Quick a., sb.¹ and adv.

Forms: α. 1 cwic(u), c(w)ucu, cuc-, cwyc, 1–2 cwuc, (2 cwuce), 1–3 cwic, 3 cwicc, cwi(c)k-, 4 kuic, kuik; 3–4 quic, 3–5 quick-, 4 quyc, 5 quyck, 5–6 quycke, (5 qw-), 5–7 quicke, (5 qw-), 5– quick; 3–6 quik, quyk, (5–6 qw-), 4 quiyk-, 4–5 quikke, quyk(k)e, (5 qw-), 5 quike, quikk, (qw-); 4–5 quek, 5 qu-, qweke. β. Sc. and north. 5 quhyk, qwhick, -ikke, -yke, 5 whik, whicke, whyk, 6–9 whick, 9 wick. γ. 5 whyt, 7 whitt. [Comm. Teut.: OE. cwicu, c(w)ucu and cwic, c(w)uc-, = OFris. quik, quek (mod.Fris. quick, queck), OS. quik (MDu. quic, Du. kwik), OHG. quec, quecch- and chec, checch- (MHG. quec, queck- and kec, keck-, G. keck lively, pert, bold; also dial. queck, quick), ON. kvik-r, kvikv- and kyk-r, kykv- (MSw. qvik, qvek, Sw. qvick; Da. kvik, also kvæg sb., ‘cattle,’ and kvæg-, kvik- in combs. as kvæg- or kviksand):—OTeut. *kwikwo-z. The origin of the second k is obscure; it is absent in the Gothic *qius (in pl. qiwai):—*kwiwo-z, from the common Aryan *g^wĭwo- which appears in Skr. jīvá, L. vīvus (for *gvīvus), Lith. gývas, OSlav. ȥivŭ, OIr. biu, beo alive, living, Gr. βίος life. An ablaut-variant of the Teut. stem is found in ON. kveikja to kindle.]

  A.  adj.

  I.  Characterized by the presence of life.

  1.  Living, endowed with life, in contrast to what is naturally inanimate. Now dial. or arch.

c. 888.  K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxix. § 3. Þætte men & ealle cwuca wuhta habbað … andan betwuh him.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 3691. He þatt fedeþþ enngleþeod & alle cwike shaffte.

c. 1300.  St. Brandan, 163. As a quic thing hupte up and down.

1387.  Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), I. 383. Goddes heste, þat heet þe erþe brynge forþ gras and quyk bestes.

1422.  trans. Secreta Secret., 208. Sowne of thynges that bene not quycke as the Sowne of watyr, & brekynge of trees, thundyr [etc.].

1523.  Fitzherb., Husb., § 102. The bottes … be quycke, and stycke faste in the mawe-syde.

1611.  Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xiii. (1623), 741. They could see no quicke things left but onely Owles.

1820.  Shelley, Witch Atl., ix. Where the quick heart of the great world doth pant.

1857.  E. Waugh, Lanc. Life, 29. There isn’t a wick thing i’ this world can wortch as it should do, if it doesn’t heyt [= eat] as it should do.

  † b.  Of possessions or property: Consisting of animals; live (stock). Freq. in phrases quick cattle, good(s, stock, etc., and hence, by analogy, quick beast. Obs. Cf. also OE. cwicæht, -feoh.

871–89.  Charter, 45, in Sweet, O. E. Texts, 451. Ic … sello werburʓe … þas lond mid cwice erfe & mid earðe.

971.  Blickl. Hom., 39. Þone teoþan dæl on urum wæstmum & on cwicum ceape.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 11108. Sir Ion giffard nom to him is quic eiȝte echon.

1433.  E. E. Wills, 95. Alle my goodes & catelles, bothe quike & dede.

1523.  Fitzherb., Surv., xii. (1539), 29. He that hath no quycke good, shall giue his beste deed good.

1526.  Lanc. Wills, I. 15. I bequeth ffor my mortuarye my best qwyk beast.

1592.  West, 1st Pt. Symbol., § 25. Houses and landes and quicke beastes, as sheepe and oxen.

1649.  Bp. Hall, Cases Consc., ix. (1654), 62. If they be quick commodities, as horses, sheep, kine and the like.

1686.  R. P., in Phil. Trans., XX. 383. Houshold-goods … lost; besides many quick Goods.

1745.  W. Stout, Autobiog. (1851), ad fin. A public sale of all his quick goods and cattle.

  c.  Applied to things properly inanimate in various transf. or fig. uses (cf. II).

c. 900.  trans. Bæda’s Hist., IV. xx. [xviii.] (1890), 314. He … þeaw þæs songes cwicre stæfne … sangeras lærde.

c. 950.  Lindisf. Gosp., John iv. 11. [He] ualde ʓesealla ðe uæter cuic.

a. 1175.  Cott. Hom., 241. Ic am cwuce bread.

1382.  Wyclif, Heb. iv. 12. Forsoth the word of God is quyk. [Also in later versions.] Ibid., 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ȝoure silf as quike stoones be aboue bildid spiritual housis.

1502.  Atkynson, trans. De Imitatione, III. x. 205. Of me … pore & ryche, drawe quycke water as of the well of lyfe.

1586.  J. Hooker, Hist. Irel., in Holinshed, II. 101/2. To rush through such quicke iron walles [armed Galloglasses].

1732.  Pope, Ess. Man, I. 234. See thro’ … this earth All matter quick, and bursting into birth.

1894.  Crockett, Raiders, 13. Young green leaves breaking from the quick and breathing earth.

  2.  Of persons and animals: In a live state, living, alive. Now dial. or arch.

c. 888.  K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxvi. § 7. [Ne] ma ðe we maʓon … habban deadne mon for cwucone.

c. 1000.  Sax. Leechd., I. 362. Wið miltwræce, cwices hundes milte abred of.

a. 1225.  Leg. St. Kath., 63. Þe riche reoðeren & schep … brohten to lake, þe poure cwike briddes.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 8645. Mi quik child has þou stoln … And has þi ded barn laid bi me.

1362.  Langl., P. Pl., A. II. 14. Ther nis no qweene qweyntore that quik is alyue.

c. 1450.  Two Cookery-bks., II. 99. Take a quyk lamprey, And lete him blode at þe nauell.

a. 1529.  Skelton, Elynour Rummyng, 431. A cantell of Essex chese … well a fote thycke, Full of maggottes quycke.

1584.  R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., V. vi. (1886), 81, marg. To hold a quick eele by the taile.

a. 1661.  Fuller, Worthies (1840), I. v. 212. Not the quick but dead worthies properly pertain to my pen.

1790.  Mrs. Wheeler, Westmld. Dial. (1821), 98. Wor thor giants alive? Mary. Nay, nay,… they er net whick I racken.

1873.  Spectator, 23 Aug., 1069/1. ‘Quick’ animals, to use a Yorkshire phrase, are sold here.

1875.  Sussex Gloss., s.v., I thought at first that sheep was dead, but I found it was quick still.

  b.  Freq. as complement to the subject of intr. and pass. verbs, or to the object (rarely subj.) of trans. verbs; sometimes with intensive all prefixed.

c. 825.  Vesp. Psalter cxxiii. 3. Cwice forswelʓað usic.

971.  Blickl. Hom., 191. He woldan … þone casere cwicenne forbærnan.

c. 1122.  O. E. Chron. (Laud MS.), an. 1009. Þæt he Wulfnoð cuconne oððe deadne beʓytan sceolde.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 1364. An bucc rann þær aweȝȝ all cwicc.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 4166. Some he mid strencþe nom & al quic hom vret.

13[?].  Evang. Nicod., 1082, in Herrig, Archiv, LIII. 411. Ely þe prophete … whik to heuen yhede.

c. 1400.  Rom. Rose, 4070. Al quik I wolde be dolven depe.

c. 1450.  Mirour Saluacioun, 737. But offred hire vnto godde to serue hym qwhikke swetlye.

a. 1533.  Ld. Berners, Huon, xlvii. 159. Y^e lechour … shalbe flayne all quycke.

