Forms: α. 3–5 vs (4–5 vss), 4, 7 Sc. us (3–4 hus, 4–5 uss), 5 ws (5 owse, 5–6 Sc. wss), 5–7 vse (6 vce, Sc. 5–6 wse), 4– use (5 uce, 6 usse). β. Sc. and north. 4 oise, 4–5 oys, oyse, 5 oysse, ois, 6 oiss; 4 vice, 5 vys, 5–6 vyss. [a. AF. and OF. us, uus, hus m. (also use f.):—L. ūsus, f. the ppl. stem of ūtī to use.]
I. Act of using, or fact of being used.
1. The act of employing a thing for any (esp. a profitable) purpose; the fact, state, or condition of being so employed; utilization or employment for or with some aim or purpose, application or conversion to some (esp. good or useful) end.
α. a. 1225. Ancr. R., 16. Þis word habbeð muchel on vs & i muðe euch time þet ȝe muwen.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 2211. Ne conne ȝe noȝt lerni þing þat ȝe ne dude neuer er; Change ȝoure hond & to þe vs of suerd & lance is [? read it] do.
1340. Ayenb., 35. Ine þe greate bysihede þet hy habbeþ, to porchaci…. Efterward, mid grat lost þet hy habbeþ ine þe us.
1382. Wyclif, Coloss. ii. 22. Nether ȝe schulen touche, nether taste, nether trete with hondis tho thingis, the which alle ben into deeth by the ilke vss.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 335/1. Mesure, in vse of … nedefulle thyngys,… frugalitas.
1558. in Feuillerat, Revels Q. Mary (1914), 251. To lend me the vse of one of your maskes.
1599. B. Jonson, Cynthia’s Rev., V. i. Denying to the world the precious vse Of hoorded wealth.
1605. Verstegan, Dec. Intell., i. (1628), 23. The Picards … are said first to haue gotten that name of their great and most accustomed use of pikes.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., I. vii. 26. In … Law and History, there is … a frequent and allowable use of testimony.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., III. x. § 1. The obscurity and confusion that is so hard to be avoided in the Use of Words.
1729. T. Innes, Crit. Essay, 444. The ancient use of letters among the Irish.
1753. Challoner, Cath. Chr. Instr., Pref. p. vi. What the Doctor has alledged against the Use of Incense.
1782. Miss Burney, Cecilia, VIII. viii. Is the gift of speech only granted us to pervert the use of understanding?
1831. Scott, Ct. Rob., xi. His excellence in the use of the French language.
1860. Warter, Sea-board, II. 436. Certainly use and abuse are very different things.
1891. Sir A. Wills, in Law Times, XCI. 232/2. Massey … lent the use of his name to Kensington in order to oblige him.
β. 1375. Barbour, Bruce, XVII. 252. For in Scotland … The oys of thame [sc. cannon] had nocht beyn sene.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., I. 1310. As þe makaris had daynte Off þa bestis and delyte Be freyte or oysse, or be profyte.
b. In legal phr., coupled with occupation (or occupancy).
1738. Act 11 Geo. II., c. 19 § 14. In an Action on the case, for the Use and Occupation of what was so held or enjoyed.
1772. Buller, Introd. Law Nisi Prius (1775), 139. In Case for Use and Occupation of an House by Permission of the Plaintiff.
1808. W. Selwyn, Law Nisi Prius, II. 1180. Chap. xxxvii.—Use and Occupation.
1918. Nation (N.Y.), 7 Feb., 165/1. A percentage … will be paid on a pro-rata basis for each day of lost use and occupancy.
c. Freq. to make or take (…) use of.
1591. Shaks., Two Gent., II. iv. 67. Sir Protheus … Made vse, and faire aduantage of his daies.
1606. Chapman, M. D’Olive, I. i. At my chamber, where we may take free use of our selves, that is, drinke sack, and talke Satyre.
1663. Gerbier, Counsel, 55. Those that mind the making use of Chalk in their walls.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 62, ¶ 5. The Words Fire and Flame are made use of to signify Love.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), V. 264. This bird’s making use of the bed or nest of another to deposit its own brood in.
1823. P. Nicholson, Pract. Build., 420. Plate-glass is the most beautiful glass made use of.
1862. Tyndall, Mountaineer., ii. 16. We made use of all our strength.
1897. T. Hardy, Well-Beloved, I. vi. Perhaps she had only made use of him as a convenient aid to her intentions.
† d. Your (their, etc.) use, = use of you (them, etc.). Obs.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., I. iii. 21. When we need Your vse and counsell, we shall send for you.
1667. Milton, P. L., IX. 750. Thy praise hee also who forbids thy use, Conceales not from us.
1691. T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., 37. The Ingredients … being Forraign, such has sometimes been the scarcity thereof here, (even when their use has been most wanted).
2. a. In various prepositional phrases (with in, to, into, out of, for, of).
(a) a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter cxviii. 48. For of mykil thynkynge of þe comandmentis cumys in oyse goed werke.
c. 1400. Lanfranc’s Chirurg., 306. Þe .i. instrument þat is comoun & moost in vss, is clepid nodulum.
1558–9. Act 1 Eliz., c. 2 § 13. That suche Ornamentes of the Churche and of the Ministers therof shall bee reteyned and bee in use as was in this Churche of Englande.
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 345. Gonnes were first in vse, which were inuented by one of Germany.
1631. Gouge, God’s Arrows, IV. Ded. p. v. I remember a Proverbiall speech in use among the Iewes.
1691. T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., 5. To apply themselves forthwith to the putting in use this Invention upon some of his own Ships.
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 36, ¶ 8. All the fashionable Phrases and Compliments now in use.
1755. Johnson, To Quarry,… to prey upon. A low word not in use.
1801. Med. Jrnl., XXI. 83. Every plan of cure at present in use.
1885. Manch. Exam., 10 July, 5/2. Those [lamps] now in use.
1890. Sir N. Lindley, in Law Times Rep., LXIII. 690. These two forms of order … are in constant use in the Chancery Division.
(b) 1388. Wyclif, Neh. x. 31. The puplis … that bryngen in thingis set to sale, and alle thingis to vss.
a. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc., 89. Be it kept to vse in ane erþen potte.
c. 1460. Fortescue, Abs. & Lim. Mon., vi. (1885), 120. It nedith þat ther be lyvelode asseigned ffor the payment therof; wich lyvelode be in no wyse putte to no other vse.
1552–3. in Feuillerat, Revels Edw. VI. (1914), 112. By him bought and prouided and spent to the vse aforesaid.
1570. Billingsley, Euclid, II. prop. ii. 63. Which oftentimes serueth to great vse in working.
1590. Shaks., Com. Err., III. ii. 97. I know not what vse to put her too.
1628–a. 1700. [see PUT v.1 18].
1748. Chesterf., Lett., 16 Feb. Every moment may be put to some use.
1893. Nat. Observer, 7 Oct., 536/1. The gallows were put to real use.
(c.) c. 1444. Pecock, Donet, 51. Or ellis he takiþ into vse alle kyndis of hem [sc. goods].
