Forms: 4–6 vewe, 5–7 vew, 6 veu(e, vue; 5, 7 vywe, 5–7 viewe (6 veiwe), 5–8 vieu (6 vieue, 8 viue), 5– view. [a. AF. vewe, veue, vue, vieue, view, = OF. veue (F. vue), ppl. sb. from veoir (F. voir) to see. The OF. veüe corresponds exactly to It. veduta in the same sense.]
I. 1. a. A formal inspection or survey of lands, tenements, or ground, for some special purpose. Now rare or Obs.
1415–6. in Madox, Form. Ang. (1702), 16. Wee [masons and carpenters], beyng Vewers for the tyme of the seid Cite, have to these Vewes afore writton, putte our sealles.
c. 1450. Oseney Register, 123. We schall ȝeve to them sufficient Eschaunge, by the vewe of lawfull men, in my othir londes to a conuenient valewe.
1509. Sel. Cases Star Chamber (Selden), II. 7. As it apperith by the viewe and ouerseyng [of the fields] takyn by maister Brudenell one of the kynges Justeses.
1523. Fitzherb., Surv., 35 b. The vieu of the maner of Dale taken the tenth day of May, the .xiii. yere of the raygne of kyng Henry the .viii.
1607. J. Norden, Surv. Dial., I. 21. It is true that you say, such a view was taken at the time, that euery Tribe might haue his portion of inheritance.
1622. Callis, Stat. Sewers (1647), 80. There is a diversity between a view and a survey, for by the view one is to take notice only by the eye, but to survey is … by using other ceremonies and circumstances.
1834. Lincoln, etc., in Nicolay & Hay, Life (1890), I. 119, note. We … respectfully report that we have performed the duties of said view and location [of a road], as required by law, and that we have made the location on good ground.
† b. A formal examination or inspection of something, made by a properly appointed or qualified person; the charge or office of inspecting something. Obs.
In early quots. denoting the submitting of accounts to inspection. The sense in quot. 1654 is not quite clear. View of frank-pledge: see FRANK-PLEDGE 1 b.
1454. Rolls of Parlt., V. 273/1. That the Collectours … paye the money … in youre seid Reseit, and make the views of their accomptz.
1472. Paston Lett., III. 49. And on Saturday next comyng he shall send me a vewe of hys acompte.
1497. Naval Acc. Hen. VII. (1896), 83. It semeth necessarie that another viewe be taken of all the Kynges said ordenaunces within his said Tour of London.
1520. Coventry Leet Bk., 674. A veu was takon by the said Maier and his brethern what stores of all Maner of Corne, and what nombre of people was then whithin the said Cite.
1538. Cartular. Abb. de Rievalle (Surtees), 353. The office of the ferme gathering in Swawdall, and the oversight of the woddes and vue of ther grownde.
1558. in Feuillerat, Revels Q. Eliz. (1908), Table i. The Master and officers … shall … peruse the remaines of the whole stuffe and other stoare lefte at the laste vewe.
1647. N. Bacon, Disc. Govt. Eng., I. xxxviii. 92. The Coroner … even in those old daies had the view of bloodshed.
1654. G. Goddard, in Burton’s Diary (1823), I. Introd. 188. That the excise of all tobacco of the English plantations, be reduced from 3d. to 1d. the pound; and that thereupon, no view or allowance be made for, or in respect of the said tobacco.
1700. J. Tyrrell, Hist. Eng., II. 819. Our Regarders or Viewers shall go through the Forests to make a View or Regard.
1802. James, Milit. Dict., s.v., The view of a place is said to be taken when the general, accompanied by an engineer, reconnoitres it.
1812. J. Smyth, Pract. of Customs (1821), 329. Bill of View or Sight.
1827. Hallam, Const. Hist., ix. (1876), II. 132. A view of this armour was to be taken twice in the year by constables chosen in every hundred.
† c. A review (of troops, etc.). Obs.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, s.v. Condo, Lustrum condere, to apoynt a muster or view.
1681. W. Robertson, Phraseol. Gen. (1693), 1269. A View of souldiers at a Muster, armilustrium.
1693. Luttrell, Brief Relat. (1857), III. 15. The duke of Ormond took a view yesterday of his troop, and ordered all that had bay or grey horses to change them for black.
1721. De Foe, Mem. Cavalier (1840), 56. The view being over, and the troops returned to their camps.
d. Law. (See quots.) ? Obs.
1567. Expos. Termes of Law (1579), Viewe is when anye actyon real is brought and the tenaunt knoweth not well what lande it is, that the demaundaunt asketh, then the tenant shal praye the viewe.
