Glossary
If you are looking for a word and it doesn't appear in the Glossary, this will be because it has the same sense in Modern English, and can be found in any general dictionary. We only include words that no longer exist in Modern English, have changed their meaning since Shakespeare's day, or have an encyclopedic or specialized sense that would make them unfamiliar to many modern readers. Under this last heading, we include all the proper names (such as figures in classical mythology and local place-names) listed in our Themes and Topics (see Starting Points above).

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Nabuchadnezzar (n.)
[pron: nabookad'nezer] Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, 6th-c BC see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
Naiades (n.)
[pron: 'niyadeez] nymphs who inhabit springs, rivers, and lakes see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
nail (n.) Old form(s): naile
[measure of cloth] sixteenth of a yard [c.6 cm] Headword location(s)
nail (n.)
[in expressions] see also blow one's nails Headword location(s)
naked (adj.)
stripped of all belongings, without means Headword location(s)
naked (adj.)
defenceless, undefended, unarmed Headword location(s)
naked (adj.)
exposed to view Headword location(s)
naked (adj.)
exposed, unprotected, laid open Headword location(s)
naked (adj.)
bare, austere, unfurnished Headword location(s)
name (n.)
reputation, fame, renown Headword location(s)
name (n.)
family, stock, kin Headword location(s)
name (n.)
signature [representing a pledge] Headword location(s)
name (n.)
legitimate title Headword location(s)
name (n.)
honour, credit, glory Headword location(s)
name (n.)
famous name, luminary, celebrity Headword location(s)
name (n.)
title of rank, formal appellation Headword location(s)
name (n.)
kingly title, dignified rank Headword location(s)
name (n.)
rightful claimant, legitimate authority Headword location(s)
name (v.)
give particulars of, speak about, describe Headword location(s)
name (v.) Old form(s): nam'd
appoint, choose, designate [to an office] Headword location(s)
nameless (adj.) Old form(s): namelesse
inexpressible, beyond words; or: too small to be worth describing Headword location(s)
nameless (adj.) Old form(s): namelesse
bearing no legitimate name Headword location(s)
nap (n.)
surface texture of a fabric, pile Headword location(s)
napkin (n.)
handkerchief Headword location(s)
napkin (n.)
square piece of cloth Headword location(s)
napless (adj.) Old form(s): Naples
threadbare, worn, frayed Headword location(s)
Narcissus (n.)
handsome youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool; he pined away and was turned into a flower see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
narrow (adj.)
limited, very small, poor Headword location(s)
narrowly (adv.) Old form(s): narrowely
carefully, with close attention Headword location(s)
narrow-prying (adj.) Old form(s): narrow prying
inquisitive, snooping, meddlesome Headword location(s)
native (adj.) Old form(s): natiue
innate, inborn, instinctive Headword location(s)
native (adj.) Old form(s): Natiue
by reason of birth Headword location(s)
native (adj.) Old form(s): natiue
closely related, connected by birth Headword location(s)
native (adj.) Old form(s): natiue
natural, habitual, normal Headword location(s)
native (adv.) Old form(s): natiue
in a natural way Headword location(s)
native (n.) Old form(s): Natiue
origin, source, root Headword location(s)
nativity (n.) Old form(s): natiuitie
country of birth Headword location(s)
nativity (n.) Old form(s): natiuitie
birth Headword location(s)
nativity (n.) Old form(s): Natiuitie
conjunction of stars at birth, horoscope Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): naturall
inherent, intrinsic Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): naturall
related by blood Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): naturall
feeling proper affection, having normal feelings Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): naturall
personal, formed by nature Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): naturall
legitimate, by birthright, rightful Headword location(s)
natural (adj.) Old form(s): Naturall
lacking artifice, reflecting the reality of the world Headword location(s)
natural (adv.) Old form(s): naturall
like a half-wit, idiotically Headword location(s)
natural (n.) Old form(s): Naturall
congenital idiot, half-wit, fool Headword location(s)
natural fool Old form(s): Naturall Foole
born fool, simpleton by nature Headword location(s)
naturalize (v.)
familiarize, accustom, enlighten Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
mortal life, natural life Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
natural feelings, natural affection Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
[in phrases] see also days of nature Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
personality, innate disposition, character Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
human nature Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
natural powers, normal state [of mind and body] Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
function, capacity, role Headword location(s)
nature (n.)
