Forms: 3–7 studie, 4–7 studye, 4 studi, 4–6 stude, 4–5 stodie, stody, 4–6 stodye, 5 stode, 6 studdi(e, (stiddie), 6–7 studdy, (6 studee), 4– study. [a. OF. estu·die masc. (later estuide, estude masc. and fem., mod.F. étude fem.) = Pr. estudi-s, estuzi-s, Sp. estudio, Pg. estudo, It. studio, ad. L. studium, zeal, affection, painstaking, study, related to studēre to be zealous, seek to be helpful, apply oneself, study.
The etymology of the L. word is obscure: for conjectures see Walde.]
† 1. In certain senses of L. studium (chiefly in translations from Latin): Affection, friendliness, devotion to another’s welfare; partisan sympathy; desire, inclination; pleasure or interest felt in something. Obs.
1374. Chaucer, Boeth., IV. pr. ii. (1868), 113. Al þe entencioun of þe wil of mankynde whiche þat is lad by diuerse studies hastiþ to comen to blisfulnesse.
1483. Caxton, Golden Leg., 275/1. He had neuer studye in newe fabrykes ne buyldynges.
1537. trans. Latimer’s Serm. Convoc., B vj b. Therfore brothern, gather you, the disposition and study of the children, by the disposition and studye of the fathers.
1548–9. Bk. Com. Prayer, Ordering of Priests, Laying aside the study of the world and the fleshe.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., Pref. A iiij. What time the Princes electours chose this manne Emperour,… the self same time Luther beinge prouoked came forth to reason the matter, and disputed openly with Eckius at Lipsia, and than fell men to theyr study on ether side.
1561. trans. Calvin’s 4 Serm. Idol., i. B ij b. To do all thing other wise then he [God] will, and cleane to le void of the studye and dutye which we owne vnto him.
a. 1619. Fotherby, Atheom., I. x. § 4 (1622), 106. Diuers of them, vpon vaine glory, or vpon studie of singularity,… haue outwardly professed … that There is no God.
1663. Patrick, Parab. Pilgrim, xxx. (1687), 369. Pride and study to be admired in the World proclaim thee to us more than all that we see beside.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 285. If to the Warlike Steed thy Studies bend, Or for the Prize in Chariots to contend.
† 2. An employment, occupation, pursuit. Obs.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Boeth., III. pr. ii. (1868), 64. Alle þe cures quod she of mortal folk whiche þat trauaylen hem in many manere studies gon certys by diuerse weies.
1484. Caxton, Fables of Poge, iv. The studye of the huntynge and hawkynge is a slouful cure.
c. 1610. Women Saints, 81. The diuell enuying hire these her vertuous studies, thought to supplant her.
† b. ? Ostensible function or character. Obs.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 98. Prelatis also entren vnder colour & studie of cristis apostlis & lyuen & teche contrariously to hem.
† 3. A state of mental perplexity or anxious thought. Sometimes with indirect question: Doubt whether, etc. Obs.
c. 1290. Beket, 1187, in S. E. Leg., 140. In gret studie he was i-brouȝt; He rounede in is wiues ere and tolde hire al is þouȝt.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1725), 58. Whan Edward perceyued, his herte was in studie, How þat werre bigan on him so sodanly.
c. 1450. Mirk’s Festial, 37. Þen stode þe Emperour yn full gret stude.
c. 1450. Capgrave, St. Aug., xi. 16. Fluctuacion calle we her whan a man is broute fro an euel entent, and ȝet þe same man stand in study wheithir he schal to þe good wey or nowt.
c. 1485. Digby Myst. (1882), III. 488. From stodyys and hevynes it woll yow relyff.
a. 1547. Surrey, Poems, ‘Laid in my quiet bed.’ Laid in my quyett bedd, in study as I weare, I saw within my troubled hed, a heape of thoughtes appeare.
1582. N. Lichefield, trans. Castanheda’s Conq. E. Ind., I. xxii. 57. Being therefore now in a studie what was best to be done.
