.
20. In comparison or as compared with; in relation to; = TO prep. 18.
c. 1400. Rom. Rose, 5600. [He] never shal make his richesse Asseth unto his gredinesse.
a. 1500. in Ratis Raving, etc., 4. Al his seknes [is] lytill, in comparesone one-to the luf at god schawyt till ws.
1539. Bible (Great), Matt. vi. 34. Sufficient vnto the daye, is the trauayle therof.
a. 1566. R. Edwards, Damon & Pithias (1571), H ij b. But now I see there is no garde vnto a faithfull friend.
1682. Sir T. Browne, Chr. Mor., III. § 8. So may’st thou be coetaneous unto thy elders.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 93. But a’ their cushel-mushel was but jest, Unto the coal that brunt in Lindy’s breast.
1842. Tennyson, Locksley Hall, 152. All thy passions, match’d with mine, Are as moonlight unto sunlight. Ibid., Talk. Oak, 107. As cowslip unto oxlip is, So seems she to the boy.
1854–5. Longf., Hiawatha’s Wooing, 1. As unto the bow the cord is, So unto the man is woman.
21. In accordance, agreement, or correspondence with; according to; after; = TO prep. 20.
c. 1420. Contn. Brut, 340. So oure Kyng … graunted hem trewes certyn yeres vnto her axyng.
1430–40. Lydg., Bochas, I. 492. Whan he us made onto his liknesse, He putte vs bothe into Paradis.
1515. Festivall (W. de W.), 117. We praye you of a place to bury his body unto his worshypp.
1596. Spenser, State Irel., Wks. (Globe), 613/2. Lawes ought to be fashioned unto the manners … of the people to whom they are ment.
a. 1600[?]. in Percy Folio (1867), I. 63. Shooes of gold the porter had on, And all his other rayment was vnto the same.
1602. Shaks., Ham., I. iii. 23. Therefore must his choyce be circumscrib’d Vnto the voyce and yeelding of that Body, Whereof he is the Head.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, viii. 151. Disposing of Angels … suitably unto the Tenor of their own Actings.
1803–6. Wordsw., Ode Intim. Immort., 96. And this hath now his heart, And unto this he frames his song.
1842. Tennyson, Ld. of Burleigh, 80. A trouble … perplex’d her … With the burthen of an honour Unto which she was not born.
1870. Morris, Earthly Par., III. 418. Meanwhile to Kiarton,… Unto all seeming, life went merrily.
b. As far as; to the extent of. Cf. TO prep. 20 b.
1502. Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W., 1506), II. ix. I viii, To socour our neyghbour in kepynge hym vnto our power in place and in tyme that he … falle not.
1642. trans. Perkins’ Prof. Bk., III. § 205. 92. Unto divers respects a man shall take by a liverie of seisin which he made in his owne right.
VII. Expressing relations in which the idea of course or direction tends to blend with the dative use.
22. After words denoting attention, care, trust, etc.; = TO prep. 24.
Freq. after verbs, as apply, attend, betake, hearken, intend, listen, look: see these words.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 255. To laud and Inglis man i spell … Sumquat vnto þat thing to tent.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Sqr.’s T., 67. Vn to my firste I wole haue my recours.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 446. He fell vnto his prayers.
1455. Paston Lett., I. 326. Not to plese to geve trust or confidence unto the sinistrez … rapportes of our sayd ennemyes.
c. 1477. Caxton, Jason, 20. My herte Iugeth that ye shall haue grete Regard vnto my good wil.
1535. Coverdale, Ps. xvi. 1. Herken vnto my prayer.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xviii. 21. The castle … hath been so ill looked vnto … it is againe fallen into the hands of the Barbaries.
1613. Jackson, Creed, I. § iv. i. 219. Whose beleefe vnto diuine Oracles hath beene confirmed.
1642. Remonstr. Ch. Irel., 5. He wanted powder, having no more … than his Bandeleers to trust unto.
1656. Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., I. xlvii. 95. Flocks … grow lean … through the meer carelesness of him that looks unto them.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, v. 104. It was … Man alone, voluntarily hearkening unto Satan.
