[ad. L. arrectus: see prec.]
A. adj. Set upright, pricked up (as the ears of a beast); having the faculties directed towards; fig. intent, attentive, on the alert.
1646. J. G[regory], Notes & Obs. (1650), 142. His eares are said to bee arrect and intent only to those [prayers] that are made in this place.
c. 1794. Akenside, Pleas. Imag., I. 269. Eager for the event, Around the Beldame all arrect they hang.
1846. T. Aird, in Blackw. Mag., LX. 279. The rabbit … pauses a moment—with its form and ears arrect to listen.
† B. sb. Proposed term for ‘upright stratum.’ Obs.
1811. Pinkerton, Petralogy, I. 213.