1590. H. R., Defiance to Fortune, H 3. Whome he found in a great studie, as one (as it might seeme) careful of that she had vndertaken.
1625. K. Long, trans. Barclay’s Argenis, IV. viii. 262. While the Mariners stand in a study, and sticke betweene two dangers, the Gallies which were sent out had enclosed them.
1689. R. Meeke, Diary, 30 Nov. (1874), 18. I was at first in a study what to do, at last I promsied.
b. A state of reverie or abstraction. Obs. exc. in BROWN STUDY.
13[?]. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 2369. Þat oþer stif mon in study stod a gret whyle.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, VIII. xxxi. 320. He was in suche a study he herd not what Gouernayle said.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot. (Rolls), I. 554. Carthlyntus than into ane studie stude; Quhen that wes said spak nother ill no gude.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, IV. (Arb.), 119. In tears salt blubbring, in musing stiddye remayning, Shee fel on her mattresse.
16[?]. Heir of Lin, 61, in Percy Fol. MS., I. 177. Still in a study there as he stood, he vnbethought him of [a] bill … which his father had left with him.
1829. Brockett, N. C. Gloss. (ed. 2), Study, astonishment, amazement.
4. Thought or meditation directed to the accomplishment of a purpose; studied or deliberate effort or contrivance; also, the object or aim of (a person’s) solicitous endeavor, one’s ‘concern.’
1390. Gower, Conf., II. 230. And he, which hadde noght foryete Of that belongeth to a clerk, His studie sette upon this werk.
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. Poems (Percy Soc.), 218. Lusty hertys in gladnesse them delite, Set al ther study on occupacioun, In joye and myrthe.
1445. Claudian, in Anglia, XXVIII. 269. Bothe pore and riche labouryd righte sore encrese to gete with studye.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 145 b. Whan we be gyuen with all our study and diligence to clennesse of vertue & purite of lyfe.
1529. Supplic. to King (E.E.T.S.), 24. There is no study, striffe, nor laboure agaynst synne, but through faithe.
1545. Bale, Myst. Iniq., 17. His great hot stodye is also to sett vp purgatorye againe.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. vii. 37 b. All their pleasure and studie is to attire and set out themselues.
1589. Pasquil’s Ret., C iv. Spyders … spynne with great studie an vnprofitable webbe, good for nothing but to catch Flyes.
1594. Chapman, Shadow of Nt., E j. Thy glorious temple … That was the studie of all Asia, Two hunderd twentie sommers to erect.
a. 1637. B. Jonson, Sad Sheph., I. iv. No sought reliefe By all our studies can procure his peace.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 25 Jan. 1645. That never to be sufficiently admired gallery painted in deepe relievo, the worke of 10 years study for a trifling reward.
1764. Dodsley, Leasowes, in Shenstone’s Wks. (1777), II. 288. Far from violating its natural beauties, Mr. Shenstone’s only study was to give them their full effect.
1803. Brougham, Colon. Policy, I. 51. The indolence natural to their character is here thrown off; the acquisition of a fortune is the study of all.
1827. Scott, Surg. Dau., xii. It was his study to sooth this ambitious and cralfy female by blandishments.
† b. Of one’s own study: of one’s own composition, Obs. rare.
1603. Stow, Surv. Lond. (1908), I. 167. And that done, he was to make a sermon of his owne studie.
5. Application of mind to the acquisition of learning; mental labor, reading and reflection directed to learning, literary composition, invention, or the like.
c. 1300. St. Edmund, 217, in E. E. P. (1862), 76. He ne for-ȝat … nomore þis oreisoun, For no studie ne for no neode, ne for þoȝt of lessoun.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Prol., 303. Of studie took he mooste cure and moost heede.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XVI. 131. Lettrure and longe studie letteþ ful menye.
c. 1450. in Aungier, Hist. Isleworth (1840), 278. If there be an inuentory … of the bokes of the library and how they and other bokes of study be kepte and repayred.
