~ 1
■ noun the pointed or rounded extremity of something slender or tapering.
↘a small part fitted to the end of an object.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 attach to or cover the ~ of.
2》 colour (something) at its ~ or edge.
3》 ( ~ something in ) (in bookbinding) paste a page to a neighbouring page with a fine layer of paste down its inner margin.
Phrases
on the ~ of one's tongue almost but not quite spoken or coming to mind.
Derivatives
~ped adjective
Origin
ME: from ON typpi (n.), typpa (v.), typptr '~ped'; related to top 1 .
————————
~ 2
■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 overbalance or cause to overbalance so as to fall or turn over.
↘be or put in a sloping position.
2》 empty out (the contents of a container) by holding it at an angle.
↘( it ~s down , it is ~ping down , etc.) Brit. informal rain heavily.
3》 strike or touch lightly.
↘move by a light strike or touch.
4》 ( ~ off ) Basketball put the ball in play by throwing it up between two opponents.
■ noun
1》 Brit. a place where rubbish is left.
↘ informal a dirty or untidy place.
2》 Baseball a pitched ball that is slightly deflected by the batter.
Phrases
~ one's hand N. Amer. informal reveal one's intentions inadvertently.
~ one's hat raise or touch one's hat as a greeting or mark of respect.
Origin
ME: perh. of Scand. origin, influenced later by ~ 1 in the sense 'touch with a ~ or point'.
————————
~ 3
■ noun
1》 a small sum of money given as a reward for services rendered.
2》 a piece of practical advice.
↘a prediction or piece of expert information about the likely winner of a race or contest.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 give a ~ to.
2》 Brit. predict as likely to win or achieve something.
3》 ( ~ someone off ) informal give someone confidential information.
Phrases
~ someone the wink Brit. informal secretly give someone confidential information.
Origin
C17 (in the sense 'give, hand'): prob. from ~ 1 .