1688. Miége, Gt. Fr. Dict., II. s.v., To put a Thing into Use.
1728. North, Mem. Music (1846), 55. Instruments … invented, and brought into common use.
1835. Penny Cycl., IV. 398/1. At what time … bills of exchange were first brought into use is a matter … not … satisfactorily ascertained.
1879. M. J. Guest, Lect. Hist. Eng., I. 508. Two wonderful instruments had lately come into use.
1890. Sat. Rev., 8 Feb., 175/2. This word came into use to express [etc.].
(d) 1538. Elyot, Exoletus, he that is passed growynge … olde, or out of vse.
1579. E. K., Spenser’s Sheph. Cal., Epist. Such good and naturall English words, as haue ben long time out of vse.
1603. G. Owen, Pembrokeshire, iii. (1891), 36. And soe was the English growne out of use … and used only amonge the basest sorte of people.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 18 March, 1649. The blessed Sacrament, now wholly out of use in the Parish Churches.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 174, ¶ 3. A broken Limb will recover its Strength by the sole Benefit of being out of Use.
1892. Monthly Packet, Oct., 430. The name … had in some way gone out of use.
(e) 1548. Elyot, Vsualis,… vsuall, that serueth for our vse.
a. 1648. Digby, Chym, Secr., II. (1684), 195. Make it up into Balls … and keep them for Use.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 480. The Fleece, when drunk with Tyrian Juice, is dearly sold; but not for needful use.
1742. Young, Nt. Th., II. 154. Since Time was giv’n for use, not waste.
1807. Crabbe, Par. Reg., I. 81. There pious works for Sunday’s use are found.
1896. Lucas, Cyclealities, 117. A small Hold-all for use with handle-bar carriers.
(f) 1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., ¶ 1. Thus it is apparent, that these things … are of most necessary vse.
1648. Sanderson, Serm. (1653), 6. Words … of very frequent use in the New Testament.
1833. Holland, Manuf. Metal, II. 285. Articles of such universal use and importance.
1839. Fr. A. Kemble, Resid. in Georgia (1863), 18. Implements … of household use.
1880. J. Britten, Old Words, p. xiv. Others [sc. words] apparently of general use.
† b. In the use of, making use of. Obs.
1594. Southampton Court Leet Rec. (1906), II. 296. Robert Russell, william cortney, John grant nowe in the vse of Thomas heths brewary.
† c. Of use, used, employed. Obs.–1
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 183. [The jacks] boyld giue food no lesse pleasant … then doe the Date-stones of vse in Persia.
3. In special senses: a. The act of using or fact of being used as food, etc.; consumption.
1586. Day, Eng. Secretorie, I. (1595), 27. A kind of graine growing in great cods, whereby we sometimes obtaine (though not the naturall) yet some vse of bread.
1588. Kyd, Househ. Philos., Wks. (1901), 259. The Nurses shoulde not be so narrowly forbidde the often vse of wynes.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 231. They … hoard, for Winter’s Use, the Summer’s Gain.
1708. Ockley, Saracens, I. Table, Sawik, a sort of Food in Use among the Arabians.
1725. N. Robinson, Th. Physick, 290. The Patient should be exhorted not to leave off the Use of the Bark too soon.
1772. W. Buchan, Dom. Med. (ed. 2), 255. Wholesome food, and a moderate use of generous liquors.
1836. A. Combe, Physiol. Digestion (ed. 2), 319. Many persons imagine that spirits … cannot be injurious, because they feel no immediate bad effects from their use.
1862. Chambers’s Encycl., III. 552/2. Certain substances [i.e., tobacco, tea, and coffee] which … may fairly be considered, from the universality of their use, to exert a definite influence on the organism.
b. Employment or maintenance for sexual purposes. (See also quot. 1841.) Cf. USE v. 10 b.
1565. Cooper, Thes., s.v. Fruor, He hath the vse of hir, &c.
1607. Tourneur, Rev. Trag., II. ii. I cannot honor her [ante my mother],… Her tongue has turnd my sister into vse.
1647. A. Ross, Mystag. Poet., viii. (1675), 176. His step-mother desired the use of his body. Ibid., ix. 225. [Ixion] began to fall in love with Juno, desiring the use of her body.
1676. R. Dixon, Two Testaments, 551. A wife, not a Concubine, might be taken by use; for a whole un-interrupted year without usurpation.
1748. Earthquake Peru, iii. 247. Two ancient Ways of marrying still subsist in this Country; that of keeping a Mistress is very answerable to that which was call’d by Use.
1841. Hartshorne, Salop. Ant., Gloss. 606. A mare is said to be ‘in use’ when she is under the influence of certain appetites or affections.
1894. Nature’s Method in Evol. Life, iii. 45. The bulls [are] put to use about twelve months old. Ibid. Stallions are commonly in use long before they are full grown.
4. Law. The act or fact of using, holding, or possessing land or other property so as to derive revenue, profit, or other benefit from such.
1535–6. Act 27 Hen. VIII., c. 10 § 6. Concernyng such right, title, use, interest, or possession as they … have clayme or pretende to have.
1579. Rastell, Termes de la Ley, 183 b/2. The stat. of An. 27. H. 8. c. 10 prouided … that who hath the vse of the lande, the same hath ye possession therof by vertue of that estatute.
1596. Bacon, Max. & Use Com. Law, II. (1635), 57. They conveyed their full estates of their lands in their good health, to friends in trust,… and this trust was called, the use of the land.
1642. trans. Perkins’ Prof. Bk., viii. § 528. 231. Before the statute of West. 3,… there was no use of lands or of houses if not that it were expressed upon the delivery of the estate.
1681. Stair, Institut., xvi. 327. Usufruct is the power of disposal of the use and fruits, saving the Substance of the thing.
1706. Stanhope, Paraphr., III. 334. The longest Inheritance and Descent, is in truth but the longest Use, but not so much as a Lease or Tenant-right.
1734. Pope, Hor. Sat., II. ii. 165. ‘Pity! to build, without a son or wife:’… Well, if the use be mine, can it concern one, Whether the name belong to Pope or Vernon?
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 137. The property or possession of the soil being vested in one man, and the use, or profit thereof, in another.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), I. 474. No use would have resulted to the father, because blood was a sufficient consideration to have vested the use in the son.
1888. Encycl. Brit., XXIII. 596/1. The conveyance of an estate to a friend on the understanding that they should retain the use, i.e., the actual profit and enjoyment of the estate.
b. A trust or confidence reposed in a person for the holding of property, etc., of which another receives or is entitled to the profits or benefits.
1535. Act 27 Hen. VIII., c. 10 § 1. Fraudulent feoffementes, fynes, recoveryes, and other assurances craftely made to secrete uses, intentes, and trustes. Ibid., § 12. Any person … seasid of or in any Landes, Ten[emen]tes, or Hereditamentes to any use, trust, or confydence.
1579. Rastell, Termes de la Ley, 183 b/2. Vses of Land had beginning after that the custome of propertie began among men.
1628. Coke, On Litt., 272 b. An Vse is a Trust or Confidence reposed in some other.
1759. Sterne, Tr. Shandy, I. xv. By force and virtue of the statute for transferring of uses into possession.
1765. Blackstone, Comm., II. 335. This is sometimes called a secondary, sometimes a shifting, use.
1766–. [see SPRINGING ppl. a. 8].