1632.  Lithgow, Trav., I. 37. There was a gray Frier burning quicke at S. Markes pillar.

1678.  R. L’Estrange, Seneca’s Mor. (1702), 246. Privacy, without Letters, is but the Burying of a Man Quick.

1708.  J. Philips, Cyder, I. 12. Ingulft By the wide yawning Earth, to Stygian Shades Went quick.

  † c.  Of the flesh or parts of the body. Obs.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 112. So þet flesch is cwickure, so þe pine þerof & þet hurt is more & sarre. Ibid. His fleschs were tendrust & cwickest of alle vlesches.

1382.  Wyclif, Lev. xiii. 15. If the quyk flesh is spreynt with lepre, it is vnclene.

c. 1420.  Chron. Vilod., 2624. A lyuyng mone, Þ^t hadde be lette blode in a quyke veyne.

1513.  Douglas, Æneis, VIII. viii. 69. Quhill quyk mouthis dyd deyd mouthis kys.

1527.  Andrew, Brunswyke’s Distyll. Waters, C ii. The lame lymmes and membres … become quycke agayne.

1603.  Florio, trans. Montaigne, II. iii. (1897), III. 51. To cut and slice great mammocks of their quicke flesh.

a. 1649.  Drumm. of Hawth., Poems, Wks. (1711), 1/2. My wasted heart, Made quick by death, more lively still remains.

  d.  transf. and fig., chiefly of qualities, feelings, etc. (cf. II).

c. 1200.  Trin. Coll. Hom., 171. Þo unbileffule men þe bi here quica liue here sunnes ne forleten.

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 369. Þai suffre not criste to be alyue in þe sowlis of his peple bi qwike faythe.

1547.  Homilies, I. Faith, I. (1640), 22. As the other vaine faith is called a dead faith, so may this be called a quicke or lively fayth.

1599.  Shaks., Hen. V., II. ii. 79. The mercy that was quicke in vs … is supprest and kill’d.

1631.  Chapman, Cæsar & Pompey, Plays 1873, III. 132. Strike dead our feare … Rather then keepe it quick.

1728.  Pope, Dunc., I. 59. Hints, like spawn, scarce quick in embryo lie.

1895.  I. Zangwill, The Master, II. vii. 213. Not only … the glamour of the dead past, but the poetry of the quick.

  3.  Of plants or their parts: Alive, growing. See also QUICKWOOD.

c. 1000.  Ags. Ps. (Th.), ciii. 16. Cwice cederbeamas.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 10002. Þeȝȝ wærenn o þe treo All cwike & grene boȝhess.

1552.  Huloet, Arboure or place made with quicke springes.

1577.  Nottingham Rec., IV. 168. Dressyng of the hedge of quycke grose.

1626.  Bacon, Sylva, § 514. Dividing a Quick-Tree downe to the Ground.

1647–8.  Cotterell, Davila’s Hist. Fr. (1678), 27. If there be any quick roots left, which may send forth new sprouts.

1802.  W. Forsyth, Fruit Trees (1824), 214. If any of the old dead snags remain they should be cut off close to the quick wood.

  b.  Composed of living plants, esp. hawthorn, as quick fence, † frith, hedge (cf. Du. kwikhaag), mound. Cf. QUICKSET.

1467.  Bury Wills (Camden), 45. The qwyk heige set frome the gate on to the hall doore.

1563.  Hyll, Art Garden. (1593), 7. A quick hedge, which we cal a quickset hedge.

1564.  MS. Acc. St. John’s Hosp., Canterb. To enclose the vij acres of land … wyth a quyk fryth.

1627.  F. Little, Man. Chr. Munif. (1871), 93. They fenced it with a quick mound.

1669.  Worlidge, Syst. Agric. (1681), 15. A thousand Acres of Land divided with good Quick-fences.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, I. viii. A quick or living hedge.

1894.  J. T. Fowler, Adamnan, Introd. 38. On the top a palisade and quick hedge.

  4.  Const. with.

  a.  Quick with child, said of a female in the stage of pregnancy at which the motion of the fœtus is felt. Now rare or Obs.

  (This use has app. arisen by inversion of the phr. with quick child exemplified in the following quots.

c. 1450.  Merlin, 12. She was grete with quyk childe.

1752.  J. Louthian, Form of Process (ed. 2), 217. You of the Jury of Matrons … say, that E. L. is not pregnant with quick Child.)

c. 1450.  Lonelich, Merlin, 826 (Kölbing). This good man sawh, that sche Qwyk with childe was.

1493.  Festivall (W. de W., 1515), 106. Thenne conceyued Elyzabeth and whan she was quycke w^t chylde [etc.].

1616.  R. C., Times’ Whistle, iii. 1163. His vnckles wife surviues, purchance Left quick with childe.

1678.  Lady Chaworth, in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 51. Sister Salisbery and sister Ansley [are] both quicke with child.

1774.  Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), II. 43. Women … quick with child, as their expression is, at the end of two months.

  fig.  1870.  Lowell, Among my Bks., Ser. I. 238. Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.

  † b.  absol. in same sense. Obs.

1588.  Shaks., L. L. L., V. ii. 687. Then shall Hector be whipt for Iaquenetta that is quicke by him.

1647.  Trapp, Comm. Rom. ix. 11. 32. Acknowledging thereby her issue for their Prince, before she as yet had felt her self quick.

  c.  Alive, instinct with (life, soul, feeling, etc.).

  In some cases prob. associated with sense 19.

1837.  Disraeli, Venetia, IV. iv. That languid form quick with excitement.

1839.  Bailey, Festus, xxiii. (1852), 416. Thy palpitating piles of ruin … quick With soul immortal.

1873.  Dixon, Two Queens, I. I. ix. 63. In Barcelona everyone was quick with rage.

1883.  A. E. Hake, Story Chinese Gordon, xii. (1884), 294. To give peace to a country quick with war.

  II.  Of things: Having some specific quality characteristic or suggestive of a living thing.

  * In a sound or natural condition; fresh; productive.

  † 5.  Of the complexion: Having the freshness of life. Obs. rare.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 332. Þe cwike rude of þe nebbe makeð to understonden þet te soule þet … nefde bute dead heou, haueð ikeiht cwic heou.

1422.  trans. Secreta Secret., 223. The [fifth token] Is that a man haue quyke coloure.

1656.  [see QUICKNESS 2].

a. 1693.  Aubrey, Lives (1898), I. 60. (W. Aubrey) He had a delicate, quick, lively … complexion.

  † 6.  Of things seen: Lifelike, vivid. Obs. rare.

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., A. 1179. Fro alle þo syȝtez so quykez [? read quyke] & queme.

c. 1450.  trans. De Imitatione, I. xviii. 19. Beholde þe quicke ensamples of olde fadres.

1533.  Bellenden, Livy, Prol. (1901), 4. Of awfull batallis,… Ȝe may fynd here,… Als quyk as þai war led afore ȝour Ee.

  † 7.  a. Of rock: Natural, ‘living.’ b. Of earth: (see quot. 1620). Obs.

c. 1475.  Partenay, 1125. Vppon the quicke Roche thay it sett tho. Ibid., 4352. A caue … Within the quike roche.

1620.  Markham, Farew. Husb., II. ii. (1668), 7. You shall be sure to raise up the quick earth which had not been stirred up with the Plough before.

  8.  a. Mining. Of veins, etc.: Containing ore, productive. (Cf. DEAD a. 10.)

1676.  J. Beaumont, in Phil. Trans., XI. 735. Subterraneous Vaults or Grotto’s, whereof some … are said by our Miners to be quick, having often oar in them.

1747.  Hooson, Miner’s Dict., Q ij b. Veins, Scrins, Pipes, &c. if they bear any Ore, are called Quick; and such as have no Ore, go by the Names of Dead Veins.