natural order, ungoverned state, way of the world [often personified] Headword location(s)
naught, nought (adj.)
improper, offensive, naughty Headword location(s)
naught, nought (adj.)
worthless, useless, of no value Headword location(s)
naught, nought (adj.)
damaging, harmful, hurtful Headword location(s)
naught, nought (adj.)
lost, ruined, brought to nothing Headword location(s)
naught, nought (adj.)
bad, wicked, sinful Headword location(s)
naught, nought (n.) Old form(s): nought
nothing Headword location(s)
naught, nought (n.)
ruin, disaster, catastrophe Headword location(s)
naught, nought (n.)
wickedness, immorality, sinfulness Headword location(s)
naughtily (adv.)
wickedly, immorally Headword location(s)
naughty (adj.) Old form(s): naughtie
bad, nasty, horrible Headword location(s)
naughty (adj.) Old form(s): naughtie
wicked, evil, vile Headword location(s)
nave (n.) Old form(s): Naue
navel Headword location(s)
nave (n.) Old form(s): Naue
[of wheels] hub, pivot Headword location(s)
navel (n.) Old form(s): Nauell
very heart, nerve centre Headword location(s)
navigation (n.) Old form(s): Nauigation
shipping, vessels Headword location(s)
nay (adv.)
no [with various discourse functions] see also Discourse markers Headword location(s)
nay (adv.)
no [with various discourse functions] see also Exclamations Headword location(s)
nay (adv.)
no [with various discourse functions] see also Responses Headword location(s)
nay (n.)
denial, refusal, rejection Headword location(s)
nayward (n.) Old form(s): Nay-ward
contrary, denial, disbelief Headword location(s)
nayword, nay-word (n.) Old form(s): nay-word
password, watchword Headword location(s)
nayword, nay-word (n.) Old form(s): ayword
byword, proverb Headword location(s)
ne (conj.)
[archaism] nor see also Archaisms Headword location(s)
ne...
do you understand, sir? see also Latin Headword location(s)
neaf (n.) Old form(s): neafe, Neaffe
fist, clenched hand Headword location(s)
Neapolitan bone-ache
[pain in the bones from Naples] syphilis, venereal disease see also bone-ache (n.) Headword location(s)
near (adj.) Old form(s): neere , neerest
close to the throne [in order of succession], near relation Headword location(s)
near (adj.) Old form(s): neer'st
closely affecting, intimately touching Headword location(s)
near (adj.) Old form(s): neere
personal, private Headword location(s)
near (adj.) Old form(s): neere
intimate, familiar Headword location(s)
near (adv.) Old form(s): neare , neere
closely, intimately, seriously Headword location(s)
near (adv.) Old form(s): neerer
to the point, to the purpose Headword location(s)
near (adv.) Old form(s): neere
a short distance away Headword location(s)
near (prep.) Old form(s): neere
intimate with, closely connected with Headword location(s)
near (prep.) Old form(s): neere
in attendance on Headword location(s)
near-legged (adj.) Old form(s): neere leg'd
knock-kneed Headword location(s)
nearly (adv.) Old form(s): neerely
closely, particularly, especially Headword location(s)
nearness (n.) Old form(s): nearenesse
intimacy, close relationship Headword location(s)
neat (adj.)
posh, elegant, trim, refined Headword location(s)
neat (adj.) Old form(s): neate
dainty, elegant, tasty Headword location(s)
neat (adj.)
clean, spotless, smart Headword location(s)
neat (n.) Old form(s): Neates
ox, cow, cattle Headword location(s)
neat-herd (n.) Old form(s): Neat-heards
cowherd, cattleman Headword location(s)
neb (n.)
mouth, beak Headword location(s)
necessaries (n.)
travelling necessities, personal luggage Headword location(s)
necessary (adj.) Old form(s): necessarie
inevitable, unavoidable, certain Headword location(s)
necessary (adj.)
providing a useful service, indispensable Headword location(s)
necessitied (adj.)
in dire need [of], brought into necessity Headword location(s)
necessity (n.)
inevitability, constrained outcome Headword location(s)
necessity (n.)
unavoidable event Headword location(s)
neck (n.) Old form(s): necke
throat Headword location(s)
neck of, in the (prep.)
immediately afterwards Headword location(s)
need (adv.)