1812. Cary, Dante, Parad., V. 119. Say on; and trust As unto gods.
23. Against, in respect of opposition or hostility. Cf. TO prep. 25 b.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter liii. 5. Torne iuels vnto mi faas.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts iv. 1. As þei stoden … þer kome fallande vnto hem prestes … ande Saduceys.
1412–20. Lydg., Chron. Troy, IV. 2452. Archilogus A mortal cours ran vn-to Brumvs.
1439. Rolls of Parlt., V. 17/2. Phelip … hath contynuelly … made werre unto the seide John.
a. 1450. Knt. de la Tour, 120. So it befell he had do a forfeit vnto the kinge Dauid.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xvii. 19 b. [They] dyd daily make warre vnto his highnesse.
1591. Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., IV. i. 73. Then gather strength, and march vnto him straight.
24. Indicating the person addressed, etc.; = TO prep. 26. Usu. after verbs, as cry, say, speak, tell.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xxvi. 6 (E.). I sall synge and salm sai Un-to Loverd. Ibid., xc. 15. He cried vnto me witerli.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 99. Lowys wrote his letter vnto þe kyng Henry.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 282. To speak a goodli word unto me.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 122. Þis suster said vnto hur brother.
c. 1450. Capgrave, Life St. Aug., 5. The book of Seynt Augustin … on-to his sistir, a widow.
1477. Stonor Papers (Camden), II. 28. I spake vnto my lady…, and she wold scarsely oppyn hir mouthe vnto me.
1511. in W. H. Turner, Select. Rec. Oxford (1880), 2. The mayer answered aȝen onto the forsayd John.
1535. Coverdale, Deut. xxxii. 46. Ye wordes, which I testifye vnto you this daye.
1569. Southampton Crt. Leet Rec. (1905), I. 56. Be yt comaunded vnto all those … that they make chimnes.
1610. Healey, St. Aug. Citie of God, XVII. v. 628. These words of the Prophet vnto Heli.
1643. Caryl, Expos. Job, I. 635. Would you know what the visiting of God is? It is praying unto him.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, vi. 112. Some special One of their Number intimateth the great News unto the Shepherds.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 101. The squire well saw’t, an’ unto Lindy says [etc.].
1844. Whittier, Texas, 32. Let the North unto the South Speak the word befitting both.
1896. ‘Ian Maclaren,’ K. Carnegie, 328. John,… is this all you have in your heart to say unto me?
b. To or for the worship of; in honor, adoration, or salutation of; = TO prep. 26 b.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter lxv. 15. Offrand meryhed, gode þat be, Sal I offre unto þe.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts xxi. 25. Demande þat þei abstene hem fro þinge þat es sacrified vnto idoles.
1430–40. Lydg., Bochas, VIII. 552. Egipciens dide … Ther sacrefises & rihtes … Vnto Isis.
c. 1440. Pallad. on Husb., I. 1178. Laude, ymne,… & songe vnto The flour of lesse spronge in Bethleem.
1526. Tindale, Acts xvii. 23. I founde an aultre wher in was written: vnto the vnknowen god.
1598. Lodge, Looking-Gl. Lond. & Eng., H 2 b. Villaines, why skinck you not into this fellow?
1599. Shaks., Much Ado, V. iii. 22. Now vnto thy bones good night.
1615. W. Bedwell, Arab. Trudg., L 1. Aba’ lkibla, was an idoll … which … the Arabians did … offer sacrifice vnto.
1842. Macaulay, L. Regillus, ii. Unto the Great Twin Brethren We keep this solemn feast.
1882. Bible (R. V.), Exod. xxxii. 8. They have made them a molten calf,… and have sacrificed unto it.
25. Expressing or denoting response, responsive action, or reaction. = TO prep. 27, 27 b.
Freq. with assent, consent, obey, etc. (q.v.).
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 448. He wolde not consent vnto hur to ly by hur.
1502. Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W., 1506), I. ii. 12. Whan Adam & eue … dysobeyed unto God.
1518. in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 148. The said bille is vncerteyn and insufficient to be aunswerd vnto.
1576. Gascoigne, Steel Glas (Arb.), 59. To yeld good smacke vnto their daintie tongues.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxii. § 13. Nature as much as is possible inclineth vnto validities and preseruations.