1845. Williams, Law Real Prop., 124. A doctrine was laid down, that there could not be a use upon a use.
1882. F. Pollock, in Macm. Mag., XLVI. 365. The Statute of Uses (A.D. 1535) was passed in order to prevent the severance of legal from beneficial ownership.
1888. Encycl. Brit., XXIII. 596/1. The feoffee to uses, as he was called, or the person seised to the use of another.
c. In the phrase in use or to (…) use.
1491. Act 7 Hen. VII., c. 2 § 5. They and their feoffes to the use of every of theym.
1535. Act 27 Hen. VIII., c. 10 § 1. Any Honoures, Castelles,… Remaynders or other Hereditamentes, to the use, confidence or trust of any other … parsones or of anye bodie polytike. Ibid. In suche lyke estates as they had or shall have in use, trust, or confidence of or in the same.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., IV. i. 383. So he will let me haue The other halfe in vse, to render it Vpon his death, vnto the Gentleman. Ibid. (1606), Ant. & Cl., I. iii. 44. But my full heart Remaines in vse with you.
1720. T. Wood, Inst. Laws Eng., 436. Where no Uses are Declared, the Feoffment, Fine or Recovery shall enure to the Use of the Feoffor, Cognizor, etc.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), V. 525. Supposing the Earl of Derby a feoffee to use,… still the grant … was free and gratuitous.
1888. Encycl. Brit., XXIII. 596/1. This alienation of land in use was looked upon with great disfavour by the common law courts.
5. The fact of using money borrowed or lent at a premium.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 283. [They] choose … to pawn them for to borrow money thereupon & pay for use.
1607. Harington, Nugæ Ant. (1804), II. 232. Sending some present, enough perhaps to pay for the use of 1000 li.
1641. Aldeburgh Rec., in N. & Q., 12th Ser. IX. 146/2. Rec[ei]vd of Mr. John Blowers for one yeeres use of 40 li. 2 [li.] 16. 00.
1729. Jacob, Law Dict., s.v. Usury, Reasonable Interest may be taken for the Use of Money at this Day.
1767. Blackstone, Comm., II. 454. When money is lent on a contract to receive … an increase by way of compensation for the use.
1862. [see USANCE 4 b].
b. Premium on money lent to another; interest, usury. Now dial. or arch. Freq. to † take or pay use.
In frequent use from c. 1612 to c. 1690.
1611. Rich, Honest. Age (Percy Soc.), 60. Therefore, (sayth the Vsurer), we may take vse of him that is rich.
1655. Stanley, Hist. Philos., III. (1687), 104/2. If the Moon Ne’r rise again, I’me bound to pay no use…. ’Cause use you know is paid by th’ Month.
1690. Child, Disc. Trade, 207. With them … there is not any Use for Money tollerated, above the rate of Six in the Hundred.
1728. T. Sheridan, trans. Persius, vi. 93. Do not you … advise me, to live upon the Use of my Money.
1747. Mem. Nutrebian Crt., I. 55. On whom he settled the use of 20,000 crowns for her life.
1825. Jamieson.
1869–. in dialect use (Eng. Dial. Dict.).
1872. Tennyson, Foresters, IV. ‘Here be one thousand marks.’… ‘Ay, ay, but there is use, four hundred marks.’
fig. 1599. Shaks., Much Ado, II. i. 286. Hee lent it [sc. his heart] me a while, and I gaue him vse for it, a double heart.
1628. Earle, Microcosm., Vniuersitie Dunne (Arb.), 74. The sole place to supply him is the Butterie, where hee takes grieuous vse vpon your Name.
1648. J. Beaumont, Psyche, VI. ccxxiii. The Serpent, whose illustrious skin Plaid with the Sunne and sent him back his beams With glorious Use.
1784. Cowper, Task, III. 364. Human life Is but a loan to be repaid with use.
1874. Hardy, Far fr. Mad. Crowd, xli. You’ll never see Fanny Robin no more—use nor principal—ma’am.
transf. 1637. in Verney Mem. (1907), I. 104. He threatens to make him pay use for his barn.
c. In the phr. at, to, † upon (…) use. Now dial.
(a) 1598. E. Guilpin, Skial. (1878), 21. As heresie he shuns all merriment, And turn’d good husband, puts forth sighs to vse.
1631. Massinger, Emperor East, I. ii. I, alas! Lend out my labouring brains to use, and sometimes For a drachma in the pound.
1642. D. Rogers, Naaman, 158. I would not put my mony to use; but that it is against a Common wealth to keepe it.
1680. R. L’Estrange, Erasm. Colloq. (1725), 248. They Buy, they Sell, they take to Use, they put to Use.
1700. Astry, trans. Saavedra-Faxardo, II. 149. We read, that Pompey put out his Money to Use.
1738. trans. Guazzo’s Art Convers., 43. Two Florentine Brethren, who let out their Money to Use.
1785. Cumberland, Natural Son, v. (ed. 2), 82. You are my own son;—you have put my money out to use already.
(b) 1618. Barnevelt’s Apol., C 4 b. Our last borrowed money is … at vse at sixteene.
1656. Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., 95. One Menalcas … took up money at use.
1727. Swift, To Earl of Oxford, Wks. 1755, III. II. 47. Is your money out at use?
1784. R. Bage, Barham Downs, I. 172. I had three hundred pounds at use.
1814. Scott, Wav., xlii. If his honour had mair ready siller … he could put it out at use … at great profit.
1841. Hartshorne, Salop Ant., Gloss, 606. Money out at use.
1849–. in dialect use (Eng. Dial. Dict., s.v.).
(c) 1622. Mabbe, trans. Aleman’s Guzman d’Alf., II. 251. Let him but take vp so much vpon Vse.
1630. R. Johnson’s Kingd. & Commw., 353. Some doe give voluntarily, others doe lend frankly, or upon light use.
1667. Duchess of Newcastle, Life Duke of N. (1886), II. 146. The loss of my Lord’s estate, in plain rents, as also upon ordinary use.
† d. Use upon (also on) use, compound interest; excessive interest. Also fig. Obs.
[1591. Sylvester, Du Bartas, I. iii. 521. You City-Vipers, that (incestious) joyn Use vpon use, begetting Coyn of Coyn!]
1620. Sanderson, Serm. (1632), 111. Your vse vpon vse, that doubleth the principall in seven yeares, is nothing to it.
1651. Cleveland, Smectymnuus, 70. No Eccho can improve the Author more, Whose lungs paies use on use to half a score.
1682. Sir T. Browne, Chr. Mor. (1756), 15. To famish in plenty, and live poorly to die rich, were multiplying improvement in madness, and use upon use in folly.
6. Employment or usage resulting in, or such as to cause, impairment, wear, etc.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 522/2. Weryn or wax olde and febyl by vse,… veterasco, vetero, invetero.
1670. Sir Sackville Crow, in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 15. Theire ordnary designes [in tapestry] … with a whiles use will soone loose theire luster.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 6. All other Themes that careless Minds invite, Are worn with Use.