of necessity, necessarily see also needs (adv.) Headword location(s)
need (n.) Old form(s): neede
time of necessity, needy situation, emergency Headword location(s)
need (v.) Old form(s): needes
be necessary, be needful Headword location(s)
need, for a Old form(s): neede
if necessary, if need be, at a pinch Headword location(s)
needful (adj.) Old form(s): needefull , needfull
necessary, needed, indispensable Headword location(s)
needful (adj.) Old form(s): needfull
full of need, needing reinforcements Headword location(s)
needless (adj.) Old form(s): needlesse
not lacking, having no need Headword location(s)
needless (adj.) Old form(s): needlesse
unnecessary, pointless, superfluous Headword location(s)
needless (adj.) Old form(s): needlesse
not needed, unused, superfluous Headword location(s)
needly (adv.)
of necessity, unavoidably Headword location(s)
needs (adv.)
of necessity, necessarily Headword location(s)
needy (adj.) Old form(s): needie
unworthy, deficient, inadequate Headword location(s)
needy (adj.) Old form(s): needie
needed, necessary Headword location(s)
neele (n.)
needle Headword location(s)
ne'er-offence (n.) Old form(s): neere offence
[unclear meaning] non-offence Headword location(s)
neeze (v.)
sneeze Headword location(s)
negation (n.)
denial, dissent, contradiction Headword location(s)
negative (adj.) Old form(s): negatiue
denying, refusing to believe Headword location(s)
neglect (n.)
disregard, inattention Headword location(s)
neglect (v.)
cause to be neglected Headword location(s)
neglect (v.)
disregard, slight, give little respect [to] Headword location(s)
neglected (adj.)
underrated, underestimated, undervalued Headword location(s)
neglectingly (adv.)
neglectfully, negligently, carelessly Headword location(s)
neglection (n.)
negligence, neglect, disregard Headword location(s)
negligence (n.)
disregard, neglect, indifference Headword location(s)
negligent (adj.)
through neglecting to act, due to negligence see also wilful-negligent (adj.) Headword location(s)
neighbour (adj.) Old form(s): neighbor
nearby, not far away, accessible Headword location(s)
neighbour (adj.) Old form(s): neighbor
neighbouring, nearby, adjacent Headword location(s)
neighbour (v.) Old form(s): neighbour'd
be close, be well acquainted [with] Headword location(s)
neighbourhood (n.) Old form(s): neighborhood
friendly relations, close alliance Headword location(s)
neighbourhood (n.) Old form(s): Neighbour-hood
neighbourly conduct, neighbourliness Headword location(s)
neither (adv.)
for all that, nevertheless Headword location(s)
Nemean lion
monstrous lion, reputably invulnerable, from the region of Nemea; its destruction was one of the twelve labours of Hercules see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Nemean lion
monstrous lion, reputably invulnerable, from the region of Nemea; its destruction was one of the twelve labours of Hercules see also Hercules (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Nemesis (n.)
Greek goddess of vengeance, especially retribution for human folly, pride, or excessive good fortune see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
Neoptolemus (n.)
[niop'tolemus] son of Achilles and Deidamia, but here referring to Achilles himself see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Neoptolemus (n.)
[niop'tolemus] son of Achilles and Deidamia, but here referring to Achilles himself see also Achilles (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Neoptolemus (n.)
[niop'tolemus] son of Achilles and Deidamia, but here referring to Achilles himself see also Pyrrhus 1 Headword location(s)
nephew (n.)
cousin see also Family Headword location(s)
nephew (n.) Old form(s): Nephewes
grandson see also Family Headword location(s)
Neptune
Roman water-god, chiefly associated with the sea and sea-weather see also Gods and goddesses Headword location(s)
Nereids (n.)
[pron: 'nerayidz] sea-nymphs, daughters of Nereus and Doris, who lived with their father in the depths of the sea see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Nero (n.)
[pron: 'neeroh] Roman emperor, 1st-c, who slew his mother, Agrippina; said to have played on his lute while watching Rome burn; considered a model of cruelty see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
nerve (n.) Old form(s): Nerue, Nerues
sinew, ligament, muscle Headword location(s)
nerve (n.)
strength, vigour, forcefulness Headword location(s)
Nervii (n.)