1607. Cowell, Interpr., Veiours … signifieth in our common lawe those, that are sent by the court to take view of any place in question, for the better descision of the right.
a. 1625. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 366. View is in reall actions of the thing demanded,… when it is so necessarie as without view the defendant cannot well answer.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., III. 298. He may, in real actions, demand a view of the thing in question, in order to ascertain it’s identity and other circumstances.
† e. By view of, under the inspection of. Obs.–1
1700. Tyrrell, Hist. Eng., II. 820. Every … Earl, or Baron, coming to us at our Command, and passing through our Forest, may Lawfully take one or two Deer by view of the Forester if present.
2. In general use: An examination, inspection or survey. (Cf. 18.)
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 277. They roade in the fieldes all that daye, and made a diligent vewe.
1592. Stow, Ann., 518. The which volume was since againe,… by viewe of diuers written copies, corrected by my self.
1622. Bacon, Hen. VII. (1876), 29. Edward Plantagenet … having passed the view of the streets, was conducted to Paul’s church.
1668. Denham, Poems, Ep. Ded. A iij b. Neither have I any need of such shifts, for most of the parts of this body have already had Your Majesties view.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 450. We too far the pleasing Path pursue; Surveying Nature with too nice a view.
† 3. An interview or meeting. Obs. rare.
1520. Sir R. Wingfield, in Ellis, Orig. Lett., Ser. I. I. 170. Suche personnaiges as shall attende apon hym at the Veue. Ibid., 173. The noble personnaiges of thys Realme … be asmoche affectionatt to this Veue as could be wysshyd.
4. The exercise of the faculty of sight; the faculty or power of vision; the possibility or opportunity of seeing something: a. Without article.
Field of view: see FIELD sb. 16 b.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 211. At length by vew, to shore I drew.
1577. Holinshed, Chron., I. 35/1. Thinking it good to vnderstand all things by view that might appertaine to the vse of that warre.
c. 1600. Shaks., Sonn., cxli. ’Tis my heart … Who in dispight of view is pleasd to dote.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 193. Hoise him vp to his greater height of view.
1671. Milton, Samson, 723. And now at nearer view, [it is] no other … Than Dalila thy wife.
1697. Dryden, Æneid, XII. 1333. The hero measur’d first, with narrow view, The destin’d mark.
1727–. [see POINT sb.1 D. 12].
1864. Ecclesiologist, XXV. 274. The steeple … may … be taken into view with the loftier saddleback of S. Alban’s.
1876–7. in Abney, Photogr. (1878), 207. The diminution of light from the centre towards the margins of the pictures from both these causes increases rapidly with any increase of angle of view beyond 40°.
b. In the phr. to view, chiefly after vbs.
a. 1593. Marlowe & Nashe, Dido, I. i. Whose lookes set forth no mortall forme to view.
1695. Woodward, Nat. Hist. Earth (1723), 24. Their Parts when dissolved have the same Appearance to View.
1746. Francis, trans. Horace, Art of Poetry, 5. If he gave to View a beauteous Maid.
1757. W. Wilkie, Epigoniad, IX. 270. Towards the Cadmean gate; where full to view Expos’d, the armies and the camp she knew.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. vi. 586. One of the most important features of the case was then held up to view.
1852. Mrs. Stowe, Uncle Tom’s C., xl. Tom was already lost to view among the distant swamps of the Red River.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. iii. 28. The snow-floor had, in fact, given way, and exposed to view a clear green lake.
c. Similarly with the. (Cf. 14.)
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. ix. 42 b. Where he sayth the second to lye on the North part, he may by the view & eisight onely be reproued.
1603. G. Owen, Pembrokeshire, i. (1892), 3. That euerye shere is of biggnes as the same appeareth to the vywe.
1664. Power, Exp. Philos., Pref. 15. The Knowledge of Man (saith the learn’d Verulam) hath hitherto been determin’d by the View or Sight.
1721. Ramsay, Tartana, 148. These give not half that pleasure to the view.
1791. Mrs. Radcliffe, Rom. Forest, ii. It seemed as if heaven was opening to the view.
1820. Shelley, Skylark, 50. Like a glow-worm … Among the flowers and grass, which screen it from the view!
1842. Tennyson, Vision of Sin, 23. [They] Caught each other with wild grimaces, Half-invisible to the view.
d. With limiting terms (possessives, etc.).
1587. Fleming, Contn. Holinshed, III. 1357/2. He hath set downe to the vew of all men these necessarie notes following.
1592. Shaks., Rom. & Jul., I. i. 177. Alas that loue, whose view is muffled still, Should without eyes, see path-wayes to his will.
1614. Latham, Falconry (1633), 73. For your flight to the Hearne, it is wrought, flown, and maintained by the eie and view of the Hawke.