1755. Johnson, To wear,… to waste with use or time.
1840. Dickens, Old C. Shop, xvii. Everything told of long use and quiet slow decay.
1848. Mill, Pol. Econ., I. 44. Although deteriorated in some small degree by each use, it does not do its work by being deteriorated.
1904. Verney Memoirs, I. 68. The wear and tear of even holiday use.
II. Habit of using.
7. With the. The habitual, usual, or common practice; continual, repeated, or accustomed employment or exercise; habit, custom. (Cf. 9.)
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 9402. Þe wone & hus [v.r. vse] þat ȝe abbeþ euere ibe aboue þat aȝte make ȝou abbe to fiȝte þe betere loue.
a. 1400–50. Alexander, 2950. Sen þe vse is here vn-honorable here I þam lefe.
c. 1480. Henryson, Sheep & Dog, ii. By the vse, and cours, and commoun style On this maner [he] maid his Citatioun.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, s.v. Usus, To suche a one as was nowe paste the vse and custome of lewde doeynge.
1577. B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., II. 66. The vse of sowing of them is best.
1594. Marlowe & Nashe, Dido, I. i. It is the vse for Turen maides to weare Their bowe and quiuer in this modest sort.
1604. Jas. I., Counterbl. to Tobacco, To Rdr. The vile vse (or other abuse) of taking Tobacco.
1637. Earl Monm., trans. Malvezzi’s Romulus & Tarquin, 209. The use of seeing dead men takes mercy totally away. Ibid. (1656), trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnassus, II. xxviii. 271. The use of being drunk, being rather a piece of publick cunning amongst the Dutch, then [etc.].
1720. Ozell, Vertot’s Rom. Rep. (1740), II. xi. 170. Metellus Pius commanded them, as a Proconsul, according to the Use of those Days.
1725. Pope, Odyssey, X. 551. The cause remov’d, habitual griefs remain, And the soul saddens by the use of pain.
1825. Scott, Betrothed, xxi. One not in the use to speak before his purpose was fixed.
1854. C. Wordsw., Misc. (1879), I. 104. The use is inveterate, and it would be difficult to reform it.
1877. Mrs. Oliphant, Makers Flor., iv. 112. The painter followed the religious use and wont of his time.
b. In the phr. as the use is, etc. Cf. 9 b.
1432. in 15th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. VIII. 44. The saidis Jone and Elisabeth sall be handfast, as the oys is, in haly Kirk.
c. 1475. Harl. Contin. Higden (Rolls), VIII. 441. That men electe to be bischoppes … may … be confermede of theire metropolitans as the use was afore.
1535. Coverdale, Judith xvi. 20. The people was ioyfull, as the vse is.
1611. Bible, 2 Macc. xii. 39. Vpon the day following as the vse had bene,… his company came to take vp the bodies.
1633. P. Fletcher, Purple Isl., I. v. Wake thy … Muse, And thank them with a song, as is the use.
1871. W. Alexander, Johnny Gibb, xxxv. They fixed it [sc. the settlement of the minister], as the use and wont is, for a week day.
c. With limiting genitive or possessive pron.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 15. Upon the hond to were a Schoo … Acordeth noght to the behove Of resonable mannes us.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 6426. Nay, warloghe wolfe,… Þat neuer of forray art full, with þi foule vse.
c. 1425. Cast. Persev., 774, in Macro Plays, 100. Messenger, do now þyne vse! Ibid., 949. Do now wel ȝoure olde owse whanne ȝe com to Mankynde!
1432. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 404/1. Eny clothis … made aftre the use of the Countrey.
1535. Coverdale, 2 Macc. xi. 25. That they maye lyue acordinge to the vse & custome of their forefathers.
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 89. His vse was to ride with a thousande horses continually.
c. 1600. Shaks., Sonn., lxxviii. So oft haue I inuok’d thee for my Muse,… As euery Alien pen hath got my vse.
1609. Dekker, Gull’s Horn-bk., V. 22. Let it be your vse to repaire thither some halfe houre after eleuen.
1612. Shelton, Quix., I. iv. (1620), 24. It is the vse of Cowards to doe that which thou dost.
1670. Walton, Lives, II. 126. After his customary publick Devotions, his use was to retire into his Study.
1800. Wordsw., Michael, 155. Not alone For pastime and delight, as is the use Of fathers.
1836. Husenbeth, Faberism Exposed, v. 528. The use and practice of the Catholic Church … of reordaining clerical converts from the Anglican Church.
1864. Tennyson, Aylmer’s F., 566. The gentle creature shut from all Her charitable use,… slowly lost … her hold on life.
8. A custom, habit, or practice.
c. 1350. Lybeaus Disc., 752. In fyghtyng he hath an us Knyghtes to begyle.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., II. v. 376. In till Egipt … That wys is kepit to þis day.
c. 1450. Mirk’s Festial, I. 113. Þou marterys me by a foule vse and custom of sweryng.
c. 1489. Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, ix. 200. Be not dismayed for no thynge, for this is but an vse of werre; suche a thyng befalleth often to many one.
1542. Boorde, Dyetary (1870), 252. Englande hath an euyll vse in syttynge longe at dyner.
1587. R. Hovenden, in Collect. (O.H.S.), I. 217. We never let our woods but once and that by great oversight: this one tyme we trust your Lordship will not count an use.
1601. Hakluyt, Galvano’s Discov. World, 15. It was a vse also … to passe to India by land.
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage (1614), 749. They haue a filthy and detestable vse in marrying their Maidens.
1721. Kelly, Scot. Prov., 272. An ill Use ought to be early broken off.
1728. Chambers, Cycl. (1738), s.v., Uses and Customs of the sea.
1819. Shelley, Cenci, IV. iv. 177. She knows not yet the uses of the world.
1875. Gladstone, Glean. (1879), VI. 124. When such an use came in, it was thought to be like a sign of the double superlative in High Churchmanship.
9. Without article. Accustomed practice or procedure; habit, usage, custom, wont. (Cf. 7.) Also (b) coupled with synonymous term, esp. wont.
(a) c. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 7634. Planetes … styk noght fast, als smale sternes dose, Ilk ane his course mase thurgh use.
1340–70. Alex. & Dind., 720. Ȝe schullen bi ordre of vse offren to venus A ful derworþe douue.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 133. The which to comun us is strange.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 273. Opon þe day of his translacion it was vse to bere his bonys furth of þe kurk.
c. 1480. Henryson, Fox & Wolf, 173. Use drawis Nature swa in propertie Of beist and man, that neidlingis thay man do As thay of lang tyme hes bene hantit to.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, s.v. Usus, Vse, the inuentour of woordes.
1585. Fetherstone, trans. Calvin on Acts vi. 2. Vse is the father of wisdome.
1651. Hobbes, Leviath., II. xxvi. 138. Long Use obtaineth the authority of a Law.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., II. 366. So strong is Custom; such Effects can Use In tender Souls of pliant Plants produce.
1733. Swift, Apology, Wks. 1755, IV. I. 212. Madam, the mighty pow’r of use Now strangely pleads in my excuse.
1781. Cowper, Convers., 189. To rush into a fixt eternal state,… Whatever use may urge, or honour plead, On reason’s verdict is a madman’s deed.