[pron: 'nairveeiy] Belgian tribe, defeated by Caesar in 57 BC see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
nervy (adj.) Old form(s): neruie
muscular, sinewy, vigorous Headword location(s)
Nessus (n.)
centaur, shot by Hercules for attempting to rape Deianeira; Nessus gave her a poisonous liquid disguised as a love-potion, causing Hercules' death when he wore a shirt dipped in it see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Nessus (n.)
centaur, shot by Hercules for attempting to rape Deianeira; Nessus gave her a poisonous liquid disguised as a love-potion, causing Hercules' death when he wore a shirt dipped in it see also Hercules (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Nessus (n.)
centaur, shot by Hercules for attempting to rape Deianeira; Nessus gave her a poisonous liquid disguised as a love-potion, causing Hercules' death when he wore a shirt dipped in it see also Lichas 1 Headword location(s)
Nestor (n.)
Greek leader in the siege of Troy, reputed for his age and wisdom see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
nether (adj.)
lower, bottom Headword location(s)
nether (adj.) Old form(s): neather
belonging to the earth, earthly, worldly Headword location(s)
Netherland (n.)
[before 1609] present-day Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of nearby France see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
nether-stock (n.) Old form(s): nether stockes
stocking for the lower leg see also Clothing Headword location(s)
nether-stock (n.) Old form(s): nether stockes
stocking for the lower leg see also stock (n.) 3 Headword location(s)
neuter (adj.)
neutral, taking neither side Headword location(s)
never-daunted (adj.) Old form(s): neuer-daunted
never dispirited, never overcome with fear Headword location(s)
never-surfeited (adj.) Old form(s): neuer surfeited
never filled to excess see also surfeited (adj.) Headword location(s)
new (adv.)
newly, freshly, recently, just Headword location(s)
new (adv.)
immediately, just Headword location(s)
new-added (adj.) Old form(s): new added
reinforced, supplemented, augmented Headword location(s)
new-apparelled (adj.) Old form(s): new apparel'd
in a change of clothing Headword location(s)
new-begot (adj.) Old form(s): new begot
newly acquired, freshly obtained Headword location(s)
new-conceived (adj.) Old form(s): new conceav'd
in early pregnancy Headword location(s)
new-dated (adj.)
of recent date Headword location(s)
new-delivered (adj.) Old form(s): new deliuered
lately freed, freshly released Headword location(s)
new-devised (adj.) Old form(s): new deuis'd
newfangled, freshly invented Headword location(s)
new-enkindled (adj.) Old form(s): new enkindled
freshly lit Headword location(s)
new-fallen (adj.) Old form(s): new-falne
newly become due, recently acquired Headword location(s)
new-fangled (adj.)
fond of novelty, distracted by new things Headword location(s)
new-fire (v.) Old form(s): new fired
rekindle, ignite again Headword location(s)
new-fired (adj.) Old form(s): new-fir'd
rekindled, inflamed anew Headword location(s)
new-found (adj.)
recently invented, freshly created Headword location(s)
Newgate (n.)
main prison of the City of London, near Cheapside see also London Headword location(s)
new-replenished (adj.) Old form(s): new replenisht
repeatedly blown out by the wind to their full length Headword location(s)
new-store (v.)
freshly populate, supply with new children see also store (v.) Headword location(s)
new-ta'en (adj.) Old form(s): new tane
[new-taken] freshly caught, just captured Headword location(s)
new-trimmed (adj.) Old form(s): new trim'd
newly fitted out Headword location(s)
new-trothed (adj.) Old form(s): new trothed
recently engaged Headword location(s)
new-tuned (adj.)
freshly coined, fashionable Headword location(s)
next (adj.)
nearest, shortest, most direct Headword location(s)
next morning
tomorrow morning Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
fastidious, particular, fussy, overscrupulous Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
fine, precise, particular, subtle Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
critical, delicate, uncertain Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
lustful, lecherous, lascivious, wanton Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
minutely detailed, carefully accurate Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
trivial, unimportant, slight Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
adept, skilful, dexterous Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
foolish, stupid Headword location(s)
nice (adj.)
whimsical, capricious, temperamental Headword location(s)
nicely (adv.)
carefully, skilfully, ingeniously Headword location(s)
nicely (adv.)
subtly, triflingly, fancifully Headword location(s)
nicely (adv.) Old form(s): nicelie
scrupulously, punctiliously, meticulously, fastidiously Headword location(s)
niceness (n.) Old form(s): Nicenesse
coyness, fastidiousness, excessive scruple Headword location(s)
nicety (n.) Old form(s): nicetie
coyness, shyness, reserve Headword location(s)
Nicholas, Saint
in Christian tradition, the patron saint of travellers and scholars see also Religious personalities and beings Headword location(s)
nick (n.)
nick of time, critical moment Headword location(s)
nick (n.) Old form(s): nicke
reckoning, count, estimation Headword location(s)
nick (v.) Old form(s): nickt
[unclear meaning] cut through, maim; do out of, cheat of; mark with foolishness Headword location(s)
nickname (v.)
invent names for, misname Headword location(s)
niece (n.)