1640. Bp. Reynolds, Passions, Ded. This treatise hath had the marvellous felicity to light on the view … of a very gracious Princess.
a. 1668. Lassels, Voy. Italy (1698), II. 118. None are suffered … to do or speak anything scandalously that may shock civility or publick view.
1711. Pope, Temple Fame, 420. Before my view appear’d a structure fair.
1812. Cary, Dante, Parad., XXII. 19. Elsewhere now I bid thee turn thy view.
1833. Tennyson, Lady Clara Vere de Vere, 34. When thus he met his mother’s view,… She spake some certain truths of you.
1903. Morley, Gladstone, I. Pref., note. Between two and three thousand papers of one sort or another must have passed under my view.
fig. 1590. Spenser, F. Q., III. xi. 11. My Lady and my loue is cruelly pend In dolefull darkenesse from the vew of day.
e. Range of sight or vision.
1591. Savile, Tacitus, Agricola (1622), 184. Lest any sparkle of honesty should by mischance remaine within view.
1722. Wollaston, Relig. Nat., i. 29. No one can tell, in strict speaking, where another is, if he is not within his view.
a. 1732. T. Boston, Crook in Lot (1805), 11. Providing that the crook in his lot should not be set afresh in his view.
1850. Tennyson, In Mem., lxxv. Somewhere, out of human view, Whate’er thy hands are set to do is wrought. Ibid. (1855), Maud, I. xx. Was it gentle to reprove her For stealing out of view From a little lazy lover?
5. An act of looking or beholding; a sight, look or glance.
1581. W. S., Compend., 21 b. The first view would displease many.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., III. i. 144. Mine eare is much enamored of thy note: On the first view to say,… I loue thee.
1611. Sir W. Mure, Misc. Poems, I. 50. Seik no to subdue And kill ane hert, bot for a vieu.
1667. Milton, P. L., II. 190. Who [can] deceive his mind, whose eye Views all things at one view?
1697. Dryden, Virg. Past., VIII. 53. I view’d thee first; how fatal was the View!
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., I. s.v. Measures, To see in one View an Account of the Ancient and Present Measures of several Parts of the World.
1746. Francis, trans. Horace, Art of Poetry, 495. That gives us Pleasure for a single View; And this, ten Times repeated, still is new.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, II. 100. The thronging thousands, to a passing view, Seemed like an ant-hill’s citizens.
1886. Cornh. Mag., Aug., 224. For an hour at each view will this monstrous eye … gaze analysingly on many hundreds of stars at once.
b. ellipt. A view-halloo.
1903. Longm. Mag., Jan., 244. There is, however, in my humble opinion, no great harm in a view when the hare is first found.
6. The sight or vision of something. Also with possessives.
1588. Shaks., Titus A., III. ii. 55. Out on the murderour: thou kil’st my hart, Mine eyes cloi’d with view of Tirranie.
1600. Fairfax, Tasso, XIV. xiv. Thy weak armies … Shall take new strength, new courage at his view.
1632. Guillim’s Heraldry (ed. 3), III. ii. 113. Thus should their view put us euer more in minde, to raise our thoughts to Godward.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 23. Towards night [we] got view of Ioanna Ile.
a. 1771. Gray, Dante, 29. Pisa’s Mount, that intercepts the view Of Lucca.
1794. Godwin, Caleb Williams, 247. The view of his figure immediately introduced a train of ideas into my mind.
1820. W. Irving, Sketch Bk. (1821), II. 29. We had now come in full view of the old family mansion.
1837. Lockhart, Scott, IV. viii. 263. He proceeded to thread his way westwards, across moor and bog, until we lost view of him.
transf. 1815. J. Smith, Panorama Sci. & Art, II. 191. Hitherto the distinction … appears to have been scarcely thought of. The distinct view of it was accidentally obtained by Stephen Grey, in the year 1729.
7. Visual appearance or aspect.
1551. Recorde, Cast. Knowl. (1556), 152. If the earthe were of anye bygnes in comparison to the worlde, then should his semidiameter beare some vewe of byggenesse to the semidiameter of the skie.
1570–6. Lambarde, Peramb. Kent (1826), 102. The same man also, persuaded partly by the viewe of the place itselfe,… supposeth, that Richborow was of auncient time a citie of some price.
1592. Shaks., Rom. & Jul., I. i. 175. Alas that loue so gentle in his view, Should be so tyrannous and rough in proofe.
1603. G. Owen, Pembrokeshire, i. (1892), 2. It most Consequentelye followe that the shere must be but little, much lesse then other sheres which seem lesse in vywe.
1667. Milton, P. L., IV. 142. A Silvan Scene,… a woodie Theatre Of stateliest view. Ibid., 247. A happy rural seat of various view.