1612. Drayton, Poly-olb., iv. 175. Some … only us’d to sing Unto the other’s harp.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, vii. 140. To say Amen, unto Isaiahs Description of our Lord.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 88. Afore mishap had forc’d him to comply Unto a match.
1881. N. T. (Revised), Luke xiv. 6. They could not answer again unto these things.
VIII. Supplying the place of, assuming or taking over the functions of, the dative.
26. Denoting the recipient of a gift or the like, or the person affected by an event, etc. = TO prep. 29.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter ciii. 22. Lyoun whelpes … seke fra god mete vnto þa.
c. 1380. Antecrist, in Todd, 3 Treat. Wyclif, 134. Þei putten grete penaunce unto men, þere Cristis charge is liȝt.
1426. in Surtees Misc. (1890), 10. Þe charge … þat is put vnto me.
c. 1440. Alphabet of Tales, 207. He putt þaim [sc. his goods] vnto þe bisshopp.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, I. 447. Syluir and gold he gert on to him geyff.
1532. Hervet, Xenoph. Househ., 32 b. As for suche thynges,… we deliuered them vnto a woman.
1581. in Lanc. & Cheshire Wills (1893), 3. I geue and bequeath vnto Richard … tenne shepe.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 726. Deliuering vnto him a verge of gold.
1678. Bunyan, Pilgr., I. 168. This could not but be a great grief unto him.
1695. in Jrnl. Friends’ Hist. Soc., Oct. (1915), 173. She hath borne unto mee three sonnes.
c. 1708. Fenton, First Fit of Gout, 19. Whence comes this unsought honour unto me?
1768. Ross, Helenore, 9. Nory … a glack of bread an’ cheese … unto Lindy gees.
1814. Cary, Dante, Inf., xxiii. 5. He told What fate unto the mouse and frog befel.
1829. in Nairne Peerage Evid. (1874), 76. We are graciously pleased to give and allow unto Caroline baroness Nairn an annuity.
a. 1865. Emerson, Woodnotes, II. 342. Unto every race and age He emptieth the beverage.
b. Indicating the recipient of an impression, the holder of an opinion or the like; used esp. after verbs, as appear, seem, † think, etc. Cf. TO prep. 29 b.
a. 1470. Harding, Chron. (MS. Lansd.), Pref. vi. If it lyke vn to ȝour owne avyse … To Comforte now … Ȝour pore subgite.
1526. Tindale, Luke xxiv. 11. Their wordes semed vnto them fayned thinges.
1599. Shaks., Much Ado, III. v. 55. I am now in great haste, as may appeare vnto you.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xviii. § 29. It was thought into the Protector, and vnto the whole Councell, that [etc.].
a. 1613. Bacon, Case Post-nali Scot., Wks. 1826, V. 116. For it seemeth admirable unto me, to consider [etc.].
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, viii. 147. One Attribute seemeth more Dear unto him than another.
27. For the advantage, benefit, convenience, use, or disposal of; for. Cf. TO prep. 30.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter lxx. 8. In þe ai alle mi singinge. Made am i als fortakeninge Vnto mani.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts ii. 41. Ande þat day weren wonnen vnto God ande turned abowte þreo þowsande.
1539. Bible (Great), Gen. iii. 21. Unto the same Adam also and to his wife dyd the Lorde God make lethren garmentes.
1591. Drayton, Harmonie of Church, Song Sol., v. 15. Then opened I the door unto my Love at last.
1613. Heywood, Silver Age, I. i. B 3. Expose thy selfe Vnto that monstrous beast of Cicily, Cal’d the Chimera.
1664. Butler, Hud., II. i. 616. By which Astrologers … can tell What strange Events they do foreshow Unto her Under-world below.
a. 1678. H. Scougal, Disc. Imp. Subj. (1735), 179. A happiness we can never secure unto our selves.
1702. C. Mather, Magn. Chr., III. 178. An opportunity … to Vindicate another great Man, unto the Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.
a. 1714. in Ledwich, Antiq. Sarisb., 6. Therein you may find many an excellent Lore That unto your Wives you may teach.
a. 1784. Hobie Noble, i., in Child, Ball. For in it there was baith meat and drink, And corn unto our geldings gay.
