Obs. [f. CENTRE; the ending is not explained.]
1. Center, middle, midst.
1583. Stubbes, Anat. Abus., II. 5. This country is scituate as it were in the centrie, or midst of others.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., V. ii. 11. This foule Swine Is now euen in the Centry of this Isle.
2. The center or centering of a bridge.
1651. Jer. Taylor, Serm. (1678), 143. Pleasure is but like centries or wooden Frames, set under Arches, till they be strong by their own weight and consolidation to stand alone.
a. 1834. Coleridge, Lit. Rem., I. 342. Centries … put under the arches of a bridge, to remain no longer than until the latter are consolidated.