1881.  in Raymond, Mining Gloss.

  b.  Of stock, capital, etc.: Productive of interest or profit.

1701.  Luttrell, Brief Rel. (1857), V. 1. The quick stock of both companies shal be paid for discharge of their debts.

a. 1711.  Ken, Christophil, Poet. Wks. 1721, I. 423. I … spent on the Quick-stock which I could never drain.

1818.  Jas. Mill, Brit. India, I. I. v. 81. The estimate which was formed of their quick and dead stock.

1891.  Pall Mall Gaz., 19 Nov., 7/1. The quick assets [of the American Cotton Oil Trust] … amounted on August 31 last to 5,928,338 dols.

  ** Possessed of motion.

  9.  Of wells, springs, streams or water: Running, flowing. (Cf. OE. cwicwelle adj.) Now rare.

c. 1000.  Ags. Ps. (Th.), cxiii. 8. He … clifu cyrreð on cwicu … wæteres wellan.

c. 1220.  Bestiary, 341. Bihoueð us to rennen to cristes quike welle.

1340.  Ayenb., 98. To lhade of þe zeue streames þe quikke weteres.

c. 1375.  Sc. Leg. Saints, xxxiii. (George), 319. In þe mydis þe altere a quyk wel sprang.

c. 1430.  Lydg., Compl. Bl. Knt., xi. A litel welle, That had his cours … with quikke stremes colde.

1600.  Holland, Livy, XLII. liv. 1147. The place is … watered also with many quicke and running springs.

1677.  Evelyn, Diary (1827), II. 425. Whose house stands inviron’d with very sweete and quick streams.

c. 1710.  Celia Fiennes, Diary (1888), 289. Its not a quick spring and very often is dranke drye.

1816.  Byron, Parisina, xx. The living stream lies quick below, And flows, and cannot cease to flow.

1889.  Pater, G. de Latour, 75. Gently winding valleys, with clear, quick water.

  10.  Of soil, etc.: Mobile, shifting, readily yielding to pressure. Now rare. Cf. QUICKSAND.

a. 1340.  Hampole, Psalter i. 1. As he þ^t gas on qwik grauel þat gers him synk þ^t standis þar on.

1552.  Huloet, Quycke sandes or shelues, syrtes.

1602.  Carew, Cornwall, 8 b. The quicke ground (as they call it) that mooued with the floud.

1696.  Phil. Trans., XIX. 352. Great Freshes … make the Sands Shift, and consequently Quick.

1771.  Smollett, Humph. Cl., 12 Sept. The Solway sands,… as the tide makes,… become quick in different places.

1890.  Emerson, Wild Life, 58. I pulled my legs out of the soft ooze, and was soon across the patch of quick ground.

  *** Having some form of activity or energy.

  11.  † a. Of coals: Live, burning. Obs.

c. 1000.  Sax. Leechd., II. 224. Do to fyre on croccan, ofer wylle on godum gledum clænum & cwicum.

1340.  Ayenb., 205. A quic col berninde ope ane hyeape of dyade coles.

c. 1400.  Maundev. (Roxb.), xxxi. 142. If a man … couer þe coles þeroff with aschez, þai will hald in quikk a twelfmonth.

1413.  Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton, 1483), III. ix. 55. Quyck coles whiche brente them full bytterly.

1581.  T. Howell, Deuises (1879), 200. Kindled coales close kept, continue longest quick.

1657.  Trapp, Comm. Ps. cxx. 4. Juniper … maketh a very scorching fire, and quick coals, such as last long.

1764.  Harmer, Observ., iii. 118. They … put it into an oven upon the quick coals.

  b.  Of fire or flames: Burning strongly or briskly. Also of an oven: Exposed to a brisk fire.

c. 1374.  Chaucer, Boeth., IV. pr. vi. 104 (Camb. MS.). A ryht lyfly and quyk fyre of thowht.

1604.  E. G[rimstone], D’Acosta’s Hist. Indies, II. vii. 96. If it [the fire] bee quicke and violent, it doth greatly evaporate the quick-silver.

1624.  Quarles, Sion’s Sonn., xx. 19. Thy breath … incends quicke flames, where Ember’d sparkes but shine.

1708.  J. C., Compl. Collier (1845), 16. It makes a hot quick Fire.

1769.  Mrs. Raffald, Eng. Housekpr. (1778), 4. Bake it in a quick oven three hours.

1821.  Shelley, Prometh. Unb., III. i. 38. God! Spare me! I sustain not the quick flames.

1863.  Reade, Hard Cash, xiv. You will cook your own goose—by a quick fire.

  † 12.  Of speech, writings, etc.: Lively, full of vigor or acute reasoning; smart, sprightly. Obs.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 170. Ye eihtuðe reisun is uorte habben cwike bone.

1340.  Ayenb., 134. Þet is to zigge: oþer þane quicke scele oþer aperte miracle.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Prol., 306. That [speech] was … short and quyk, and ful of hy sentence.

c. 1400.  Apol. Loll., 8. Aȝen swilk feynid … indulgens, howiþ a feiþful prest to multiply quek resouns.

1531.  Elyot, Gov., I. x. Some quicke and mery dialoges elect out of Luciane.

1589.  Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, I. xxviii. (Arb.), 70. An inscription … in few verses, pithie, quicke and sententious.

1625.  Gill, Sacr. Philos., Pref. Though his writings be easie and quicke, yet his matiers are scattered.

  † 13.  Of places or times: Full of activity or business; busy. Of trade: Brisk. Obs.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Frankl. T., 774. Amyd the toun, right in the quyke strete.

1538.  Leland, Itin., I. 8. A good quik Market Toune.

1641.  Best, Farm. Bks. (Surtees), 102. The kinge beinge there, the markets were very quicke.

a. 1661.  Fuller, Worthies (1840), II. 190. He called Manchester the fairest and quickest town in this county.

a. 1687.  Petty, Pol. Arith. (1690), 18. Some where or other in the World, Trade is always quick enough.

1726–46.  Thomson, Winter, 779. Pure, quick, and sportful is the wholesome day.

  † 14.  Of sulphur: Readily inflammable, fiery. Obs.

c. 1530.  Hickscorner, in Hazl., Dodsley, I. 179. He asked for a mouthful of quick brimstone.

1559.  Morwyng, Evonym., 323. ij unces of bothe kindes of Sulphur or brimstone, that is of the quik and dead.

1590.  Spenser, F. Q., I. vii. 13. That divelish yron Engin,… With windy Nitre and quick Sulphur fraught.

1661.  Lovell, Hist. Anim. & Min., 107. Honey, nitre,… and quick brimstone, reduced unto the consistence of honey.

  † 15.  Of wine and other liquors: Brisk, effervescent. Obs.

1620.  Venner, Via Recta, ii. 25. A pure and quicke wine.

1677.  Yarranton, Eng. Improv., 122. As the different heat of the Climate is, so the Liquor shall ripen and grow quick and fit to drink.

1730–46.  Thomson, Autumn, 706. The mellow-tasted burgundy; and, quick As is the wit it gives, the gay champagne.

  **** Producing a strong effect on the senses or mind.

  16.  † a. Of the voice: Loud, clear. Obs. rare^–1.

c. 1205.  Lay., 12306. Heo … him to cleopeden quickere stæuene [c. 1275 mid swiþe loude stemne].

  b.  Of color: Vivid, bright, dazzling. rare.

1664.  Power, Exp. Philos., I. 13. Eyes … of a very quick and lively transparency or fulgour.

1851.  G. Meredith, Love in the Valley, xx. Slain are the poppies that shot their random scarlet Quick amid the wheatears.

  17.  Of feelings: Lively, vivid, keen, strongly felt.

c. 1449.  Pecock, Repr., II. viii. 183. Quyk and feruent and … deuout remembraunce.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop., II. ix. (1895), 284. Onles they, by quycke repentaunce approue the amendement of their lyffes.