1713. Guardian, No. 1, ¶ 1. His Countenance is communicated to the Publick in several Views and Aspects.
1718. Pope, Iliad, XVI. 203. Like furious, rush’d the Myrmidonian crew, Such their dread strength, and such their dreadful view.
1812. Crabbe, Tales, xviii. 9. As certain ores in outward view the same.
fig. 1581. Pettie, Guazzo’s Civ. Conv., III. (1586), 123. To maintaine himselfe in that view which belongeth to his calling.
b. Aspect as affected by position.
1847. Leitch, trans. C. O. Müller’s Anc. Art, 450. The coins exhibit his head generally in front view.
8. † a. Hunting. The footprints of a buck or fallow-deer. Obs.
Common in 17th-c. works of reference, but merely as an echo of Turbervile.
1576. Turberv., Venerie, xxxvi. 97. Then if she aske, what Slot or view I found, I say, the Slot, or view, was long on ground. Ibid., 239. The footyng or printe of an Hartes foote is called the Slot. Of a Bucke and all other Fallow Deare, it is to be called the View.
1611. Cotgr., Foulée, the Slot of a Stag, the Fuse of a Bucke (the view, or footing of either) vpon hard ground, grasse, leaues, or dust.
1679. Lovell, Indic. Univ., 26. The strain, view, slot or footing of a deer are the marks he makes in soiling.
b. A sight or prospect of some landscape or extended scene; an extent or area covered by the eye from one point.
1606. Bryskett, Civ. Life, 93. Hauing the prospect not onely of the citie, but also of the sea and hauen,… and some commending the ayre, some the delightfulnesse of the view.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 14. I neuer saw ground more pleasant for view.
1667. Milton, P. L., II. 890. Before thir eyes in sudden view appear The secrets of the hoarie deep.
1718. Prior, Solomon, II. 22. Fish-ponds were made, where former Forrests grew; And Hills were levell’d to extend the View.
1756. Mrs. Calderwood, in Coltness Collect. (Maitl. Cl.), 192. It is the finest viue ever I saw; the ground lies about it, you would think, in a circle.
1766. [C. Anstey], Bath Guide, vii. 4. Fine Walks, and fine Views, and a Thousand fine Things.
1808. Pike, Sources Mississ., II. 220. From the flat roof of the church we had a delightful view of the village.
1847. Tennyson, Princess, Prol. 68. Here were telescopes For azure views; and there a group of girls In circle waited.
1883. Manch. Exam., 30 Oct., 8/4. A local resident … whose house … has a beautiful view down the valley.
c. A drawing, painting, print, etc., representing a landscape or other prospect.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 18 Jan. 1645. We were then conducted into a new Gallery, whose sides were painted with views of the most famous places, towns, and territories in Italy.
1709. (title) Britannia Illustrata; or, Views … of the Principal Seats of the Nobility and Gentry of Great Britain.
1791. Robertson, Hist. India, App., Wks. 1851, VI. 510. Mr. Hodges has published views of three of these [fortresses].
c. 1811. Fuseli, in Lect. Paint., iv. (1848), 449. That kind of landscape which is entirely occupied with the tame delineation of a given spot,… what is commonly called ‘views.’
1853. Mrs. Carlyle, Lett. (1883), II. 220. The little view at the top of this sheet is where I live in London.
1854. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-Bks. (1883), I. 527. A photographist preparing to take a view of the castle.
1898. Binns, Story of the Potter, 222. Portraits, views, and fancy scenes were produced in different self-colours.
II. 9. Mental contemplation or vision (alone or combined with ocular inspection); observation, notice.
Point of view: see POINT sb.1 D. 12.
c. 1440. Alph. Tales, 530. Þer is no thyng bod som peple will giff þer vew and þer fantasye þer-vnto.
1593. Norden (title), Speculum Britanniæ. By the travaile and vew of John Norden.
1612. in Eng. Hist. Rev., April (1914), 249. I will be bold out of my zeale and duty to present yt [a proposition] unto his Magesties vieu.
1642. in Verney Mem. (1907), I. 243. But I hate to have my secrets laid open to everybodie’s view.
1746. Francis, trans. Horace, Epist., I. ii. 26. The Poet sets Ulysses in our View.
1762. Kames, Elem. Crit., i. (1833), 20. The mind extends its view to a son more readily than to a servant.
1846. Whately, Rhetoric (ed. 7), Introd. vi. 34. Such a habit … also, in a rhetorical point of view, if I may so speak, often proves hurtful.
1850. Hawthorne, Scarlet Letter, Introd. One … who appeared to have been rather a noteworthy personage in the view of our ancestors.
1911. J. H. Round, King’s Serjeants, 254. After this, the scalding serjeanty … fades from view.
b. A single act of contemplation or attention to a subject.
