[pull] vb [ME, fr. OE pullian; akin to MLG pulen to shell, cull] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force b: to stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly "~ taffy" c: to strain abnormally "~ a tendon" d: to hold back (a racehorse) from winning e: to work (an oar) by drawing back strongly
2. a: to draw out from the skin "~ feathers from a rooster's tail" b: to pluck from a plant or by the roots "~ flowers" "~ turnips" c: extract "~ a tooth"
3: to hit (a ball) toward the left from a right-handed swing or toward the right from a left-handed swing--compare push
4: to draw apart: rend, tear
5: to print (as a proof) by impression
6: to remove from a place or situation "~ the engine" "~ed the pitcher in the third inning" "~ed the show" 7: to bring (a weapon) into the open "~ed a knife"
8. a: commit, perpetrate "~ a robbery" "~ a prank" b: to carry out as an assignment or duty 9: put on, assume "~ a grin"
10. a: to draw the support or attention of: attract "~ votes"--often used with in b: obtain, secure "~ed a B in the course" 11: to demand or obtain an advantage over someone by the assertion of "~ rank" ~ vi 1 a: to use force in drawing, dragging, or tugging b: to move esp. through the exercise of mechanical energy "the car ~ed clear of the rut" c (1): to take a drink (2): to draw hard in smoking "~ed at a pipe" d: to strain against the bit
2: to draw a gun
3: to admit of being pulled
4: to feel or express strong sympathy: root "~ing for my team to win"
5. of an offensive lineman in football: to move back from the line of scrimmage and toward one flank to provide blocking for a ballcarrier -- pull.er n -- pull a fast one : to perpetrate a trick or fraud -- pull punches also pull a punch : to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal -- pull oneself together : to regain one's composure -- pull one's leg : to deceive someone playfully: hoax -- pull one's weight : to do one's full share of the work -- pull out all the stops : to use all one's resources without restraint -- pull stakes or pull up stakes : to move out: leave -- pull strings also pull wires : to exert hidden influence or control -- pull the plug 1: to disconnect a medical life-support system
2: to withdraw essential and esp. financial support -- pull the rug from under : to weaken or unsettle esp. by removing support or assistance from -- pull the string : to throw a change-up -- pull the wool over one's eyes : to blind to the true situation: hoodwink -- pull together : to work in harmony: cooperate
[2]pull n, often attrib (14c) 1 a: the act or an instance of pulling b (1): a draft of liquid (2): an inhalation of smoke c: the effort expended in moving "a long ~ uphill" d: force required to overcome resistance to pulling "trigger ~"
2. a: advantage b: special influence
3: proof 6a
4: a device for pulling something or for operating by pulling "drawer ~"
5: a force that attracts, compels, or influences: attraction
6: an injury resulting from abnormal straining or stretching "a muscle ~" "a groin ~"