1665.  Glanvill, Def. Van. Dogm., 75. I have still a quick resentment of the Vanity of Confiding in Opinions.

1710.  Steele, Tatler, No. 196, ¶ 5. These have in their several Stations a quick Relish of the exquisite Pleasure of doing Good.

1752.  Chesterf., Lett. (1792), III. 254–5. The scene of quick and lively pleasures.

1839.  Bailey, Festus, viii. (1848), 87. Firestranded, rolling in quick agony.

  18.  † a. Of a taste or smell: Sharp, pungent; brisk. Also of things in respect of taste or smell (cf. 15). Obs.

1573.  Treas. Hid. Secrets, xliii. If white Saunders … be old, and have no pleasant and quicke odour, they are nothing worth.

1578.  Lyte, Dodoens, V. xx. 574. These two Purcelaynes are full of iuyce, and of a sharpe or quicke taste.

1641.  French, Distill., v. (1651), 126. It will tast as quick as bottle beer that is a fortnight old.

1670.  Narborough, Jrnl., in Acc. Sev. Late Voy. (1694), I. 68. This Rind … is hotter than Pepper and more quicker.

1758.  Reid, trans. Macquer’s Chym., I. 33. Its smell is … extremely quick and suffocating when it smokes.

1797.  Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3), L. 625/2. Their smell is quick and penetrating, their taste pungent.

  † b.  Of speech or writing: Sharp, caustic. Obs.

1580.  Lyly, Euphues (Arb.), 280. A quicke aunswere that might cut him.

1589.  Nashe, Pref. Greene’s Menaphon (Arb.), 9. In Scholler-like matters of controuersie, a quicker stile may pass as commendable.

1616.  Bullokar, Eng. Expos., Quippe, a quicke checke, a pretty taunt.

1685.  Roxb. Ball., IV. 284. These quirks are too quick, you do put on me.

1748.  Johnson, Van. Hum. Wishes, 62. How wouldst thou … Dart the quick taunt, and edge the piercing gibe?

  c.  Of air or light: Sharp, piercing. rare.

1608.  Shaks., Per., IV. i. 28. The air is quick there, And it pierces and sharpens the stomach.

1818.  Keats, Endym., II. 918. Other light, Though it be quick and sharp enough to blight The Olympian eagle’s vision, is dark.

  † d.  Of what causes pain. Obs. rare^–1.

a. 1716.  South, Serm. (1744), II. 27. The punishment of the Cross is … the quickest and the most acute.

  III.  Having in a high degree the vigor or energy characteristic of life, and hence distinguished by, or capable of, prompt or rapid action or movement.

  19.  Of persons (or animals): Full of vigor, energy or activity (now rare); prompt or ready to act; acting, or able to act, with speed or rapidity (freq. with suggestion or implication of sense 23).

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., B. 624. He … Comaunded hir to be cof and quyk at þis oneȝ.

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 16372. Þey smette to-gedere so bitterlyke, Þat eyþer side fond oþer quyke.

1434.  Misyn, Mending Life, 118. So þat qwen þa rise to pray, þa be qwhickar þen þai before were.

c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 421/1. Quyk, or lyvely, or delyvyr, vivax.

1535.  Coverdale, Ezra vii. 6. Ezdras … was a quycke scrybe in the lawe of Moses.

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron. Hen. IV., 32 b. This king was … formally compact, quicke and deliver and of a stout courage.

1611.  Bible, Ecclus. xxxi. 22. In all thy workes bee quicke.

a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, III. (1724), I. 382. Seimour … was a graceful man, bold and quick.

1816.  Byron, Ch. Har., III. xlii. Quiet to quick bosoms is a hell.

1833.  Tennyson, Rosalind, ii. The quick lark’s closest-caroll’d strains.

  b.  Of qualities in a person (or animal).

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 109. Crist fastide fourty daies … and he was in quyke age, and listide wel to ete.

1535.  Stewart, Chron. Scot., I. 12. Thair curage … that tyme wes so quik.

c. 1580.  Sidney, Ps. XXXIII. xi. Of quick strength is an horse.

a. 1661.  Fuller, Worthies (1840), II. 536. He was a good patriot, of a quick and clear spirit.

1732.  Neal, Hist. Purit., I. 342. He was a little man, of a quick spirit.

1819.  Shelley, Cenci, I. iii. 173. The resolution of quick youth Within my veins.

  c.  Of things (material and immaterial).

1545.  Ascham, Toxoph., II. (Arb.), 117. So that he [a bow] be … quycke and spedye ynoughe for farre castynge.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop., II. iv. (1895), 149. They … finde spedy and quicke remedies for present fautes.

1592.  Shaks., Rom. & Jul., V. iii. 120. O true Appothecary: Thy drugs are quicke.

1699.  Pennsylvania Arch., I. 127. I am obliged for thy quick Care about ye Wine.

1820.  Shelley, Vision of Sea, 50. A lead-coloured fog … Whose breath was quick pestilence.

1883.  Gresley, Gloss. Coal mining, s.v., Blasting powder is said to be quick when it burns or goes off very rapidly.

  20.  Of the eye, ear, etc.: Keen or rapid in its function; capable of ready or swift perception.

c. 1420.  Pallad. on Husb., VIII. 126. Digestioun hit macth and eyon quyk.

a. 1450.  Knt. de la Tour (1868), 18. She … hadd a quicke yee, and a light.

1590.  Spenser, F. Q., I. ii. 26. Busying his quicke eies her face to view.

a. 1661.  Fuller, Worthies (1840), III. 104. They have a quicker palate than I, who can make any such discovery.

1778.  Johnson, L. P., Milton, Wks. I. 140. His eyes … must have been once quick.

1818.  Shelley, Rosal. & Helen, 1212. The same lady … With silver locks and quick brown eyes.

1864.  [W. Collins], in Cornh. Mag., Dec., 655. The quick ear of Midwinter detected something wrong in the tone of Mr. Brock’s voice.

  b.  So of the senses, perception, feeling, etc.

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VI., 130. The kynges counsaill, whiche did not with quicke sight, forese … thynges for to come.

1604.  E. G[rimstone], D’Acosta’s Hist. Indies, IV. xxxvii. 309. Those [birds] … have a very quicke sight.

1849.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., v. I. 618. Several dogs of quick scent were turned out.

1870.  Rock, Text. Fab., Introd. p. lxxxvii. Women, being gifted with such quick feeling of finger.

  21.  Mentally active or vigorous; of ready apprehension or wit; prompt to learn, think, invent, etc.

1484.  Caxton, Fables of Poge, xii. Two prestes … of whome that one was quyck and coude putte hym self forth.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop., II. vi. (1895), 212. The people be gentle, merye, quycke, and fyne wytted.

1606.  Shaks., Ant. & Cl., V. ii. 216. The quicke Comedians Extemporally will stage vs.

1640.  Bp. Reynolds, Passions, xiii. 121. Another by nature quicke and of noble intellectuals wholly applyeth himselfe unto it [learning].

1792.  Ld. Auckland’s Corr. (1861), II. 410. He is a quick, sensible man.

1847.  Tennyson, Princess, Prol. 137. I would teach them all that men are taught; We are twice as quick.

  b.  So of mind, wit, etc., and of qualities or operations (cf. 25) of the mind.

c. 900.  trans. Bæda’s Hist., V. xvii. [xix.] (1890), 452. He þa cwices modes ʓeornlice leornade þa þing.

1526.  Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 8. In theyr owne pregnaunt and quycke wytte and reason.

1589.  Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, III. xvii. (Arb.), 196. Synecdoche,… because it seemeth to aske a good, quick, and pregnant capacitie,… I chose to call him the figure … of quick conceite.

1651.  Hobbes, Leviath., I. xiii. 60. One man … of quicker mind then another.

a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, III. (1724), I. 354. Lord Sunderland was a man of … a quick decision in business.