1570. Levins, Manip., 94. A view of things, æstimatio.
1676. Dryden, Aureng-zebe, Ded. The hasty Critick, who judges on a view, is as liable to be deceived.
1776. Adam Smith, W. N., I. i. (1869), I. 10. The advantage … is much greater than we should at first view be apt to imagine it.
10. A particular manner or way of considering or regarding a matter or question; a conception, opinion or theory formed by reflection or study. Freq. const. of.
1573. G. Harvey, Letter-bk. (Camden), 1. Uppon a reasnable vew of the matter.
1679. Penn, Addr. Prot., II. ii. (1692), 60. Let us take the most impartial View we can.
1736. Butler, Anal., I. iii. 50. Good Actions are never punished, considered as beneficial to Society, nor ill Actions rewarded, under the view of their being hurtful to it.
1780. Mirror, No. 100, ¶ 1. The view of Hamlet’s character, exhibited in my last Number.
1800. Trevelyan, in G. O. Trevelyan, Macaulay (1876), I. i. 22. Miss Hannah took a more unselfish view of the subject.
1836. J. Gilbert, Chr. Atonem., ix. (1852), 281. Atonement presents to us this view of God.
1855. Bain, Senses & Int., I. ii. § 8. The application of this view of the plan of structure of the brain will appear in the sequel.
1884. Sir W. B. Brett, in Law Rep., 14 Q. B. D. 798. That was the view which the judgment of the Court below upholds.
b. An aspect or light in which something is regarded or considered. (Cf. 7.)
1723. Guardian, No. 5, ¶ 3. The Widow of Sir Marmaduke is to be considered in a very different View.
1729. Law, Serious C., x. 145. If we consider mankind in a farther view, as a redeemed order of fallen spirits.
1794. Paley, Evid., III. iv. ¶ 22. We are well warranted in calling the view, under which the learned men of that age beheld Christianity, an obscure and distant view.
c. pl. Opinions, ideas, or theories, of an individual or speculative character, held or advanced with regard to some subject.
1769. Robertson, Chas. V., III. ¶ 33. Nor did his political views and maxims seem less strange.
1792. J. Barlow, Conspir. Kings, 86. Gallia’s sons … Make patriot views and moral views the same.
1818. Cobbett, Pol. Reg., XXXIII. 106. Reformers, not so well able to express as to think, would have had an answer to all questions relating to their views.
1841. Arnold, in Life & Corr. (1844), II. ix. 270. Or course, he who believes his own views to be true, must believe the opposite views to be error.
1870. Jevons, Elem. Logic, ii. 11. It does not seem that the views of the logicians named are irreconcileable.
1883. Law Times, 20 Oct., 408. The time must come when the views of our committee will prevail.
d. Without article: Comprehensive survey.
1821–30. Ld. Cockburn, Mem. (1856), 177. Allen’s single lecture contained as much truth and view as could be extracted from all the books in Europe on the subject.
11. A survey, a general or summary account, of something.
1604. Dallington (title), The View of Fraunce.
1623. Cockeram, II. The full View of a thing, synopsie.
1647. May, Hist. Parl., Title-p., A short and necessary view of some precedent yeares.
1729. Butler, Serm., Wks. 1874, II. Pref. 14. It may not be amiss to give the reader the whole argument here in one view.
1779. Mirror, No. 31. An author who draws characters in the other manner … gives a view of the particulars themselves.
1800. Asiat. Ann. Reg., II. 44/1. I proceed finally to offer a combined view of the whole.
1815. J. Smith, Panorama Sci. & Art, II. 157. With the record of a late excursion of his we shall close this view of the practice of aërostation.
12. An aim or intention; a design or plan; an object or purpose.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 83. [Nicanor slew Antiochus], because interposing the view of his ambition.
1711. Marlborough, in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. I. 144. I haue no other views then what tend to the firmest vnion with his Lordship.
1759. Franklin, Ess., Wks. 1840, III. 483. Whatever view the governor had to serve by his opposition, he neither did himself or views any service by it.
1771. Wesley, Wks. (1872), V. 20. It is necessarily implied, that a man have a sincere view of pleasing God in all things.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xxii. Part of Brown’s view in choosing that unusual tract … had been a desire to view the remains of the celebrated Roman Wall.
1831. Society, I. 295. I have told you my views for Jemima.
1849. Grote, Greece, II. xlvii. (1862), IV. 160. Such were the views of Pericles in regard to his country.
b. Regard or reference to a person or thing (rare). † Out of a view to, with an eye to.
1718. M. Tomkins, in W. Wilson, Dissenting Ch. (1808), II. 540. He assured me he had no particular view to me, or suspicion of me, when he brought down that sermon among others to Newington.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Choir, But the antient Ballustrades have been since restor’d; out of a View to the Beauty of the Architecture.