1816. Wordsw., Ode, 1814, 51. Those palms and amaranthine wreaths Unto their martyred Countrymen decreed.
1891. Cornh. Mag., Dec., 664. He took unto himself a village maid, and settled in Lyndhurst.
b. Indicating the person or thing towards which an action, feeling, etc., is directed; TO prep. 30 b.
Freq. with beholden, † holden (HOLD v. 10 b), recommend, etc.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xviii. 13. And fra outen … Forbere vnto þi hine ai.
13[?]. Cursor M., 1069 (Gött.). Vnto his broþer ire he bare.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts xxvi. 27. Ande þo kenge Agrippa trowes vnto þo prophetes.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 103. He askid hym whi he wuld not ryse vnto hym.
c. 1465. Stonor Papers (Camden), I. 70. Y weir be-hold unto yow.
1508. Kennedie, Flyting w. Dunbar, 482. Lat newir this synfull sot Do schame … vnto your nacion!
1555. in Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., Var. Coll. IV. (1907), 283. The leke paines … shall ronne and be unto all those free Burgesses.
1587. in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ., V. 137. Goolde … referred me over unto Mr. Baylye to be payed upon youre head.
1633. in Eng. Hist. Rev., July (1919), 408. Delivered to St. Raby … as a present … without any fees or charge unto him.
1654–66. Earl Orrery, Parthen. (1676), 378. More from a desire of being alone, than from any aversion she seem’d to have unto it.
1710. Blackwell, Schema Sacrum, vii. 130. Our Lord … having all their Iniquities … imputed unto him.
1763. C. Smart, Song to David, lxxiv. Sweeter [is] … The glory of thy gratitude, Respired unto the Lord.
1796. Mme. D’Arblay, Camilla, IV. 169. The Lord be good unto me!
1803. C. K. Sharpe, Lett. (1888), I. 165. If Jane hath done this fault, woe be unto her!
1887. E. Johnson, Antiq. Mater., 251. Your unslothful love unto the glory of God.
28. Denoting the relation of an adj. (or derived sb. or adv.) to a sb. indicating a person or thing to which its application is directed or restricted. = TO prep. 33.
Used in construction with many adjs.; cf. TO prep. 33, and see MERCIFUL a., OPEN a. 15, SUBJECT a., TRUE a. 1 c, UNKINDFULLY a., UNTOLERABLE a., etc.
1390. Gower, Conf., II. 285. Hast thou be scars or large of yifte Unto thi love?
c. 1407. Lydg., Reson & Sens., 948. The which … wern … vn-to manne ryght vayllable.
c. 1450. Crt. of Love, 14. I can-not write Unto the princes … No termes digne unto her excellence.
1485. Digby Myst., III. 8. I am soveren of al soverens subjugal On-to myn empere.
1526. Tindale, Acts xxvi. 19. I was not disobedient vnto the hevenly vysion.
1593. in J. Morris, Troub. Cath. Forefathers, Ser. III. (1877), 124. Yet their life-labour is … costly unto us.
1639. S. Du Verger, trans. Camus’ Admir. Events, 301. A torture unsufferable unto this young gentlewoman.
1669. Owen, Exp. Ps. cxxx., 15. Vnspiritedness and disability unto Duty, in doing or suffering.
a. 1687. Petty, Pol. Arith. (1690), 72. It will be dangerous unto England, that Ireland should be in the Hands or any other Nation.
1795–6. Wordsw., Borderers, 2168. I (so filled With horror is this world) am unto thee The thing most precious that it now contains. Ibid. (1801), Troilus & Cresida, 83. So cruel do not be Unto the blood of Troy,… As Juno was unto the Theban blood.
b. After known, unknown, † uncouth, † unwist, † unwitting, etc.; = TO prep. 33 b.
In later use (esp. in or after Biblical usage) with known.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Acts xix. 17. Þis was made knowne vnto alle þe Iewes.
1423. James I., Kingis Q., lxiii. Quhen sall ȝour merci rew vpon ȝour man, Quhois seruice is ȝit vncouth vnto ȝow?
14[?]. Hoccleve, Minor P., 231/418. How [we] thidir come, vn-to vs vnwist.
c. 1440. Generydes, 3396. Vppe they rose,… And chaungyd horses onto them bothe vnknowyng.