1785.  Paley, Mor. Philos. (1818), I. 361. At our public schools … quick parts are cultivated, slow ones are neglected.

1804.  Ann. Rev., II. 79/1. The author is evidently a man of quick observation and lively fancy.

1855.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xix. IV. 310. Queen Mary … had naturally a quick perception of what was excellent in art.

  22.  Hasty, impatient, hot-tempered. ? Obs.

1549.  Latimer, 6th Serm. bef. Edw. VI. (Arb.), 172. The Byshop was some what quicke wyth theym, and signified that he was muche offended.

1588.  Shaks., L. L. L., II. i. 118. You must not be so quicke.

1628.  Ford, Lover’s Mel., II. i. Are you so quick? Well, I may chance to cross Your peevishness.

  b.  So of temper, disposition, etc.

1837.  Disraeli, Venetia, I. viii. The expressions of a quick and offended temper.

c. 1850.  Arab. Nts. (Rtldg.), 89. The quick and violent disposition of his master.

  23.  Moving, or able to move, with speed.

c. 1450.  Cov. Myst., xxx. (Shaks. Soc.), 298. I am as whyt [= whyk] as thought.

a. 1529.  Skelton, Elynour Rummyng, 337. Her tonge was verye quycke, But she spake somwhat thycke.

1599.  Shaks., Hen. V., V. i. 91. Ile … something leane to Cut-purse of quicke hand. Ibid. (1605), Lear, IV. vii. 35. The most terrible and nimble stroke Of quick, cross lightning.

1730–46.  Thomson, Autumn, 526. The quick dice … leaping from the box.

1821.  Shelley, Epipsych., 532. The young stars glance Between the quick bats in their twilight dance.

1861.  Thornbury, Brit. Artists, I. 247. The quick lizard is already out.

  24.  Of movement or succession: Rapid, swift.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 4544. He sywede after þe traytour mid wel quic pas.

1602.  T. Middleton, in Shaks. Cent. of Praise (1879), 51. To keep quick time unto the owl.

1610.  Shaks., Temp., IV. i. 39. Incite them to quicke motion.

1632.  Lithgow, Trav., VI. 298. The Dromidory hath a quicke and hard-reaching trot.

1655.  Stanley, Hist. Philos., I. (1701), 63/2. The Body, which is continually in quick motion, is … called æther.

1759.  Johnson, Rasselas, vi. There may be danger of too quick descent.

1771.  Junius Lett., lix. 310. There is a quick succession of subjects.

1860.  Tyndall, Glac., II. xxvii. 384. The quicker flow of the centre causes this structure to bend.

  25.  Of an action, occurrence, process, etc.: That is done, happens, or takes place, rapidly or with speed; esp. that is over within a short space of time; that is soon finished or completed.

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VI., 169. And therfore willed her in so quicke a mischief, to provide a hasty remedy.

1591.  Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., V. iii. 8. This speedy and quicke appearance argues proofe Of your accustom’d diligence. Ibid. (1607), Timon, I. i. 91. Morall Paintings … That shall demonstrate these quicke blows of Fortune.

1634.  Milton, Comus, 284. They … purpos’d quick return. Ibid., 841. She … underwent a quick immortal change.

1664.  Marvell, Corr., Wks. 1872–5, II. 151. Give me a quick dispatch one way or other.

a. 1756.  Mrs. Heywood, New Present (1771), 263. A quick Way to take Grease out of Woollen Cloth.

1819.  Shelley, Mask of Anarchy, lxxv. With a quick and startling sound. Ibid. (1820), Prometh. Unb., III. iii. 135. It feeds the quick growth of the serpent vine. Ibid. (1821), Epipsych., 547. The pebble-paven shore, Under the quick, faint kisses of the sea Trembles.

1854.  Ronalds & Richardson, Chem. Technol. (ed. 2), I. 343. A quick process of distillation.

  † 26.  Of steel: Breaking readily; brittle. Obs.

1677.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc., 55. The Spanish Steel … is too quick (as Workmen call it) that is, too brittle for Springs or Punches.

  27.  Of a curve, turn, etc.: Sharp.

1725.  W. Halfpenny, Sound Building, 9. If the Arch is required to be quicker or flatter on the Hanse.

1793.  Smeaton, Edystone L., § 81. A much quicker curve, or sweep of a less Radius.

1858.  Skyring’s Builders’ Prices (ed. 48), 57. Mouldings … circular on plan … quick sweep.

  fig.  1732.  Pope, Ep. Cobham, 64. Tho’ strong the bent, yet quick the turns of mind.

1781.  Cowper, Charity, 544. The turns are quick, the polished points surprise.

  28.  With constructions:

  a.  with to and infin.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 9327. Slou to fiȝte & quic to fle & þat nis no manhede.

1584.  Lyly, Campaspe, II. ii. A wit apt to conceive, and quick to answer.

1593.  Shaks., Rich. II., II. i. 234. Quicke is mine eare to heare of good towards him.

1808.  Scott, Marm., II. Introd. 95. The widow’s deafen’d ear Grows quick that lady’s step to hear.

1879.  Church, Spenser, 139. Those who … are quick to respond to English manliness and tenderness.

  b.  with in.

c. 1449.  Pecock, Repr., II. xvi. 243. Summe othere … weren quycker in natural witt and waxiden better philsophiris.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop., II. vi. (1895), 218. The wyttes therefore of the Vtopians … be maruelous quycke in the inuentyon of feates.

1588.  Shaks., L. L. L., I. ii. 31. I do say thou art quick in answers.

1642.  Fuller, Holy & Prof. St., II. i. 51. Others that are so quick in searching, seldome search to the quick.

1837.  Marryat, Percival Keene, xii. He’s not very quick in temper.

1882.  J. H. Blunt. Ref. Ch. Eng., II. 190. So quick was justice in overtaking the rebels.

  c.  with of.

1560.  Rolland, Crt. Venus, Prol. 27. Quik of Ingyne, of Lordschip couetous.

1573.  Tusser, Husb. (1878), 173. Launders and millers be quick of their toll.

1607–12.  Bacon, Ess., Death (Arb.), 384. The most vitall partes are not the quickest of sence.

a. 1626.  Bp. Andrewes, Serm. (1841), IV. 43. More quick of touch than the rest.

1840.  Dickens, Barn. Rudge, x. He is quick of foot.

1859.  Tennyson, Elaine, 1198. It may be, I am quicker of belief.

  d.  with at, for, unto.

1590.  Shaks., Mids. N., III. ii. 342. Your hands then mine, are quicker for a fray.

1640.  A. Melville, Commonpl. Bk. (1899), 18. Quhick at meitt, quhick at work.

1850.  Tennyson, In Mem., xxxiii. Her hands are quicker unto good.

  IV.  29. Combs., chiefly parasynthetic adjs., as quick-answered, -born, -chapt, -eared, -handed, -hearted, -nosed, -paced, -scented, -scented, (-sensedness), -shod, -spirited, († -sprighted), -tempered, -thoughted, -voiced, -winged. Also QUICK-EYED, -SIGHTED, -WITTED.

1611.  Shaks., Cymb., III. iv. 161. Ready in gybes, *quicke-answer’d, sawcie.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 28547. Þat *quikborne child i haue fordon.

1824.  Byron, Def. Transf., I. ii. 81. His own twin, quickborn of the same womb.

1598.  E. Gilpin, Skial. (1878), 59. Here his wife’s bated by some *quick-chapt youth.

1771.  Mrs. Griffith, Hist. Lady Barton, I. 118. They are … *quick-eared as the mole.

1847.  G. P. R. James, J. Marston Hall, vii. You are a good, *quick-handed boy.

1820.  L. Hunt, Indicator, No. 29 (1822), I. 231. Ending with that simple, *quick-hearted line.

1561.  T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., I. 40. Many *quicknosed men do laugh at this.

1607.  Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 111. Dogs … are called sharp … and quick-nosed.