1736. L. Welsted, Wks. (1787), 486. In view to the second [commandment], this necessity was greater.
13. A prospect, anticipation, expectation or outlook.
1719. W. Wood, Surv. Trade, 17. That we were brought in View of a truly safe, honourable, and advantagious Peace.
1726. Shelvocke, Voy. round World, 210. We could have no better views at present than of falling into their hands sooner or later.
1755. Smollett, Quix. (1803), II. 50. He that hath good in his view, and yet will not evil eschew, his folly deserveth to rue.
1758. S. Hayward, Serm., xiv. 408. It gives the christian … the sweetest composure in the views of death.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, IV. 253. Are not thy views of unregretted death Drear, comfortless, and horrible?
1827. D. Johnson, Ind. Field Sports, Pref. p. x. I entertain no view of any emolument whatever from the present publication.
III. In various phrases.
† 14. At or to the view (in hawking and hunting): By sight. Also in fig. context. Obs.
1486. Bk. St. Albans, d j. An hawke flieth to the vew, to the Beke, or to the Toll.
1607. Chapman, Bussy D’Ambois, II. Wks. (1895), 148. Both fell as their spirits flew Upwards; and still hunt honour at the view.
1628. Bp. H. King, Exp. Lord’s Prayer, 144. ’Tis dangerous to hunt such abstruse mysteries at the view, or looke too neere. Ibid. (1657), Poems (1843), 17. Teach me to hunt that kingdom at the view Where true joyes reign.
15. In (…) view. a. In (the) view of, in the sight of, so as to be seen by; also, within sight of, near enough to see.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VI., 174. These armies thus liyng, the one in the conspect and vewe of the other, studied all meanes and pollecies, how to take aduauntage eche of other.
1594. Sec. Pt. Contention (1843), 122. Richard The second in the view of manie Lords Resignde the Crowne to Henrie the fourth.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 22. An Iland called Mæottey scituate in view of some three other.
1667. Milton, P. L., II. 394. Neerer our ancient Seat; perhaps in view Of those bright confines.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe, I. (Globe), 22. While I was in View of the Moor that was swimming, I stood out directly to sea with the Boat.
1728. Watts, Lett., 20 July, in Pearson’s Catal., No. 76 (1894), 64. Are not my sermons in your view and within your reach?
a. 1774. Goldsm., Hist. Greece, II. 101. Here he chose his station, in view of a temple dedicated to Hercules.
1814. Wordsw., Excursion, IX. 706. For sacrifice performed Exultingly, in view of open day.
1848. Thackeray, Van. Fair, li. Shaking hands with them and smiling in the view of all persons.
b. In view, in sight, in such a place or position as to be seen; also (b) in contemplation or notice, under attention; (c) as an end or object aimed at.
In the latter uses chiefly after have or keep.
1605. Shaks., Lear, V. i. 51. The Enemy’s in view.
1667. Milton, P. L., I. 563. And now Advanc’t in view they stand, a horrid Front Of dreadful length.
1731. W. Halfpenny, Perspective, 4. Here inserted more plainly to discover what part of the Cube is in View.
1769. Robertson, Chas. V., IV. Wks. 1813, V. 415. His soldiers, now that they had their prey full in view, complained neither of fatigue nor famine.
1780. Cowper, Progr. Error, 570. None sends his arrow to the mark in view, Whose hand is feeble, or his aim untrue.
1812. Sporting Mag., XXXIX. 88. The hounds … were running a hare hard in view.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., II. xxvi. 262. There was nothing in view except Dalrymple Rock.
fig. 1757. Foote, Author, II. Wks. 1799, I. 149. I shall never be able to hold out long; I had rather be taken in view.
(b) 1667. Milton, P. L., X. 1030. Then let us seek Som safer resolution, which methinks I have in view.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., II. x. § 1. By keeping the idea … for some time actually in view, which is called contemplation.
1779. Mirror, No. 66. It is necessary that we keep in view the character of Lady Anne.
1793. Smeaton, Edystone L., Introd. 2. It is probable the resemblance Josephus had in view, was chiefly that of the outward form.
1840. Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc., I. IV. 455. This should always be kept in view.
1891. ‘Lucas Malet,’ Wages of Sin, II. IV. ii. 38. I have a quantity of work in view.
(c) 1720. Ramsay, Prosp. Plenty, 165. This, this our faithfu’ trustees have in view, And honourably will the task pursue.
1771. Junius Lett., lviii. (1788), 312. Liberty … we all profess to have in view.
1782[?]. A. Shirrefs, Poems (1790), 278. So fiercely they fought, having honour in view, Ten hours quite elaps’d.