1812. Cary, Dante, Parad., XXVI. 135. In mortals, use Is as the leaf upon the bough: that goes, And other comes instead.
(b) 1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 162 b. Let vs not come to ye chirche by vse and custome, as the oxe to his stall.
1609. Skene, Reg. Maj., 44. He craues onelie na other service, bol vse and wont.
1689. in Acts Parlt. Scotl. (1875), XII. 58/2. Þat the maltmen þer be lyable for the excyse according to use and wont.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Language, ’Tis Use and Custom is the Rule of a Language.
1762. in Nairne Peerage Evidence (1874), 95. Priviledges belonging to the said lands conform to use and wont.
1805. Wordsw., Prelude, XIV. 158. The tendency … Of use and custom to bow down the soul Under a growing weight of vulgar sense.
1825. R. Wilson, Sk. Hist. Hawick, 190. This tax,… by the law of ‘use and wont,’… has become part and parcel of the system.
1850. Tennyson, In Mem., xxix. 11. Make one wreath more for Use and Wont, That guard the portals of the house.
attrib. 1845. Carlyle, Cromwell (1871), 1V. 42. Constitutional Presbyterian persons, Use-and-wont Neuters.
1885. Pater, Marius, I. 131. A careless, half-conscious, ‘use-and-wont’ reception of our experience.
b. Sc. In the phr. as use is, etc. Cf. 7 b.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, xvii. (Egipciane), 126. Syne, as oyse was, Þai entryt in þare oratore.
1423. in Charters, &c. of Edinburgh (1871), 55. Payand of the chaldre as vse and custume is and as thai war wont to pay [etc.].
1549. Reg. Aberdon. (Maitl. Cl.), I. 434. As vse euer hes beyne in tyme bygane.
1557. Reg. Cupar Abbey, II. 140. Payand ȝerle … ten merkis money…, as vse and wont wes.
1697. Jedburgh Fleshers’ Book (MS.). [He] has payed all dewes as use is.
c. Freq. in the phr. in (…) use. Also (chiefly Sc.), to be in use of, or to (do something).
(a) c. 1450. Mirk’s Festial, I. 45. Mony fals opynyons of wychecraft … þe whech ben noght to telle among crysten men, lest þay wer drawen yn vse.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, Increbuit consuetudo, the custome did grow in vse.
1579. Spenser, Lett. to Harvey, Poet. Wks. (1912), 635/2. As for the twoo worthy Gentlemen,… they haue me … in some vse of familiarity.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacr., II. vii. § 9. The reason of the ceremoniall precepts did respect the customs in use when they were given.
(b) 1504. Munim. de Melros (Bann. Cl.), 601. That the said schirref was in vse of calling of the said landis … in thare courtis.
1574. Reg. Privy Council Scot., II. 389. He has bene in use of pament of the soume of fourtie pundis yeirlie. Ibid. (1581), III. 399. They wer nevir in use of setting of new takkis befoir the expyring of the auld.
1800. A. Carlyle, Autobiog. (1860), 44. I was in use of going to my father’s on Saturdays.
(c) 1566. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 492. The Personis of Glasgow hes alwayis bene in use to furneis breid.
c. 1630. Sir T. Hope, Minor Practicks (1726), 26. The Executors … are in Use … to protest that [etc.].
1759. Robertson, Hist. Scot. (1761), II. 77. The respect, with which the Scots were in use to receive her ministers.
1780. Mirror, No. 101. He too had been in use to talk of feeling and of sentiment.
1829. Bentham, Justice & Cod. Petit., 82. A multitude of distinguishable sources, out of which complexity is in use to arise.
1862. Chambers’s Encycl., III. 608/2. The emperors were in use expressly to confer upon the universities the right of appointing doctors of laws.
† d. Ordinary or usual experience. Obs.–1
1588. Kyd, Househ. Phil., Wks. (1901), 266. One should so helpe another as wee see by vse in our owne bodies; when the one leg is weary we can rest it on the other [etc.].
1601. Sir W. Cornwallis, Ess., II. xxxii. But to my vse, we leaue our women ignorant, and so leaue them fearefull.
10. Const. of. a. Opportunity, occasion, habit, or practice of using. Chiefly to have the use of.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter lii. 2. Thai ere brokyn fra oyse and strenght of reson.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 453. As seyntes þat ben in heuene han vss of alle þes worldly godis. Ibid. Þis is þe freest vss þat men han off worldly godis.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, Ususfructuarius,… he that hath the vse and fruite of a thyng, but not the proprietie.
1577. Holinshed, Chron., I. Hist. Scotl., xiv. 21/2. The Pict (saith Herodian) hath generally no vse of apparell.
1590. Sir J. Smyth, Disc. Weapons, 42 b. The weapon of all others that God hath put into the hearts of men, to deuise and vse … to chasten … other such Nations, as … had the perfect vse of the same.
1656. H. Phillips, Purch. Patt. (1676), 137. Men, who have daily use hereof, have tables and lines upon their Rulers.
1698. T. Froger, Voy., 75. Not having the use or knowledge of iron.
1715. Leoni, Palladio’s Archit. (1742), I. 82. The Ancients not having had the Use of Stirrups.
1774. J. Bryant, Mythol., I. 341. They had the use of the sphere, and were acquainted with the zodiac.
1780. Mirror, No. 81. I was never allowed the use of my limbs, because I could afford a coach.
1814. Wordsw., Excurs., V. 849. Nature’s … higher creatures born and trained To use of reason.
1826. Galt, Last of Lairds, ix. 85. Considering the use ye have had of his money.
b. The power of using some faculty, etc.; ability to use or employ.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 432/1. Fyue wymmen … recouerd the use of goyng whiche they had loste by dyuers sekenesse.
1539. Elyot, Cast. Helth (1541), 64. Passions of the mynde … bryng a man from the vse of reason, and somtime in the displeasure of almightye God.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., Ep. Ded. He had the exquisite vse of two and twenty sundry tongues.
1592. in J. Morris, Troubles Cath. Forefathers (1877), 30. Another Catholic, that had but the use of one of his hands.
1610. Shaks., Temp., III. iii. 38. People … expressing (Although they want the vse of tongue) a kinde Of excellent dumbe discourse.
a. 1654. Gataker, Antid. Errour, Ep. Ded. (1670), A 3 b. If God had granted him a little longer use of light [= life].
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 36, ¶ 8. How hard a thing it is for those to keep Silence who have the Use of Speech.
1753. Challoner, Cath. Chr. Instr., 23. Till a Person is come to the Use of Reason.
1859. Tennyson, Merlin & V., 495. She lay as dead, And lost all use of life.
1860. Mrs. Carlyle, Lett. (1883), III. 51. ‘Little darling’ has lost the use of an arm and hand by paralysis.
11. The act of accustoming or fact of being accustomed by repeated exercise, employment, application, etc.; habituation, practice.
1363. Wyclif, 1 Sam. xvii. 39. Thanne Dauid … began to asaye if armyd he myȝte goo…. And Dauid seide to Saul, I may not thus goo, for and vse I haue not.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 508/1. Vse, oftyne tymys, þat ys callyd excersyse,… erercicium.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, VIII. 1259. Lang ws in wer gert thaim desyr thair will.