[wider application than today] see also Family Headword location(s)
niggard (adj.)
grudging, reluctant, unwilling Headword location(s)
niggard (adj.) Old form(s): nigard
miserly, parsimonious, sparing Headword location(s)
niggard (n.) Old form(s): nigard
miser, mean person, skinflint Headword location(s)
niggard (v.)
begrudge, hoard, use sparingly Headword location(s)
niggard (v.)
put off, fob off, stint Headword location(s)
niggarding (n.)
hoarding, begrudging, acting in a mean manner Headword location(s)
niggardly (adj.)
mean-minded, tight-fisted, miserly Headword location(s)
niggardly (adv.) Old form(s): nigardly
sparingly, grudgingly, slightly Headword location(s)
nigh (adj.) Old form(s): nie
near, close Headword location(s)
nigh (adv.) Old form(s): nye
nearly, almost Headword location(s)
nigh (prep.) Old form(s): nye
near Headword location(s)
night (n.)
evening see also Farewells Headword location(s)
night (n.)
darkness, blackness Headword location(s)
night, at
at nightfall, this evening Headword location(s)
night-bird (n.)
nightingale, bird that sings at night Headword location(s)
nighted (adj.)
dark, black as night Headword location(s)
nighted (adj.)
blacked-out, overtaken by night Headword location(s)
nightgown, night-gown (n.) Old form(s): Night-gowne, Night-Gowne,
dressing-gown Headword location(s)
nightly (adj.)
of the night, active at night Headword location(s)
nightly (adj.)
F alternative to 'nighted' see also nighted (adj.) Headword location(s)
nightly (adv.)
at night, during the night Headword location(s)
night-oblations (n.) Old form(s): night oblations
evening devotions Headword location(s)
night-rule (n.)
night-time activity, nocturnal diversion Headword location(s)
night-walking (adj.)
secret, going about by night Headword location(s)
nill (v.)
will not Headword location(s)
Nilus (n.)
[pron: 'niylus] River Nile, Egypt see also World [outside Britain], places and peoples Headword location(s)
nimble (adj.)
sudden, swift, rapid Headword location(s)
nimble-pinioned (adj.) Old form(s): nimble Pinion'd
swift-winged Headword location(s)
nimble-set (adj.) Old form(s): nimble set
agile, athletic Headword location(s)
nimbly (adj.)
bracingly, in an invigorating way Headword location(s)
Nine Worthies
three pagans (Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar), three Jews (Joshua, David, Judas Maccabaeus), three Christians (Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Bouillon or Guy of Warwick); Hercules and Pompey the Great are included in LLL V.ii see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
ninefold (n.)
set of nine attendants Headword location(s)
ninny (n.) Old form(s): Ninnie
simpleton, fool Headword location(s)
Ninus (n.)
[pron: 'niynus] founder of the Assyrian city of Nineveh see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Ninus (n.)
[pron: 'niynus] founder of the Assyrian city of Nineveh see also Pyramus 1 Headword location(s)
Niobe (n.)
[pron: 'niyohbay] heroine of Thebes, daughter of Tantalus, whose sons and daughters were slain by Apollo and Diana; the gods then turned her into a rock, but her eyes continued to weep in the form of a spring see also Classical mythology Headword location(s)
Niobe (n.)
[pron: 'niyohbay] heroine of Thebes, daughter of Tantalus, whose sons and daughters were slain by Apollo and Diana; the gods then turned her into a rock, but her eyes continued to weep in the form of a spring see also Apollo (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Niobe (n.)
[pron: 'niyohbay] heroine of Thebes, daughter of Tantalus, whose sons and daughters were slain by Apollo and Diana; the gods then turned her into a rock, but her eyes continued to weep in the form of a spring see also Diana, Dian (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
Niobe (n.)