1514. Barclay, Cyt. & Uplondyshman (Percy Soc.), 32. Seth God wyll be unknowen unto us.
1556. Chron. Grey Friars (Camden), 17. The othe that he made un to the kynge of Ynglonde unwyttynge unto the pope.
1605. Shaks., Lear, I. iv. 224. By making this well knowne vnto you.
1795–6. Wordsw., Borderers, 628. If compassion … Be known unto you. Ibid. (1843), G. Darling, 7. One … Known unto few but prized as far as known.
IX. † 29. = To with the infinitive. Obs.
c. 1352. Minot, Poems (ed. Hall), v. 25. King Edward vnto sail was ful sune dight.
a. 1400. Northern Passion, 461 (Camb. MS. Gg 5. 31). Þare come downe a aungell … Vnto comforthe ihesu well still.
1481[?]. Cely Papers (Camden), 203. Any thing that I cane do unto ples ye.
B. conj. † a. = UNTIL conj. a. Also (a) with that.
(a) a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xciii. 15 (H.). For Laverd sal noght his folke schonne awai, Ne his heritage for-lete never a dai; Unto þat rihtnes be turned in dome with quert.
a. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc., 61. Þe pacient ow to abide still in þe watre, vnto þat þe blode … chaunge into fairer colour.
c. 1475. Partenay, 4132. In thys place abide vnto that ye see Ho bering hym best and ho better haue.
1556. Chron. Gr. Friars (Camden), 19. A gret multytude … there abode seven dayes contynually unto that the kynge … came … toward Grenewich.
(b) 1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 9055. Þys songe sunge þey yn þe chercheȝerd … Vn-to þe matynes were alle done.
c. 1381. Chaucer, Parl. Foules, 647. Almyghty queen vnto this ȝer be gon I axe respit.
1411. E. E. Wills (1882), 20. Also y wille … þat lucie my wyf have gouernauns þer-of … vn-to þe forseyd william be of age xviij. ȝhere.
c. 1489. Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, ix. 223. They wente to bed, & slepte vnto the daye appered.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 2 b. It is & euer shall be vnquiet, vnto I come to the.
1549. Wills & Inv. N. C. (Surtees, 1860), 132. I give vnto my wife my house vnto my boy be of xxiiij yeirs of age.
1572. Mascall, Plant & Graff (1592), 52. The which may also keepe vnto the new come againe.
† b. = UNTIL conj. b. Also with that. Obs.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 5994. Here synne shal noþer be forȝyuen ne slakyn Vn-to þey ȝelde þat þey haue takyn.
c. 1400. Northern Passion (H.), 958. Þe men þan letted for no thing Vnto pai come to herod.
c. 1425. in Anglia, VIII. 139/46. She … hadde no reste in spirite, vnto she hadde made a-seth.
c. 1457. Stonor Papers (Camden), I. 53. I can … not gefe hym no comfort onto that I have wurd fro yowr maistership.
1502. Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W., 1506), I. ii. None were baptysed into that yt he were suffycyentlye cathecysed.
1535. Bp. Tunstall in Strype, Eccl. Mem. (1721), I. App. lix. 147. The commissioners … occupied the said auditors so long, that unto they were dispatched we could not have them [etc.].
1573. J. Tyrie, Refutation, Pref. 6. Wnto he proue that he defendes that same caus,… he will neuer caus me to beleue nor graunt that [etc.].
† c. So that at length; = UNTIL conj. e. Obs.
a. 1395. Hylton, Scala Perf., I. xci. (W. de W., 1494). My dere chyldern whyche I bere … vnto cryste be ayenshapen.
c. 1400. trans. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh., 84. Alle þes þinges shal be vpon þe fyr all a nyght and a day, vnto all þayre stryngh be out passyd.
c. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc. 73. Boile it agayne vnto it be ane vntement haldyng fast ynoȝ.
1502. Atkynson, trans. De Imitatione, III. xii. (1893), 207. This sensuall appetite is to be subdued … vnto it haue lerned to be content with fewe thynges.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg., Q j b. Apply vpon it a maturatife … vnto the scar be fallen.
† d. = UNTIL conj. d. Obs.
1490. Plumpton Corr. (Camden), 100. I thinke long unto I here word from you.
