~ 1
■ noun ( plural same) a long-bodied predatory freshwater fish with long teeth. [ Esox lucius and related species.]
↘used in names of similar predatory fish, e.g. gar~ .
Origin
ME: from ~ 2 (because of the fish's pointed jaw).
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 historical an infantry weapon with a pointed steel or iron head on a long wooden shaft.
2》 N. English (in the Lake District) a hill with a peaked top: Scafell Pike.
■ verb historical thrust through or kill with a ~.
Origin
C16: from Fr. pique , from piquer 'pierce', from pic 'pick, ~'; sense 2 is appar. of Scand. origin.
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~ 3
■ noun N. Amer. short for turn~ .
Phrases
come down the ~ informal appear on the scene; come to notice.
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~ 4
■ noun a jackknife position in diving or gymnastics.
Origin
1920s: of unknown origin.
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~ 5
■ verb Austral./NZ informal
1》 ( ~ out ) withdraw from or go back on (a plan, commitment, or agreement).
2》 ( ~ on ) let (someone) down.
Origin
ME (as ~ oneself 'take up a pilgrim's staff'): cf. Dan. pigge af 'hasten off'.