■ verb
1》 cry out to (someone) in order to summon them or attract their attention.
↘telephone.
↘bring (a witness) into court to give evidence.
↘ Bridge make (a particular bid) during the auction.
2》 (of an animal, especially a bird) make its characteristic cry.
3》 give a specified name to.
↘address by a specified name, title, etc.
↘consider or describe (someone or something) as being: he's the only person I would ~ a friend.
4》 pay a brief visit.
↘( ~ for ) stop to collect.
↘( ~ at ) (of a train or coach) stop at (a specified station) on a particular route.
5》 fix a date or time for (a meeting, strike, or election).
↘predict the outcome of (a future event).
6》 dated inspire or urge to do something.
7》 Computing cause the execution of (a subroutine).
8》 Cricket (of an umpire) no-ball (a bowler) for throwing.
■ noun
1》 a cry made as a summons or to attract attention.
↘a telephone communication.
↘ Bridge a bid, response, or double.
2》 the characteristic cry of a bird or other animal.
3》 ( ~ for ) an appeal or demand for.
↘[usu. with negative ] demand or need for: there is little ~ for antique furniture.
4》 a brief visit.
5》 a vocation: his ~ to be a disciple.
6》 a shout by an official in a game indicating that the ball has gone out of play or that a rule has been breached.
Phrases
at ~ see on ~ (sense 2).
~ attention to cause people to notice.
~ something into (or in ) question cast doubt on something.
the ~ of nature euphemistic a need to urinate or defecate.
~ the shots (or tune ) take the initiative in deciding how something should be done.
~ someone/thing to order ask those present at a meeting to be silent so that business may proceed.
on ~
1》 available to provide a professional service if necessary, but not formally on duty.
2》 (of money lent) repayable on demand.
Phrasal verbs
~ for require; demand.
~ someone/thing down cause someone or something to appear or occur.
~ something in require payment of a loan or promise of money.
~ something off cancel an event or agreement.
~ on/upon have recourse to.
~ someone up summon someone to serve in the army or to play in a team.
~ something up summon for use something that is stored or kept available.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
OE ceallian , from ON kalla 'summon loudly'.