1590.  R. Harvey, Pl. Perc., A ij b. Being *quicksented [I] thrust forward on the trale.

1647.  Sanderson, Serm., II. 216. So quick-scented where there is a likelihood of gain.

1656.  W. D., trans., Comenius’ Gate Lat. Unl., 149. The sagacitie or *quick-sensedness of reason.

1645.  City Alarum, 23. If the Souldier be *quickshod with this mettall [etc.].

1552.  Huloet, *Quycke spirited, and quycke of spirite.

a. 1653.  Gouge, Comm. Heb. iv. 12 (1655), 445. That is said to be quick … which is active … as … quick-spirited.

1598.  E. Gilpin, Skial. (1878), 27. My quick-sprighted lasse can speake.

1830.  Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. IV. (1863), 149. She used to be a little *quick-tempered!

1782.  Cowper, Expostulation, 316. Laborious and *quick-thoughted man.

1820.  Keats, Hyperion, I. 149. Thus she *quick-voiced spake.

1833.  Mrs. Browning, Prometh. Bound, Wks. 1850, I. 152. On the back of the *quick-winged bird I glode.

  B.  Elliptical or absolute uses passing into sb. (sb.¹).

  1.  a. pl. (Without article or -s.) Living persons. (Chiefly in echoes of Acts x. 42 or the Apostles’ Creed, in phr. quick and dead.)

c. 897.  K. Ælfred, Gregory’s Past., xv. 96. Se þe demende is cwicum & deadum.

a. 900.  Cynewulf, Christ, 997. Ðær bið cirm ond cearu ond cwicra ʓewin.

1067.  Charter of Eadweard, in Kemble, Cod. Dipl., IV. 220. For alle quiken and for alle dede to helpe.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 10557. To demenn cwike & dæde.

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. II. 213. His preier … doiþ more harm to quike and dede.

c. 1440.  Jacob’s Well, 65. Paye … to qwyke & to dede, þat þou owyst.

1562.  Cooper, Answ. Priv. Masse (1850), 56. For then ye applied it to high, to low,… to quick, to dead.

1667.  Milton, P. L., XII. 460. To judge both quick & dead.

1732.  Law, Serious C., ii. (ed. 2), 22. The Judge of quick and dead.

  b.  The quick, the living. Usu. pl., and in conjunction with the dead (cf. prec.).

c. 888.  K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxvi. § 7. Ne bið se cwuca ðonne nyttra ðe se deada.

c. 900.  trans. Bæda’s Hist., I. xi. [xiv.] (1890), 50. Ða cwican no ʓenihtsumedon þæt hi ða deadan bebyriʓdan.

a. 1200.  Moral Ode, 190. Þet he scal deme þa quike and þa dede.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 5877. Me halt euere mid þe quike; þe dede was sone stille.

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 4388. Þe quiyke vpon þe dede ȝede.

c. 1400.  Apol. Loll., 49. What riȝtfulnes is þis to ȝef ȝeftis to þe dead, & spoyle þe quek?

1567.  Gude & Godlie B. (S.T.S.), 41. Gif ony to the quick ȝeid from the deide, Trewlie they suld repent.

1654.  Fuller, Two Serm., 55. Such Volumes as concerne the Quick at that Day.

1727.  De Foe, Hist. Appar., vii. 99. The dead could never come to the quick.

1800–24.  Campbell, Death-Boat of Heligoland, 2. The quick have their sleep-walkers, so have the dead.

1850.  Blackie, Æschylus, I. 156. He, who was dead, has slain the quick.

  † c.  That which is alive. (OE. and early ME. in gen. sing.) Obs.

Beowulf (Z.), 2314. No ðær aht cwices lað lyft floʓa læfan wolde.

c. 1000.  Ælfric, Gen. viii. 21. Ne ofslea ic … mid watere ælc þing cuces.

c. 1205.  Lay., 25758. Na whit heo ne funden quikes uppen wolden.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 334. Þe reade [deade C.] see, þet nowiht cwices [nis] inne.

  † d.  Live stock, cattle. (So OFris. quek, quik, LG. queck, quick, Da. kvæg.) Obs. rare^–1.

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 4469. Of any gud at ȝe geet a gift ye þam offirre, A quantite of all-quat, of quike & of ellis.

  2.  With a and pl. A living thing. rare (now only dial.).

c. 1000.  Ags. Ps. (Th.), ciii. 24. His is mycel sæ … þær is unrim on ealra cwicra.

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., B. 567. As to quelle alle quykez for qued þat myȝt falle.

1579.  Spenser, Sheph. Cal., March, 74. [I] Might see the moving of some quicke Whose shape appeared not.

1664.  Power, Exp. Philos., I. 34. You shall see those little Quicks … grow feebler in their motion.

1899.  Cumbld. Gloss., Whicks,… maggots.

  3.  coll. Living plants, spec. of white hawthorn, set to form a hedge. = QUICKSET 1 a.

1456–7.  Durham Acc. Rolls (Surtees), 241. Pro factura unius fosse et insercione de lez Whyke. Ibid. (1484–5), 98. Pro CC^ma qweke et plantacione ejusdem.

1641.  Evelyn, Diary (1871), 33. The workes … are curiously hedg’d with quick.

1725.  Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Quickset, The same Method is used in planting all sorts of Quick … except the Alder, Elder, Furz, and Holly.

1764.  Museum Rusticum, III. lxiii. 285. I keep the quick regularly clipped, which, in a few years, renders the fence impenetrable.

1818.  Relig. Clerici, 405. Hedges of living quick, a yew alcove.

1881.  Gard. Chron., 26 March, 409. Planting two hollies and six quick in every yard.

  b.  With a and pl. A single plant of this description. = QUICKSET 1 b.

1507–8.  Durham Acc. Rolls (Surtees), 660. Et sol…. sepientibus cum lez Wykkes … querend. le Whikkes.

1671.  Vestry Bks. (Surtees), 202. For quickes, 5s. 8d.

1765.  Earl Haddington, Forest trees, 40. Upon this I laid another turf … and a row of thorns, or quicks.

1792.  Trans. Soc. Arts (ed. 2), III. 173. Quicks thus planted will at an early age, form a fence.

1850.  Tennyson, In Mem., lxxxviii. Wild bird, whose warble,… Rings Eden thro’ the budded quicks.

  † c.  (See quot.) Obs. rare^–0.

1753.  Chambers, Cycl. Supp., App., Quick, the name by which some call a species of Mespilus, or medlar.

  4.  The quick: The tender or sensitive flesh in any part of the body, as that under the nails or beneath callous parts; also, the tender part of a sore or wound. Usu. in phr. to the quick. † Also without article (quot. 1562).

1523.  Fitzherb., Husb., § 115. An hurte, that commeth of yll shoynge, whan a smyth dryueth a nayle in to the quycke.

1562.  J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 178. Itching and smartyng, both touch vs at quicke.

1571.  Satir. Poems Reform., xxvi. 168. Fra tyme ye spur and hit him on the quik.

1602.  Shaks., Ham., IV. vii. 124. But, to the quick o’ the ulcer:—Hamlet comes back.

1697.  Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 673. The raw Rain has pierc’d them to the quick.

1726.  Swift, Gulliver, II. iii. They would fix upon my nose or forehead, where they stung me to the quick.

1767.  Wesley, Jrnl., 1 Nov. (1827), III. 293. Five nails were driven into the quick.

1825.  Knapp & Baldw., Newgate Cal., IV. 350/2. Picking his fingers until he brought blood thro’ the quick.

1862.  Sala, Seven Sons, I. x. 243. He was in the habit of biting his nails to the quick.

  b.  fig. with ref. to persons, chiefly in phrases denoting acute mental pain or irritation, as touched, galled, stung, etc., to the quick.

1526.  Skelton, Magnyf., 1630. Yf a man fortune to touche you on the quyke, Then feyne yourselfe dyseased.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utop., I. (1895), 46. Their tenauntes,… whom they polle and shaue to the quycke, by reysing their rentes.

