[f. L. agitāt- ppl. stem of agitā-re (see prec.), also representing Fr. agiter (14th c., Littré).]
I. To move, excite.
† 1. trans. To communicate action or motion to; to move, actuate. = ACT v. 1. Obs.
1620. Shelton, Quixote, III. xxxiv. 244. In the chace … Sleep and Idleness are banished, the Pores are corroborated, the Members agitated.
1748. Thomson, Castle Ind., ii. 47. By whom each atom stirs, the planets roll: Who, fills, surrounds, informs, and agitates the whole.
2. To move to and fro, shake (things material).
1599. A. M., trans. Gabelhouer’s Bk. Physic, 44/1. Take fresh butter … impose the same in a little dishe, and agitate or amalgamize the same.
1667. Boyle, Orig. Formes & Qual., 30. In agitating water into froth.
1794. Sullivan, View of Nat., I. 76. Incessant earthquakes … during which the earth was constantly agitated.
1825. Scott, Talism. (1854), 141. The other refreshed his reverend master by agitating a fan of peacock-feathers.
1849. Mrs. Somerville, Connex. Phys. Sc., § 30. 347. The aurora powerfully agitates the magnet.
3. fig. To disturb, perturb or excite (the thoughts and feelings).
1586. James VI., in Ellis, Orig. Lett., I. 224, III. 18. Knouin quhat divers thochtes have agitat my mynde.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe, I. 233. This had agitated my Thoughts for two Hours.
1836. Hor. Smith, Tin Trumpet, I. 13. An actor … is never so sure to agitate the souls of his hearers, as when his own is perfectly at ease.
4. Hence, To perturb or excite (a person) in mind or feelings; to stir up, excite or move (a multitude) by appeals, etc.
a. 1822. Shelley, Œdip. Tyr., I. i. The gadfly was the same which Juno sent To agitate Io.
1824. Dibdin, Libr. Comp., 89. Frequently agitated with passion and prejudice.
1855. Lewis, Early Rom. Hist., xii. § 25. Each consul forms a party, and agitates the people in favour of his own views.
1878. Seeley, Stein, III. 320. You are alarmed and agitated by the lamentations of those ladies.
II. To be active or busy about.
† 5. trans. To do the actual work of (the affairs of another); to manage or act as an agent. Also absol. Obs.
1634. Wood, New Engl. Prosp., II. x. A King of large Dominions hath his Viceroyes … to agitate his State-affaires.
1654. Fuller, 2 Serm., 76. Let painefull Solicitours so honestly Agitate … as knowing they must give an Account to God.
6. To be busy with (mentally), consider on all sides, revolve in the mind (as a plan to be executed); to contrive busily. arch.
1648. Cottrell, trans. Davila’s Hist. France (1678), 9. Whilst these things were agitated at the court.
1648. Eikon Bas., 113. When Politicians most agitate desperate designes against all that is setled, or sacred in Religion.
1671. Mrs. Behn, Forc’d Marriage, II. iii. 174. As if your soul were agitating something Contrary to the pleasure of this night.
7. To discuss, debate, or push forward as a question to be settled. Also absol.
1643. Milton, Sov. Salve, 33. Parliament preparing, discussing, agitating, concluding what is to be done.
1756. Burke, Sp. Amer. Tax., Wks. II. 410. Before a repeal was so much as agitated in this house.
1785. Cowper, Tirocin., 130. Points, which unless the Scripture made them plain, The wisest heads might agitate in vain.
1863. Cox, Inst. Eng. Govt., I. ii. 285. The question of the revival of licensed printing was repeatedly agitated in Parliament.
8. absol. To keep up an agitation; to keep a political or other object perpetually under discussion, so as to impress on the public mind. Const. for.
c. 1828. Marq. Anglesey (to Irish Deputation). If you really expect success, agitate, agitate, agitate.
1860. Kingsley, Misc., II. 180. If he wants protection for them, let him agitate for the true protection.
Mod. To agitate for a repeal of the malt tax.
