waywort (wawert)

The pimpernel, Ana gall is arvensis. [Prov. Eng.] wayz-gooset, n. [An erroneous spelling of * wase - goose , wasel + goose .] 1. A stubble goose; hence, a fat goose-that is, one ready to kill in harvest-time. 2. An entertainment given by an apprentice to his fellow-workmen, of which the goose was the crowning dish; hence, in recent times, a printers' annual dinner, the funds for which are collected by stewards regularly appointed by "the chapel." we (wē), pron.; pl. of 12. [Early mod. E. also wee; IMG:content-2160.png:[blocks in formation] We is sometimes, like they, vaguely used for society, people in general, the world, etc.; but when the speaker or writer uses we he identifies himself more or le directly with the statement; when he uses they he implies no such identification. Both pronouns thus used may be translated by the French on and the German man: as, we (or they ) say, French on dit, German man sagt. Yet seen too oft, familiar with her [vice's] face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. Pope, E ay on Man, ii. 220. 6857 The instances in which our feelings bias us in spite of ourselves are of hourly recurrence. H. Spencer , Social Statics, p. 196. Many tongues have a double first person plural, one inclusive and one exclusive of the person or persons addre ed: one we which means 'I and my party,' as opposed to you; and one that means 'my party and yours,' as opposed to all third persons. Whitney, Life and Growth of Lang., p. 219. We is frequently used by individuals, as editors and authors, when alluding to themselves, in order to avoid the appearance of egotism which it is a umed would result from the frequent use of the pronoun I. The plural style is used also by kings and other potentates, and is said to have been first used in his edicts by King John of England; according to others, by Richard I. The French and German sovereigns followed the example about the beginning of the thirteenth century. We charge you, on allegiance to ourself , To hold your slaughtering hands. Shak., 1 Hen. VI., iii. 1. 86. We and us are sometimes misused for each other. To poor we Thine enmity 's most capital. Shak ., Cor., v. 3. 103. IMG:content-2161.png:[blocks in formation] weakener My ancient incantations are too weak . Shak., 1 Hen. VI., v. 3. 27. How vain is Reason, Eloquence how weak ! If Pope must tell what Harcourt cannot speak. Pope , On the Hon. S. Harcourt. One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Tennyson, Uly es. (f) Incapable of support; not to be sustained or maintained; unsupported by truth, reason, or justice: as, a weak claim, a ertion, argument, etc. A case so weak and feeble hath been much persisted in. Hooker . I know not what to say; my title's weak Tell me, may not a king adopt an heir? Shak., 3 Hen. VI., 1. 1. 134. IMG:content-2162.png:[blocks in formation] (1) Resulting from or indicating lack of judgment, discern ment, or firmne ; arising from want of moral courage, of self-denial, or of determination; injudicious: as, a weak compliance; a weak surrender.