~ 1
■ noun
1》 a long rigid piece of wood, metal, or similar material, used as an obstruction, fastening, or weapon.
↘a sandbank or shoal at the mouth of a harbour or an estuary.
↘ Brit. a metal strip below the clasp of a medal, awarded as an additional distinction.
↘ Heraldry a charge in the form of a narrow horizontal stripe across the shield.
2》 a counter in a pub or cafe across which drinks or refreshments are served.
↘a room in a pub, restaurant, or hotel in which alcohol is served.
↘an establishment where alcohol and other refreshments are served.
↘a small shop or stall serving refreshments or providing a specified service: a snack ~.
3》 a ~rier or restriction to action or advance: a ~ to promotion.
↘a plea arresting an action or claim in a law case.
4》 Music any of the short sections or measures into which a piece of music is divided, shown on a score by vertical lines across the stave.
5》 ( the ~ ) a partition in a court room, now usually notional, beyond which most people may not pass and at which an accused person stands.
↘ Brit. a rail marking the end of each chamber in the Houses of Parliament.
6》 ( the Bar ) the profession of ~rister.
↘ Brit. ~risters collectively.
↘ N. Amer. lawyers collectively.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ring , ~red )
1》 fasten with a ~ or ~s.
2》 prohibit from doing something or going somewhere.
↘exclude from consideration.
↘ Law prevent or delay (an action) by objection.
3》 mark with ~s or stripes.
■ preposition chiefly Brit. except for.
↘ Brit. Horse Racing except the horses indicated (used when stating the odds).
Phrases
~ none with no exceptions.
be called (or go ) to the Bar Brit. be admitted as a ~rister.
be called within the Bar Brit. be appointed a Queen's Counsel.
behind ~s in prison.
Derivatives
~red adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~re (n.), ~rer (v.), of unknown origin.
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~ 2
■ noun a unit of pressure equivalent to a hundred thousand newtons per square metre or approximately one atmosphere.
Origin
early 20th cent.: from Gk ~os 'weight'.