1853. Browning, In a Balcony, Wks. 1907, VII. 30. Who keeps one end in view makes all things serve.
1878. Stubbs, Const. Hist. (1896), III. 453. It may be questioned whether the advisers of Henry VI, who during the period of the change were playing a very haphazard game, had any deep political object in view.
1908. Animal Managem., 291. And with this in view, the saddles are very generally left on.
c. In that (this, etc.) view, on that account, for that reason or consideration. ? Obs.
1734. trans. Rollin’s Anc. Hist. (1827), I. 108. It is in that view that Socrates … set so high a value upon Euripides.
1788. Priestley, Lect. Hist., V. lii. 401. How vastly profitable these our plantations are to us in every view.
1827. in Scott, Chron. Canongate, Introd. App., It was in that view that he proposed to drink to the memory of his late Royal Highness the Duke of York.
d. In view of, in prospect or anticipation of, with a view to; (b) in consideration or regard of, on account of.
(a) 1709. Mrs. Manley, Secret Mem. (1736), III. 16. Let us with a chearful Boldness loose the Reins, in View of attaining the Latter. Ibid., 277. In view of marrying Ethelinda.
1859. S. Wilberforce, Sp. Missions (1874), 182. He writes to this lady, in a letter with which she has entrusted me, in view of this meeting.
1867. C. S. Parker, in Quest Reformed Parl., 197. An unreformed Parliament, which … has never been more disposed to bestir itself for good than now in view of approaching dissolution.
1878. R. Simpson, Sch. Shaks., I. 26. Musters were being taken through England in view of wars with Scotland and France.
(b) 1819. T. Hope, Anastasius, II. 160. In view of the readiness she showed to second my search, all was, or appeared to be, forgiven. Ibid. (1831), Ess. Origin Man, III. 113. In view of the excellencies of the works embodied in it, [the language] continued to be occasionally used.
1874. Morley, Compromise, 54. Error, therefore, in view of such considerations may surely be allowed to have at least a provisional utility.
1885. L. Oliphant, Sympneumata, 212. In view of this aspect of the class of phenomena in question, we regard with leniency their presence in the human nature of the past.
16. On or upon (the) view of, on ocular inspection or perception of, spec. by way of inquest.
1488. Rolls of Parlt., VI. 414/1. All Enditements … taken afore any of your Corowners…, upon the viewe of the Body of the said Thomas Portyngton.
1512. Act 4 Hen. VIII., c. 20 Preamble, [They] caused a Crouner to sit and inquere on the vieu of the Bodies of the said John Cristofore, Gerard, and Genet.
1541. Act 33 Hen. VIII., c. 12 § 1. All inquisicions upon the viewe of persons slayne … within any the Kinges saide pallaces or houses.
1600. E. Blount, trans. Conestaggio, 228. Yet vpon view of the horse, they mette them with the keies of the citie.
1661. W. Lowther, in Extr. St. P. rel. Friends, II. (1911), 118. His Maiestyes Justices of the peace, vpon viewe or haueing Informacion of such persons soe offending.
1779. Mirror, No. 66. The feelings that arise on the view of ability, self-possession, knowledge of character.
1815. Ann. Reg., Chron., 47. An inquest was held … on view of the body.
1841. L’pool Mercury, 2/5. An inquest was held before Mr. Curry, on view of the body of Wm. Clare, aged 21.
b. On the view, by simple inspection.
1823. J. Badcock, Dom. Amusem., 31. Making an estimate of the original purity of the material … may be accomplished, first on the view; second by heat.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xxi. IV. 615. The High Bailiff then walked round the three companies of horsemen, and pronounced, on the view, that Montague and Fox were duly elected.
c. On view, on exhibition; open to general or public inspection.
1882. Miss Braddon, Mt. Royal, III. vi. 104. He shall be on view in the drawing-room before dinner.
17. With the (or a) view of, with the object or design of (doing something).
1723. Pres. St. Russia, II. 112. You acted only with a view of deceiving me.
1754. Sherlock, Disc. (1759), I. i. 18. Religion must be formed with a View of securing a future Happiness.
1802. O. Gregory, Treat. Astron., 257. With a view of ascertaining more accurately the nature of the sun.
1827. Faraday, Chem. Manip., xxiv. 590. With the view … of expediting the acquirement of the necessary habits.
1884. in A. Cawston, Street Improv. London (1893), 106. Power of taking possession … with the view of carrying out the necessary work.
b. With a view to, with the aim or object of attaining, effecting or accomplishing something; const. (a) with nouns or pronouns, or (b) with verbs. Also (c), with regard to; (d) in view of.
(a) 1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Hair, It was with a View to this, that such … procured their Hair to be shaven off.