1529. More, Dyaloge, I. Wks. 144/2. Howe far so euer his people fal from the vse of vertue.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, C viii. When men can by muche vse, leape, wrastle, or cast the barre, better then any other.
a. 1586. Sidney, Astroph. & Stella, cvii. Giue thy lieuetenancie To this great cause, which needes both use and art.
1680. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., xii. 203. Use has made the Mawl more handy for them.
a. 1774. Goldsm., trans. Scarron’s Com. Romance (1773), I. 154. I frequented all the fencing-schools to keep my hand in vse.
1788. Gibbon, Decl. & F., xli. IV. 130. The infantry … yielded to the more prevailing use and reputation of the cavalry.
1805. Wordsw., Prelude, VII. 332. Ere we have learnt by use to slight the crimes And sorrows of the world.
1819. Shelley, Cenci, III. i. 173. Should the offender live?… and make, by use, His crime Thine … element.
12. Eccl. The distinctive ritual and liturgy, form of service or public worship, that prevailed or obtained in a particular church, province, diocese, community, etc. Now Hist.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Sel. Wks., III. 202. To seie matynes and masse and evensong bi Salisbury uss. Ibid., 482.
c. 1450. St. Cuthbert (Surtees), 7549. Of monkys vse þai saide þair houres.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, X. 1006. Salysbery oyss our clerkis than has tan.
1527. Prymer (title-p.), This prymer of Salysbury vse.
1548–9. (title) The Booke of the Common Prayer … after the vse of the Churche of England. Ibid., Pref. Some folowyng Salsbury vse, some Herford vse, some the use of Bangor, some of Yorke, and some of Lincolne. Ibid. From hencefurth, all the whole realme shall haue but one vse.
1590. in Fuller, Ch. Hist. (1655), IX. 198. The said Thomas Cartwright … conformed himself in both to the use and form of some other forraign Churches.
1636. Pagitt, Christianogr., III. 95. The Popes Legates … brought in the Roman use or service into Ireland.
1643. Baker, Chron., Hen. V., 58. In his third year, the order of Church Service … was changed from the use of Pauls to the use of Salisbury.
1849. Rock, Ch. of Fathers, I. v. (1903), I. 321. Almost the whole of the Salisbury Use had been printed while this country was still Catholic.
1878. Simmons, Lay Folks Mass Bk., 89. The Order of Mass for Trinity Sunday, according to the use of York. Ibid., 354. A comparative calendar and index of fixed feasts, so necessary in the identification of uses.
b. Religions rite or ceremony observed in particular services of the church; a customary form of religious observance or service.
1382. Wyclif, Exod. xxvii. 19. Alle the vessels of the tabernacle, into alle vsis and serymonyes,… thow shalt make of brasse.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., II. 715. His body … Was put in honest sepulture, Wiþ swylk oysse and solempnyte As þat tyme was in þat cuntre.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., 34. He him selfe … cannot tell what time this accustomed vse of masse … came vp.
1877. A. J. Ross, Mem. A. Ewing, 180. Some very remarkable ‘uses’…, such as mixing water with the wine in the Holy Communion.
1889. Pater, G. de Latour (1896), 39. This mother of churches, which had also its own picturesque peculiarities of ‘use.’
1897. Daily News, 12 April, 6/7. The revived ‘use’ of the Victorian era in the Anglican Church.
13. The custom, usage, or practice obtaining or prevailing in a particular country, community, etc.
1432–50. trans. Higden (Rolls), I. 401. The vse of that cuntre differrethe from the rite of Englonde in clothenge,… and in mony other thynges.
c. 1450. Capgrave, Life St. Augustine, 47. I trowe þat he had þe vse of Itaile whilles he studied þere, and coude not litly out of þe same vse, for þei ete not mech at onys.
c. 1500. Melusine, xxvi. 207. The halle was hanged nobly with ryche clothes after the vse of the land.
1582. N. Lichefield, trans. Castanheda’s Conq. E. Ind., I. lxxvi. 155. His night gowne was … after the French use laced about, with lase of golde.
1885. Dunckley, in Manch. Weekly Times, 23 May, 5/6. The proper pronunciation … was handed down by oral tradition and by the use of the synagogue.
† b. Sc. Accustomed manner of life. Obs.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., VII. 1218. His awyn oysse to lif wertual, May mirroure and ensampil be Til alkyn statis.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, VII. 1279. In wtlaw oys he lewit thar but let.
III. Manner of using.
14. Manner or mode of employing, applying, turning to account, etc.: a. With qualifying adjs.
c. 1325. Metr. Hom., 3. That wisdom … That God hauis giuen us for to spend, In god oys til our liues end.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter lxxvii. 14. He gifis þaim … riches, and þai dispend þaim in ill oyse. Ibid. (c. 1340), Prose Tr., 11. All maner of wilfull pollusyone procurede one any maner agaynes kyndly oys.
1390. Gower, Conf., III. 136. Loke wel that he ne schifte Hise wordes to no wicked us.
1526. Tindale, Romans i. 27. Lyke wyse also the men lefte the naturall vse of the woman.
1563. Homilies, II. Use of Ch., II. Cc iij. Concernyng the right vse of the temple of god.
1592. Wyrley (title), The True Vse of Armorie, shewed by Historie.
1667. Milton, P. L., IV. 204. [He] perverts best things To worst abuse, or to thir meanest use.
1781. Cowper, Retirem., 170. Nor these alone prefer a life recluse, Who seek retirement for its proper use.
1804. Med. Jrnl., XII. 433. The result of the advantageous use of that remedy.
b. Without qualification.
1624. E. Gunter (title), The Description and vse of the Sector. The Crosse-staffe and other instruments.
1669. Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., I. ii. 5. So have you made the Mariner’s Sta.Compass. The Use shall be shew’d in its place.
1703. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., 348. The use of the Line of Chords. As its use is very easie, so its convenience is very great.
15. With a and pl. A manner or method of using, utilizing, or employing; an instance of this. To make a … use of: cf. 1 c.
1386. Rolls of Parlt., III. 226/1. The whiche comune wronge uses [or the king’s power], and many other if it lyke to yow mowe be shewed.
1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., ¶ 4. But what mention wee three or foure vses of the Scripture?
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 154. If they casually finde a piece of paper that has his [sc. Jesus’] name in it, they preserue it from all bad uses.
1651. J. Reading, Guide to Holy City, xxxv. 428. To make a more thankfull, prudent, and holy use thereof [sc. of health].
1725. Watts, Logic (1736), 359. There is a proper Use to be made of large Paraphrases. Ibid. There is also a Use of shorter Hints.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), VI. 250. With respect to their [sc. animals] uses indeed,… they differ much.
1819. Shelley, Cenci, IV. iii. 55. Thou wert a weapon in the hand of God To a just use.
1825. Scott, Talism., xii. A use of the weapon, sometimes … resorted to, when a missile was necessary.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., vi. II. 64. He … made so dexterous an use of the influence of that cabal that [etc.].
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), IV. 157. Some of these uses of the word are confusing.