[pron: 'niyohbay] heroine of Thebes, daughter of Tantalus, whose sons and daughters were slain by Apollo and Diana; the gods then turned her into a rock, but her eyes continued to weep in the form of a spring see also Tantalus (n.) 1 Headword location(s)
nip (v.)
press, enforce, compel Headword location(s)
nip (v.)
[as of pinching off the buds on a plant] cut short one's growth, check one's development Headword location(s)
nit (n.)
little fellow; shrimp, gnat Headword location(s)
Nob (n.) Old form(s): nobbe
familiar form of Robert Headword location(s)
noble (adj.)
of good breeding, high-born Headword location(s)
noble (adj.)
valuable, precious, notable Headword location(s)
noble (n.)
English gold coin, worth one third of a pound see also Money Headword location(s)
noble (n.)
nobility Headword location(s)
nobleness (n.) Old form(s): Noblenesse
nobility, aristocratic rank Headword location(s)
noblesse (n.) Old form(s): Noblenesse
nobility, nobleness Headword location(s)
nod (n.)
fool, simpleton, idiot Headword location(s)
nod (v.)
call with a nod, beckon Headword location(s)
noddy (n.)
fool, simpleton, buffoon Headword location(s)
noise (n.)
report, rumour, news Headword location(s)
noise (n.) Old form(s): Noyse
band, company of musicians Headword location(s)
noise (n.) Old form(s): noyses
musical sounds, melodious noises Headword location(s)
noise (v.) Old form(s): nois'd
rumour, spread about, noise abroad Headword location(s)
noise it Old form(s): noyses
clamour, cry out, make a loud noise Headword location(s)
noiseless (adj.)
peaceful, tranquil, quiet Headword location(s)
noisome (adj.) Old form(s): noysome
noxious, harmful, evil Headword location(s)
nole (n.)
noddle, head Headword location(s)
nominate (v.)
give names to, mention by name Headword location(s)
nominate (v.)
name, specify, designate [as] Headword location(s)
nomination (n.)
naming, mention, reference Headword location(s)
nomination (n.)
appointing, specifying, designation Headword location(s)
Non nobis
Not to us [opening words of Psalm 115, 'Give praise not to us, O God'] Headword location(s)
non (int.)
nonsense word used in song see also Singing Headword location(s)
non (int.)
nonsense word used in song see also nonny, non, nony (int.) Headword location(s)
nonage (n.)
minority, period of legal infancy Headword location(s)
nonce, for the
for that purpose, for the occasion Headword location(s)
non-come (n.)
malapropism for ‘nonplus’ [= state of perplexity] Headword location(s)
none (adj.)
no Headword location(s)
none of you, will
have nothing to do with Headword location(s)
nonny, non, nony (int.)
nonsense words used in song see also Singing Headword location(s)
nonpareil (n.) Old form(s): non-pareil , non-pareill
person without equal, unique one, paragon Headword location(s)
non-regardance (n.)
failure to respect, contempt, disdain Headword location(s)
non-suit (v.) Old form(s): Non-suites
reject the suit of, refuse Headword location(s)
nony (int.)
nonsense word used in song see also Singing Headword location(s)
nony (int.)
nonsense word used in song see also nonny, non, nony (int.) Headword location(s)
nook-shotten (adj.) Old form(s): nooke-shotten
crookedly shaped, corner-ridden Headword location(s)
nor ... nor (prep.)
neither...nor Headword location(s)
north (n.)
north wind Headword location(s)
northern star (n.) Old form(s): Northerne Starre
pole-star Headword location(s)
Norweyan (adj.)
Norwegian Headword location(s)
nose (v.)
smell Headword location(s)
nose-herb (n.) Old form(s): nose-hearbes
scented plant, herb for smelling [as opposed to eating] see also Plants Headword location(s)
notable (adj.)
observable, noticeable, perceptible Headword location(s)
notable (adj.)
noted, notorious, conspicuous, infamous Headword location(s)
notary (n.) Old form(s): Notarie
clerk authorized to draw up contracts Headword location(s)
notary (n.) Old form(s): notarie
noter, observer, witness Headword location(s)
note (n.)
melody, tune, music, song Headword location(s)
note (n.)
attention, notice, regard Headword location(s)
note (n.)
characteristic, trait, distinctive feature Headword location(s)
note (n.)
reproach, stigma, mark of disgrace Headword location(s)
note (n.)
list, record, roll Headword location(s)
note (n.)
sign, mark, token Headword location(s)
note (n.)