1579–80.  North, Plutarch (1676), 433. Tigranes … was galled to the quick, and hit at the heart.

1628.  Wither, Brit. Rememb., II. 933. I confesse that on the quick they grated, Who in this manner have expostulated.

1647.  Trapp, Comm. Rom. ii. 3. This is preaching to the conscience, to the quick.

1722.  De Foe, Moll Flanders (1840), 44. This stung the elder brother to the quick.

1793.  Mad. D’Arblay, Lett., 21 Oct. I could not deeply consider the situation of these venerable men, without feeling for them to the quick.

1842.  Tennyson, Walk to the Mail, 73. A Tory to the quick.

1883.  Froude, Short Stud., IV. I. iv. 45. His proud temper was chafed to the quick, and he turned sick with anger.

  c.  transf. of things (esp. immaterial things): The central, vital, or most important part.

1567.  R. Edwards, Damon & Pithias, in Hazl., Dodsley, IV. 12. In comedies the greatest skill is this, rightly to touch All things to the quick.

1600.  Surflet, Countrie Farme, III. xlvi. 516. There is neede to digge trees at the foote in winter vnto the very quick of the earth.

1643.  Burroughes, Exp. Hosea, ix. (1652), 314. If things were examined to the quick in our receiving the Sacrament.

1693.  Evelyn, trans. De la Quint. Compl. Gard., II. 19. The Tree … must be refresh’d as far as the quick.

1837.  Howitt, Rur. Life, VI. i. (1862), 404. It is existence shorn of all its spreading and flowering branches, but not pared to the quick.

1876.  Geo. Eliot, Dan. Der., VII. li. The point touched the quick of his experience.

  d.  With a and pl.: A tender, sensitive or vital part. rare.

c. 1550.  Bale, K. Johan (Camden), 77. To drive hym to holde and searche hym in the quyckes.

1705.  Wroe, in Phil. Trans., XXV. 1899–1900. There appearing great quicks (as they call them) or Roots under the Nails.

1892.  J. Lucas, trans. Kalm’s England, 69. They have ready to hand a multitude of the quicks [Sw. qwickan] or inner parts of Ox-horns.

  5.  The quick: The life (see LIFE sb. 7). Chiefly in phr. to the quick.

1563.  Man, trans. Musculus’ Commonpl., 43. Images … with maruelouse deuice set forth to the quicke.

1727.  Boyer, Dict. Royal, II. To draw to the quick (or to the life).

1858.  J. Brown, Horæ Subs. (1863), 3. I think I have only to sit down and write it [my father’s life] off, and do it to the quick.

1880.  G. Meredith, Trag. Com. (1881), 96. Our blood runs through it, our history in the quick.

  † 6.  = Quick-mire (see D.). Obs. rare^–1.

1648.  Sancroft, in H. Cary, Mem. Gt. Civ. War (1842), II. 40. I am here in Sloughland, in the midst of quicks and quagmires.

  7.  U.S. Mining. Abbrev. of QUICKSILVER. (So G. quick.)

1882.  Rep. to Ho. Repr., Prec. Met. U. S., 651. From this groove the amalgam and quicksilver run in gas-pipes to the securely-locked ‘amalgam safes,’ in which the surplus ‘quick’ is strained off.

  C.  adv. 1. = QUICKLY.

c. 1290.  Michael, 502, in S. Eng. Leg., 314. Heo … mai beo nouþe here and þer ase quik ase mannes muynde.

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 79. Bot comen is William quik, and sekes þam fulle streit.

1377.  Langl., P. Pl., B. XIV. 189. He shulde take the acquitance as quik.

a. 1529.  Skelton, Elynour Rummyng, 206. This ale shal be thycker, And flowre the more quicker.

1610.  Shaks., Temp., V. i. 304. Such discourse, as … shall make it [the night] Goe quicke away.

1667.  Milton, P. L., IV. 1004. The latter quick up flew, and kickt the beam.

1692.  Locke, Educ., § 160. Any … Person who writes well, and quick.

1748.  Chesterf., Lett. (1792), II. 25. I am told that you speak very quick, and not distinctly.

1788.  Charlotte Smith, Emmeline, IV. vi. 124. I am going … to Havre; whence I shall get the quickest to Southampton.

1840.  Dickens, Barn. Rudge, x. The person who’d go quickest, is a sort of natural.

1865.  Tennyson, On a Mourner, iii. Nature … on thy heart a finger lays, Saying ‘Beat quicker.’

1874.  Green, Short Hist., ii. 88. A peaceful invasion … followed quick on the conquest of the Norman soldiery.

  b.  Phr., (As) quick as lightning, thought, wink, etc. (cf. A. 23, quot. c. 1450).

1813.  Scott, Rokeby, I. xix. Thoughts … Glance quick as lightning through the heart.

1825.  J. Neal, Bro. Jonathan, I. 111. Fire away as quick as wink.

1871.  B. Taylor, Faust (1875), II. I. ii. 8. As quick as thought … Him to replace there came another.

1881.  Mary Spear Tiernan, in Scribner’s Mag., XXII. 108/2. Quick as thought, Roger slipped his hands from their ineffectual noose.

1893.  Forbes Mitchell, Remin. Gt. Mutiny, 88. Quick as thought I … clasped it.

  2.  Used imperatively. (In some cases perh. representing the adj. in the phr. Be quick!) See also QUICK MARCH 2.

1596.  Shaks., Merch. V., II. ix. 1. Quick, quick I pray thee, draw the curtain strait. Ibid. (1604), Oth., V. i. 3. Quicke, quicke, feare nothing; Ile be at thy Elbow.

1822.  Shelley, trans. Calderon, III. 176. Livia, quick, bring my cloak.

1852.  Mrs. Stowe, Uncle Tom’s C., I. v. 62. Get on your clothes, old man, quick!

1872.  Tennyson, Gareth & Lynette, 147. Nay—quick! the proof to prove me.

  3.  Combs, a. With present participles, as quick-acting, -burning, -coming, -conceiving, -decaying, -designing, -devouring, -drying, -fading (see quot.), -falling, -firing, -flowing, -glancing, -growing, -guiding, -gushing, -labo(u)ring, -moving, -piercing, -relishing, -returning, -rolling, -running, -scenting, -self-lessening, -setting, -shifting, -shutting, -spouting, -stepping, -thriving (chiefly adjs.).

1878.  Abney, Photogr. (1881), 222. Those *quick-acting lenses … for taking instantaneous pictures.

1799.  G. Smith, Laboratory, I. 43. Prime it with a *quick-burning charge.

1870.  Morris, Earthly Par., Apol. 3. I cannot … make *quick-coming death a little thing.

1596.  Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., I. iii. 189. To your *quicke conceyuing Discontents, Ile reade you Matter, deepe and dangerous.

1708.  J. Philips, Cyder, II. 64. Freezing Nose, and *quick-decaying feet.

1676.  D’Urfey, Mad. Fickle, IV. ii. I’ll … bring it off with *quick designing Wit.

1621.  Quarles, Div. Poems, Hadassa (1638), 91. The *quick-devouring fire of heaven.

1855.  Bristol Mirror, 15 Dec., 7/5. Frost, however, being more frequent, with fine quick-drying winds, we may shortly expect drier samples.