IV. Purpose served by the thing used.
16. A purpose, object, or end, esp. of a useful or advantageous nature.
c. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 3674. Yhit may it availle to a gude use.
1382. Wyclif, Titus iii. 14. Forsothe and oure men lerne for to be bifore in good werkis, to necessarie vses, that thei be not vnfruytouse.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., II. 246. He ordaynyt þe iugis set [= seat] To be for þat oysse þe market.
1495. Glanvil, Trevisa’s Barth. De P. R., V. lxiv. (W. de W.), 182. Skynnes of beestes ben graunted to men for ryght many maners and dyuerse vses.
1552–3. in Feuillerat, Revels. Edw. VI. (1914), 104. Prouided for lynyng of … his officers garmentes and like vses.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxxix. § 1. If we … convert some small contemptible portion thereof to charitable uses.
1623. J. Taylor (Water P.), Discov. by Sea, B 8 b. At his death perhaps … he will giue … a little money to Pious vses.
1669. Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., II. vi. 67. This is sufficient for that Use, to shew you the difference between the true Compass and the Steering Compass.
1726. Swift, Gulliver, I. viii. I had the tallow … for greasing my boat, and other uses.
1736. Act 9 Geo. II., c. 36. Many large … Alienations or Dispositions made by … Persons, to Uses called Charitable Uses.
1818. Shelley, Julian & Maddalo, 100. I … saw … A building on an island; such a one As age to age might add, for uses vile.
1842. Tennyson, Day-Dream, 201. To what uses shall we put The wildweed-flower that simply blows?
b. With limiting genitive phr. or poss. pron.
1382. Wyclif, Exod. xxx. 37. Siche a makynge ȝe shulen not make into ȝoure owne vses.
1535. Coverdale, Baruch vi. 10. The prestes … take the golde and syluer from them, and put it to their owne vses.
1550. Extr. Aberd. Reg. (1844), I. 277. That tha may caus mak inuintour thairof to be keipit to the vsis of the altaragis thairof in tymes cuming.
1600. Shaks., 2 Hen. IV., II. i. 127 (Q. 1). You haue … made her serue your vses both in purse and in person.
1654. Nicholas Papers (Camden), II. 43. There is some oweing to me, that I have layd out for his Highnes uses.
1673. Ray, Journ. Low C., 36. To cast the Rain Water … into a large Cistern, where it is kept for the uses of the House.
† c. The provision, supplying, or maintenance of something. Obs. rare.
1382. Wyclif, 2 Sam. xxiv. 22. Hast thou … a wayn, and ȝockis of oxen into the vse of trees [1388 in to vss of wode].
1427. Cov. Leet Bk., 110. Dyuers somes … to go to þe vce of vestments of þe Trinite chirche. Ibid. (1496), 572. Euery other person [to pay] … xx d. to þe vse of þe Cundith. Ibid. (1497), 587.
† d. A part of a sermon or homily devoted to the practical application of doctrine. Obs.
1631. Massinger, Emperor East, III. ii. I am so tir’d With your tedious exhortations, doctrines, vses, Of your religious morality.
1641. Brome, Joviall Crew, Ded. I will winde up all, with a Use of Exhortation.
1679. South, Serm., 43. I proceed now to the Uses which may be drawn from the Truths delivered.
1734. Watts, Reliq. Juv. (1789), 81. In his last sermon he had an use of reproof, for some vices which were practised … in his parish.
1816. Scott, Old Mort., xvii. A … devout, Christian woman, whom many thought as good as himself at extracting a doctrine or an use. Ibid., xviii. The discourse … was divided into fifteen heads, each of which was garnished with seven uses of application.
fig. 1632. Massinger, Maid of Hon., II. i. When you had been Cudgell’d well twice or thrice, and from the doctrine Made profitable uses.
e. Forging. (See quots. 1861 and 1875.)
1783. H. Cort, in Patents Manuf. Iron (1858), 10. Peculiar method … of preparing, welding, and working various sorts of iron, and of reducing the same into uses by machinery.
1861. Sir W. Fairbairn, Iron, 102. The forging of ‘uses,’ that is,… those peculiar forms so extensively in demand for steam-engines, steam-boats, railway carriages, and other works.
1863. Appleby’s Handbk. Mach. & Iron Work, 49. Forgings…. Boss Uses.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 2685. Use,… a slab of iron welded to the side of a bar near the end, to be drawn down by the hammer in prolongation of the length of the bar.
17. The fact or quality of serving the needs or ends of a person or persons.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter, iv. 8. Whet, wyne and oile … ere mast nedful til mannys oise.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XIX. 196. [They] distroyit the men ilkane, And till thar oys thar gude has tane.
c. 1400. Maundev. (Roxb.), xviii. 84. Of þe whyte peper sell þai bot lytill,… bot kepez it till þair awen vse.
c. 1450. Lovelich, Merlin, 946 (Kölbing). God to his ws hath taken it, trewly.
c. 1480. Henryson, Pract. Medecyne, 47. This vntment is rycht ganand for ȝour awin vs.
1522. in Ripon Ch. Acts (Surtees), 357. To the usse and behowe of Cecill my wiffe.
1560. Bible, Judith xii. 15. Her maide … spred for her skinnes … which she had receiued of Bagoes for her daily vse. Ibid., Wisdom xv. 7. The potter … facioneth euerie vessel with labour to our vse.
1617. J. Taylor (Water P.), Observ. & Trav. fr. London to Hamburgh, F 2. Hares … killed … and carried to the markets by cart-loads, and sold for the vse of the honourable owners.
1657. Milton, Lett. State, Wks. 1851, VIII. 387. Rice, Sugar, and Coffee … for the use of the Grand Seignior.
1713. Berkeley, Hylas & Phil., I. Wks. 1871, I. 273. Common language … is framed by and for the use of the vulgar.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), I. 230. We shall never know whether the things of this world have been made for our use.
1821. Scott, Pirate, ii. A bargain of rock-cod, purchased … for the use of the family.
1895. Scully, Kafir Stories, 106. Food for the use of the Zulus on the journey would be provided.
18. Law. The advantage of a specified person or persons in respect of profit or benefit derived from lands or tenements, etc.
In AF. the original us (also use) was later replaced by the unrelated forms oes, eus, eups, ops, oeps: see OEPS.
1393. in Collect. Topogr. (1836), III. 256. A rente charge paiable to the vs and profit of his chanterie there.
1429. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 344/1. Any of the seide Lordes shal,… to thair use or behove, receyve or take any astate, feffement, or possession of landys … that standith … in debate. Ibid. (1442), V. 57/1. The said Feffees haue no title ner interest therynne, but only upon trust, and to his use, to execute his will.
1487. Act 3 Hen. VII., c. 4. All dedes of gyfte of goodes and catalles … made of trust to thuse of that persone or persones that made the same dede of gyfte.
1535–6. Act 27 Hen. VIII., c. 10 § 4. Where … purchase of any Landes … shalbe made … to any other person or persones … to the use and behove of the seid Husbond and Wife or to the use of the wife.
1599. in Roxb. Ball. (1886), VI. p. xxvi. The somme of sixteene poundes of myne Restinge in the handes and keepinge for me and to my use of Richard Oringe.