1767. Cowper, Lett., 20 Oct. I am willing to suspect that you make this inquiry with a view to an interview when time shall serve.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Vanderput & S., i. 20. [He] allowed that such an indulgence might,—especially with a view to increased knowledge,—be extended to a sufferer like Christian.
1866. R. Chambers, Ess., Ser. II. 89. Providence has constituted us with a view to activity.
1875. Helps, Soc. Press., iii. 49. The tendency is more and more to promote individual effort with a view to individual comfort.
1891. Law Times, XC. 373/1. The Belgian Government desired his extradition with a view to his trial in Belgium.
(b) 1723. Present St. Russia, I. 160. With a view to secure the Cuban-Tartars to the Russian Interest.
1765–8. Erskine, Inst. Law Scot., IV. iv. § 55. The forcible … abduction of the woman’s person, with a view to violate it.
1800. Asiat. Ann. Reg., Charac., 54/2. The troops had been embarked with a view to retake the island of Grenada.
1842. Loudon, Suburban Hort., 53. They might … be advantageously introduced with a view to watering summer crops.
1891. Law Times, XCII. 105/2. The lady had contracted specifically with a view to bind definite separate estate.
(c) 1785. Paley, Mor. Philos., VI. xii. War may be considered with a view to its causes and its conduct.
(d) 1808. Eleanor Sleath, Bristol Heiress, V. 329. With a view to his approaching nuptials, Lord Castleton presented him with a handsome service of plate.
c. With this (or that) view, with this intention or aim, for this purpose.
1765. H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (ed. 2), III. 159. Preudhomme went to Wilton with that view.
1769. Robertson, Chas. V., IV. Wks. 1813, V. 413. With this view he dispatched a courier to Bourbon.
1815. J. Smith, Panorama Sci. & Art, II. 191. With this view he fixed a cord to a nail which was in one of the beams of the ceiling.
1857. Buckle, Civiliz., I. ix. 573. With this view, the people, even in their ordinary amusements, are watched and carefully superintended.
1893. Liddon, Life Pusey, II. xxv. 164. With this view the writer reviews fourteen of the Articles.
18. To take a view of, to take a look at, to make an inspection, examination or survey of. † Also with the or without article.
1476. Paston Lett., III. 162. I suppose that my lorde wille take the vywe off alle hys retynywe heer.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 17. [They] had sente theyr spyes to take the vewe of the countre.
1557. Order of Hospitalls, F v. When Veiwe is taken, whether the same Childe be living … in the Howse or at Nurse.
1578. in Feuillerat, Revels Q. Eliz. (1908), 298. When my Lord Chamberleyne toke a viewe of the stuffe at mr Brydemans.
1631. Weever, Anc. Funeral Mon., To Rdr. I likewise tooke view of many ancient Monuments not inscribed.
1658. Wood, Life (O.H.S.), I. 236. He had taken a view of the monuments.
a. 1774. Goldsm., Hist. Greece, II. 233. The next day he took a view of all Darius’s money and moveables.
1780. Newgate Cal., V. 30. No sooner had he taken a view of it, than he declared, that … he had made the paper.
1815. J. Smith, Panorama Sci. & Art, II. 305. In order to take a view of the means employed, to lessen, increase, or otherwise modify the affinities of bodies.
IV. 19. attrib. and Comb. a. In senses 1 and 4, as view-day, -making, -worthy adj.
1589. Greene, Ciceronis Amor, Epistle Ded. Thinking nothing rare, nor view-worthy, sufficiently-patronized, vnlesse shrowded vnder the protection of so honorable a Mæcenas.
1600. Maldon (Essex) Documents (Bundle 162), 11. xxiii d for fire, and bredd, and beare spent in the Moote-halle on the pettie vew daye.
1607. in W. H. Hale, Prec. in Causes of Office (1841), 10. They shall certify … of the vew making by the workmen … and likewise how farr they have proceeded in the repayer of the church.
b. In sense 8 b and 8 c, as view-hunter, -hunting, -lens, -station, -taking, etc.; view-finder, an attachment to a camera by which it is more readily adjusted to take a particular view.
1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res., II. vi. I mean the epidemic, now endemical, of View-hunting.
1837. J. E. Murray, Summer in Pyrenees, II. 65. The most greedy view-hunters of them all will leave it [Canigoû] satisfied with the beauty and magnificence of the prospect.
1886. Pall Mall G., 11 Sept., 4/2. It was his delight to make … good roads to all the best view stations on his estate.
1889. Anthony’s Photogr. Bull., II. 38. When the ordinary view lens, giving barrel distortion, is used. Ibid., 339. If they are view-taking in a region of streams and woods. Ibid. (1891), IV. 426. A revolving view-finder, flash-lamp, dark slide covers.
