~ 1
■ noun
1》 a mechanism for keeping a door, lid, or container fastened, typically operated by a key.
↘a similar device used to prevent the operation of a vehicle or other machine.
2》 a short section of a canal or river with gates and sluices at each end which can be opened or closed to change the water level, used for raising and lowering boats.
3》 (also full ~ ) the maximum extent that the front wheels of a vehicle can be turned.
4》 (in wrestling and martial arts) a hold that prevents an opponent from moving a limb.
5》 (also ~ forward ) Rugby a player in the second row of a scrum.
6》 ( a ~ ) N. Amer. informal a certainty.
7》 archaic a mechanism for exploding the charge of a gun.
■ verb
1》 fasten or be fastened with a ~.
↘enclose or secure by ~ing a door.
↘( ~ someone up/away ) imprison someone.
↘( ~ someone out ) exclude someone.
2》 make or become rigidly fixed or immovable.
↘( ~ someone/thing in/into ) engage or entangle someone or something in (a struggle or competitive situation).
↘( ~ on to ) locate (a target) by radar or similar means and then track.
3》 go through a ~ on a canal.
Phrases
have a ~ on N. Amer. informal have an unbreakable hold on.
~ horns engage in conflict.
~, stock, and barrel including everything. [referring to the complete mechanism of a firearm.]
Derivatives
~able adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE loc , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a piece of a person's hair that coils or hangs together.
↘( ~s ) literary a person's hair.
2》 a tuft of wool or cotton.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
Origin
OE locc , of Gmc origin.