understand (v.) Old form(s): vnderstand , vnderstands
stand under the force of [with pun on ‘comprehend’]
CE II.i.49[Dromio of Ephesus to Adriana, of his master] Beshrew his hand, I scarce could understand it
TG II.v.27[Launce to Speed] I'll but lean, and my staff understands me
TN III.i.77[Viola as Cesario to Sir Toby] My legs do better under-stand me ... than I understand what you mean by bidding me taste my legs [first instance]
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