1597.  Gerarde, Herbal, II. cxxvii. § 2. 395. Ephemerum Mathioli, *Quicke fading flower.

1661.  Lovell, Hist. Anim. & Min., 57. The quick fading flower, drunk with the grapes of wild vine.

1832.  Tennyson, Œnone, 200. *Quick-falling dew Of fruitful kisses.

1887.  Pall Mall Gaz., 17 Dec., 6/2. *Quick-firing gun ammunition.

1632.  W. Lynnesay, in Lithgow’s Trav., B iij. Thou hast sweetly sung … in our *quick-flowing tongue.

1751.  Gray, Spring, 30. The insect youth … show their gayly-gilded trim *Quick-glancing to the sun.

1879.  Mrs. A. E. James, Ind. Househ. Managem., 62. Planting a *quick-growing shrub to form a hedge.

1793.  Holcroft, trans. Lavater’s Physiog., xxvii. 129. The work of the *quick-guiding Providence.

1845.  Mrs. Norton, Child of the Islands (1846), 135. The shy, *quick-gushing blood.

1535.  Coverdale, Prov. x. 4. A *quycke laboringe hande maketh riche.

1793.  Holcroft, trans. Lavater’s Physiog., xxxv. 180. The cheerful, open, free, *quick-moving mouth.

1633.  Ford, Broken Heart, I. iii. Their *quick-piercing eyes, which dive … Down to thy thoughts.

1708.  J. Philips, Cyder, I. 29. That from Harvey nam’d, *Quick-relishing.

1728–46.  Thomson, Spring, 999. A *quick-returning pang Shoots thro’ the conscious heart.

1584.  Three Ladies Lond., I. in Hazl., Dodsley, VI. 338. *Quick-rolling eyes, her temples high.

1742.  Fielding, J. Andrews, III. vi. The *quick-scenting dogs attacked him.

1613–6.  W. Browne, Brit. Past., II. i. Braue birds they were, whose *quick-selfe-less’ning kin Still wonne the girlonds from the Peregrin.

1837.  Smith, trans. Vicat’s Mortars, 22. The Harwich … is a *quicker-setting cement.

1593.  Shaks., Lucr., 459. There appears *Quick-shifting antics, ugly in her eyes.

1876.  T. Hardy, Ethelberta (1890), 142. Faith’s soft, *quick-shutting eyes looked unutterable things.

1813.  T. Busby, Lucretius, I. III. 731. *Quick-spouting blood … And fierce convulsions.

1884.  Times, 27 Feb., 7/6. The high-standing, *quick-stepping Clydesdales.

1669.  Worlidge, Syst. Agric. (1681), 93. The Ash is a gallant *quick-thriving wood.

  b.  With pa. pples., as quick-compounded, -drawn, -gone, -raised, -wrought adjs.

1730–46.  Thomson, Autumn, 1363. The mind, The varied scene of *quick-compounded thought.

1883.  J. Hawthorne, Fort. Fool, I. xii. 110. A *quick-drawn, panting sigh.

1887.  Bowen, Virg. Æneid, V. 202. The limb and the feverish lip Quiver with quick-drawn breath.

1818.  Keats, Endym., I. 375. He could not miss His *quick gone love.

1596.  Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., V. iv. 12. The King, with mightie and *quick-raysed Power.

1898.  Q. Rev., April, 435. He [Minos] wove for Theseus a snare *quick-wrought.

  D.  Special combs. or phrases (chiefly the adj. in close connection with a sb., sometimes written as a single word, or hyphened): † quick anatomy (see ANATOMY 1 b); quick-change, attrib. as epithet of an actor or other performer who quickly changes costume or appearance in order to play a different part; † quick dissection, vivisection; quick-fire, attrib. of a type of gun that can fire shots in rapid succession; quick-firer, a quick-firing gun; quick-foot adv., in haste, swiftly; † quickfrith, plants to form a quick hedge; quick-in-the-hand, a popular name of the yellow balsam; † quick-iron, the load-stone, magnet; † quick-line, asbestos; quick-loader, a device to enable a gun to be loaded quickly; † quick-mire, a quagmire; quick relief, Naut., ‘one who turns out speedily to relieve the watch’ (Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 1867); quick-return, attrib. of gearing in a cutting machine which brings the bed quickly back after each cut of the tool (Knight, Dict. Mech., 1875); quick saver, Naut., ‘a span formerly used to prevent the courses from bellying too much when off the wind’ (Smyth); † quick-scab, a form of scab in horses; † quick shot, fig., small drinking-vessels that are quickly emptied; quick-side, Naut., = FREE-BOARD; † quick-spring, a running spring; † quick-spur, one who rides quickly (in quot. fig.); quick-stick(s), quickly, without delay (also in quick sticks); † quickthorn, thorn used for hedging; † quickthorned a., resembling hedge-thorn; quick-water [= G. quickwasser], a solution of nitrate of mercury and gold used in water-gilding (Knight). See also QUICKBEAM, -LIME, MARCH, -MATCH, -SAND, -SET, -SILVER, STEP, TIME, -WOOD, -WORK.

1889.  Pall Mall Gaz., 3 April, 6/1. The celebrated *quick-change artist.

1578.  Banister, Hist. Man, IV. 54. This is the notable vtilitie of Diaphragma, as the same Author reporteth to haue beholden in *quicke dissections.

1891.  Times, 7 Oct., 4/6. A Gruson *quick-fire howitzer, which is intended to discharge shells in rapid succession.

1894.  Pall Mall Gaz., 23 Oct., 2/1. They … carry in their huge fighting masts an arsenal of *quick-firers.

1901.  Spectator, 12 Oct., 524/1. The newest 6 in. quick-firers are not officially known as quick-firers, because they have not a metal cartridge-case.

1891.  Atkinson, Last of Giant Killers, 52. Willy Berier, was sent off *quick-foot to see if he could find Jack.

1536.  MS. Acc. St. John’s Hosp., Canterb. Payd for gatheryng *quykfryth … iiij d.

1785.  Martyn, Rousseau’s Bot., xxvi. (1794), 407. We have also a wild species called Yellow Balsam, and also by the familiar names of *Quick-in-hand and Touch-me-not.

1864.  Prior, Plant-n., Quick-in-the-hand, that is ‘alive in the hand,’ the Touch-me-not, from the sudden bursting and contortion of its seed pods upon being pressed.

1398.  Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVI. lxii. (1495), 573. The stone magnes drawyth to itself yron, therfore in the comyn speche this yren is callyd *quycke yren.

1601.  Holland, Pliny, II. 515. The ignorant people seeing these rings thus rubbed with the load-stone,… call it quick-yron. Ibid., 4. There is a kind of Line found out which will not consume in the fire: this in Italy they call *Quick-line.

1884.  Sat. Rev., 16 Feb., 209/2. A contrivance called a *‘quick-loader’ has been issued for simultaneous trial with the Martini-Enfield.

c. 1394.  P. Pl. Crede, 226. Wiþ a face as fat as a full bledder … Þat all wagged his fleche as a *quyk myre.

1577.  Dee, Relat. Spir., I. (1659), 12. A place, where Springs, Quick-mires, and Bogs are.

1639.  T. de Gray, Expert Farrier, II. xvii. 297. This malady, which we call the *Quick-scab.… It runneth from one member of the horse to the other.

1634.  Skeltons Ghost, 20, in S.’s Wks. (1843), II. 155. With froth-canne and nick-pot, and such nimble *quick shot.

1627.  Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., ix. 39. Lest they … if her *quicke side lie in the water, ouerset the ship.

1694.  Motteux, Rabelais, V. xvii. (1737), 76. Lest the Ship’s Quick-Side should lye in the Water.

1623.  A. Court, Constancie, I. 33. Hence as from a *quick-spring did flow that Constancie.

1660.  Sharrock, Vegetables, 89. You need but open that very place to your quick-spring, and give it a clear vent, and certainly your bog would decay.

1600.  Surflet, Countrie Farme, III. xxi. 473. As concerning the grafting of it, you must take the time of autumne, for … this tree is a *quickespur and forerider.

1877.  Blackmore, Erema, lvi. (1880), 424. Die he must, and *quick stick.

1890.  ‘R. Boldrewood,’ Squatter’s Dream, xvi. 204. We should have a note to settle our little account in quick sticks.

1785.  Cowper, in Life (1836), V. 166. The people of Turvey have burnt him … in effigy, with a bundle of *quickthorn under his arm.

1567.  Maplet, Gr. Forest, 89. The Hedgehog hath a sharp and *quickthorned garment.