1. Tilted up, set on tilt, in such a position that it is just ready to fall over. Also fig.
1562. J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 194. We apply the spigot, till tubbe stande a tilte.
1735. Pope, Donne Sat., iv. 176. In that nice moment, as another lye Stood just a-tilt.
1881. Payn, Grape fr. Thorn, xiv. Sitting with his chair atilt.
2. In phr. To run (or ride) a-tilt: i.e., in an encounter on horseback with the thrust of a lance. Now usually fig. of controversial encounters. Const. at, with, against. [The origin of a- is here uncertain.]
1591. Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., III. ii. 51. Breake a Launce, and runne a-Tilt at Death.
1608. 2nd Pt. Def. Reas. Refus. Subscript., 52. [He] taketh heart to run at Tilt a fresh.
1702. S. Parker, Tully’s De Fin., 31. Impetuously as they run atilt against other people.
1862. Sir H. Taylor, St. Clem. Eve, III. iii. Wks. 1864, III. 149. He rode a-tilt and smote the scaly Dragon.
1873. Burton, Hist. Scot., V. lv. 94. A paper in defense of queen Mary’s honour, in which he ran atilt with Buchanan.