knowledge, information, intimation Headword location(s)
note (n.)
observation, record, description Headword location(s)
note (n.)
reputation, distinction, standing Headword location(s)
note (n.)
instruction, indication, direction Headword location(s)
note (n.)
memorandum Headword location(s)
note (n.)
bill, invoice, account Headword location(s)
note (v.)
show, indicate, intimate Headword location(s)
note (v.) Old form(s): not'st
observe, pay attention [to], take special note [of] Headword location(s)
note (v.)
notice, perceive, observe Headword location(s)
note (v.)
brand with disgrace, stigmatize, publicly discredit Headword location(s)
noted (adj.)
recognizable, well-known, familiar Headword location(s)
noted (adj.)
stigmatized, disgraced, discredited Headword location(s)
noted (adj.)
closely observed, taken note of Headword location(s)
notedly (adv.)
particularly, especially, definitely Headword location(s)
not-fearing (adj.)
fearless, unafraid, courageous Headword location(s)
nothing (adv.)
not at all, in any / no way Headword location(s)
nothing (n.)
no point, no particular Headword location(s)
nothing (n.)
nonsense, emptiness, rubbish Headword location(s)
nothing (n.)
insignificance, unimportance, triviality Headword location(s)
nothing (n.)
no-one, nobody Headword location(s)
nothing (n.)
[state of] nothingness, oblivion, extinction Headword location(s)
nothing, all the world to
the odds are a million to one Headword location(s)
nothing-gift (n.) Old form(s): nothing-guift
gift of no value Headword location(s)
notice (n.)
recognition, official acknowledgement Headword location(s)
notice (n.)
information, intelligence, notification Headword location(s)
notify (v.) Old form(s): notifie
notice, take note, observe Headword location(s)
notion (n.)
understanding, awareness, intellect Headword location(s)
notorious (adj.)
notable, out-and-out, evident Headword location(s)
not-pated (adj.)
crop-headed, short-haired Headword location(s)
nouns (n.)
[in emphatic expressions] wounds see also Swearing Headword location(s)
nourish (n.)
nurse, nursemaid Headword location(s)
nourished (adj.) Old form(s): Nourisht
nurse, care for, bring up Headword location(s)
no-verb (n.) Old form(s): No-verbes
word of warning; or: non-existing word Headword location(s)
novi... Old form(s): Noui
I know the man as well as I know you see also Latin Headword location(s)
novice (n.)
recruit, rookie, greenhorn Headword location(s)
novum (n.)
game of dice in which throws of nine and five were significant Headword location(s)
now (adv.)
just now Headword location(s)
noyance (n.)
harm, damage, injury Headword location(s)
nullity (n.)
non-event, mere nothing, blank Headword location(s)
Numa (n.)
[pron: 'nyooma] Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome, 716-672 BC see also Historical figures Headword location(s)
numb (adj.) Old form(s): numme
paralysed, immobile Headword location(s)
number (n.)
(plural) verses, lines Headword location(s)
number (n.)
(plural) metre, versification Headword location(s)
number (v.)
put into verses Headword location(s)
numbered (adj.) Old form(s): number'd
enumerated, counted Headword location(s)
numbering (adj.) Old form(s): numbring
counting out, measuring Headword location(s)
numbering (n.) Old form(s): numbring
estimation, evaluation, assessment Headword location(s)
nuncio (n.) Old form(s): Nuntio's
messenger, emissary Headword location(s)
nuncle (n.) Old form(s): Nunckle
child-like shortening of ‘mine uncle’; guardian, master Headword location(s)
nurse (n.)
nourisher, feeder Headword location(s)
nurse (v.)
nourish, take care of Headword location(s)
nurser (n.) Old form(s): Nursser
fosterer, encourager, nourisher Headword location(s)
nursery (n.)
nursing, loving care, ministering Headword location(s)
nursery (n.) Old form(s): nursserie
training ground, prep school Headword location(s)
nurture (n.) Old form(s): nourture
manners, culture, good upbringing Headword location(s)
nut-hook, nuthook (n.) Old form(s): nut-hooke
constable, beadle, officer Headword location(s)
nuzzle up (v.) Old form(s): nouzell vp
rear, bring up, nurture Headword location(s)
nyas
eyas, hawk nestling, young hawk Headword location(s)
nymph (n.)
beauty, damsel, siren Headword location(s)
x

Jump directly to