1729. Jacob, Law Dict., Cestui que Use … signifies him to whose Use any other Man is enfeoffed of any Lands or Tenements.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 271. The lands were granted … to nominal feoffees to the use of the religious houses.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), I. 338. If the heir refuses to come in…, the Lord … may seize the estate to his own use.
1843. Penny Cycl., XXVI. 65. If a feoffment had been made to A for life to his own use, with remainder to B in fee for the use of C.
19. Office; function; service.
1509. Hawes, Past. Pleas., xxiv. (Percy Soc.), 108. This is the use of the eyene intere, To se all thynges.
1560. Bible (Genev.), 1 Chron. xxviii. 15. For the candlestickes of siluer,… and the lampes thereof, according to the vse of euerie candlesticke.
a. 1718. Prior, Alma, ii. 398. Observe but in these Neighb’ring Lands, The diff’rent Use of Mouths and Hands.
1729. Law, Serious C., iv. 47. Things may, and must differ in their use.
1811. A. T. Thomson, Lond. Disp. (1818), 442. The use of the sand in these processes is to prevent the amber … from passing over into the receiver.
1858. Sears, Athan., xviii. 161. It performs its use in the grand economy.
20. The character, property, or quality that makes a thing useful or suitable for some purpose; capability for securing some end; usefulness, utility; advantage, benefit.
1598. Manwood, Lawes Forest, To Rdr. The necessarie vse and common good, that may arise … by the publishing of this Treatise.
1628. Prynne, Cens. Cozens, 40. I would willingly learne but this much…: what vse there is of these Deuotions … in our Church or State?
1667. Milton, P. L., VII. 346. God made two great Lights, great for thir use To Man.
1700. Locke, Hum. Und. (ed. 2), IV. vii. § 14. I may have reason to think their use is not answerable to the great Stress which seems to be laid on them.
1712. Steele, Spect., No. 492, ¶ 2. Here’s a little Country Girl that’s very cunning, that makes her use of being young and unbred.
1759. Johnson, Rasselas, xxxi. He that has built for use, till use is supplied, must begin to build for vanity.
1780. Bentham, Princ. Legisl. (1789), p. ccxcv. A few words, for the purpose of giving a general view of the method of division here pursued,… may have their use.
1853. Kane, Grinnell Exp., xxix. (1856), 248. Her position changes so constantly that there is little use of recording it.
1878. T. Hardy, Ret. Native, II. ii. Is there any use in saying what can do no good, aunt?
1880. Mrs. Forrester, Roy & V., I. 3. What is the use of making up my mind.
b. In the phr. to or of (no, little, etc.) use.
(a) 1382. Wyclif, Wisdom xiii. 13. To noon vse, a crokid tree … he maketh.
1542. Udall, trans. Erasm. Apoph., 157 b. Denying the arte of geometrie … to bee to veraye litle use or purpose.
1611. Bible, Tobit vi. 6. To what vse is … the gall of the fish?
1643. Cromwell, Lett. & Sp. (1871), II. 288. It is to no use any man’s saying he will do this or that.
1868–. in Yks. and Oxford dialect use (Eng. Dial. Dict.).
(b) 1627. J. Taylor (Water P.), Armado, or Navy of Land Ships, C 1. The Snarle, a small dogged Pinnace, of more vse then profit.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 35. A Castle planted with great Ordnance and Ammunition, but of small vse.
1663. Bp. Patrick, Parab. Pilgr., xxxvi. It is a thing of great Use, and great Value.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 121, ¶ 2. Beasts and Birds … that are of Assistance and Use to Man.
1735. Johnson, Lobo’s Abyssinia, Voy. iv. 27. Some pieces of Callicoe, which were of the same Use as Money.
1810. Crabbe, Borough, xx. 322. To be of use Would pleasant thoughts and heavenly hopes produce.
1859. F. E. Paget, Curate Cumbersworth, 354. I had good reason to hope that I was being of use at Roost.
1880. Geikie, Phys. Geog., ii. 83. Snow is of great use in winter, as it protects vegetation from being nipped by severe frost.
c. With ellipse of prep.
1820. Shelley, Lett. to Maria Gisborne, 222. Alas! it is no use to say, ‘I’m poor!’
1837. J. H. Newman, Lett. (1891), II. 230. From their thinking it no use doing good, unless it is talked about.
1874. Dasent, Half a Life, III. 46. Fifty years before it might have been some use to him.
1886. ‘H. Conway,’ Living or Dead, xxv. Rothwell [tried] … to look as much at his ease as possible. But it was no use.
21. Need or occasion for using or employing; necessity, demand, exigency. Freq. to have use for (or † of).
1604. Shaks., Oth., III. iii. 319. Giue it [sc. a handkerchief] me…. I haue vse for it.
1607. Norden, Surv. Dial., 213. For there is no Country … but hath vse of timber.
1633. Bp. Hall, Hard Texts, N. T., 95. Not out of any necessity or use of nature … he took that fish.
1672. Mede’s Wks. (ed. 3), Life, p. xxxvi. A Book of Mathematicks which he had great use of, and had long thirsted after.
1695. Dryden, Parallel Poetry & Paint., Ess. (ed. Ker), II. 140. Our author calls them figures to be let; because the picture has no use of them.
1826. Andrew Scott, Poems, 39. The warld will still have use for you and me.
1854. H. Miller, Sch. & Schm., vii. There was no use, they said, for being in the Devil’s Cave so late.
b. In the phr. to have no use for, to be set against; to wish to have nothing to do with; to dislike. Orig. U.S.
1887. Trans. Amer. Philol. Assoc., XVII. 46. I have no use for him—don’t like him.
1896. Harper’s Mag., XCII. 771/1. Bülow … spoke his mind freely to his adjutant. ‘I have no use for Bernadotte,’ said he.
1903. ‘H. S. Merriman,’ Last Hope, xl. The Marquis had … spoken in French, and the Captain had no use for that language.
V. 22. attrib. and Comb., as use-value; use-established, -making, -trampler; use-forge (see 16 e and FORGE sb.): use-inheritance (see quot. 1890). Also USE-MAN, -MONEY.
1608. Dod & Cleaver, Expos. Prov. ix.–x. 15. A profitable use-making of the undeserued favour … shewed unto them.
1617. Hieron, Wks. (1620), II. 290. The well vnderstanding and right vse-making of these.
1873. Iron, 5 April, 356/1. A use forge with a 45-cwt. double-acting Nasmyth’s steam hammer.
1887. Browning, Parleyings, Apollo & Fates, 61. What if we granted—law flouter, use-trampler—His life at the suit of an upstart?
1887. trans, Marx’ Capital, I. 2. The utility of a thing makes it a use-value. Ibid. Use-values become a reality only by use or consumption.
1890. W. P. Ball, Effects Use & Disuse, 23. The increasing difficulty of complex evolution by natural selection is no proof whatever of use-inheritance. [Note.] I venture to coin this concise term to signify the direct inheritance of the effects of use and disuse in kind.
1897. Month, April, 364. ‘Mass,’ in the honest, use-established sense, means the Roman Mass.