1540–1. Elyot, Image Gov., Pref. Beeyng almost fatigate with the longe studie about the correctyng and ampliatyng of my Dictionarie.
1564. Harding, Answ. Jewel’s Challenge, 10 b. Let then take paines to trauaile in studie, and they shall fynde by good auncient witnes … that [etc.].
1567. Turberv., Epit., etc. 46. But I was chiefly bent to Poets famous Art, To them with all my deuor I my studie did conuert.
1581. Allen, Apol., 21 b. The persons which first put them selues together in the Vniuersitie of Duay the yere 1568, yelding to Collegial forme of studie and discipline vnder one President.
1598. Grenewey, Tacitus, Ann., V. ii. (1612), 119. Vitellius … vnder colour of vsing it in his studie, asking for a penknife, lightly prickt a veine; and ended his life.
1611. Bible, Eccles. xii. 12. Of making many bookes there is no end, and much studie [marg. Or, reading] is a wearinesse of the flesh.
1663. Bayfield, Treat. De Morb. Capitis, 67. Sitting and holding his pen, with his eyes open, and looking upon his Book, you would have thought he had been hard at study, till he was by calling … found to want all sense and motion.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 27 Jan. 1689. He was as earnest at his play as at his study.
a. 1732. Gay, Fables, Pack-horse & Carrier, 41. Learning by study must be won, ’Twas ne’er entail’d from son to son.
1737. Pope, Hor. Epist., II. ii. 117. The Man, who, stretch’d in Isis’ calm retreat, To books and study gives sev’n years complete.
1784. Cowper, Tiroc., 822. See great commanders making war a trade, Great lawyers, lawyers without study made.
1810. Crabbe, Borough, xx. 267. Study to him was pleasure and delight.
1839. Bailey, Festus, Village Feast (1889), 158. When night hath set her silver lamp on high, Then is the time for study.
personified. 1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. XI. 1. Þenne hedde wit A wyf was hoten dam Studie.
a. 1586. Sidney, Astroph. & Stella, i. 10. Inuention, Nature’s childe, fledde step-dame Studie’s blowes.
† b. At (his) study: as a student at a university or college. Obs.
1508. Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 235/1. To pas to Sanct Andres grafe besyde Napillis, and thairefter to remane in Italie at his study for … vj ȝeris.
1554. Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889), 439. Thomas Fitz Symon … being at the universite at Oxford at stude to acquir lernyng.
1577–87. Holinshed, Chron., III. 1165/1. The kings maiestie … gaue him monie yeerelie out of his coffers, to find him honorablie at studie.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, July 1645. Being resolved to spend some moneths here at study, especialy physic and anatomie, of both of which there was now the most famous professors in Europe.
† c. Acquirements, learning. Obs.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Boeth., I. pr. iv. (1868), 26. Haþ my studie and my konnyng deserued þus [L. nostræne artes ita meruerunt]?
d. A department of study; the cultivation of a particular branch of learning or science. Often in collect. plural, a person’s work as a student.
1477. Earl Rivers (Caxton), Dictes, 16. Ypocras … was the first fynder of the art of phisike whiche he shewed and taught to his children…. And commaunded that they shulde dwelle in the middel habitacion of grece in iii. Isles. And ypocras rested in the Ile of Thau. And in the ij. other Isles the studye was lost in his dayes.
1500–20. Dunbar, Poems, lxv. 4. To speik of science, craft, or sapience,… Off euerie study, lair, or discipline.
1538. Starkey, England, II. iii. 203. The ordur of studys in vnyuersytes must … be amendyd.
1591. Shaks., Two Gent., I. i. 67. Thou Iulia thou hast metamorphis’d me: Made me neglect my Studies, loose my time.
1594. R. Ashley, trans. Loys le Roy, 24. The learning of the Athenians was lost in Athens; only remaining in that towne the school or house of studies.
1597. Bacon, Ess., Studies (Arb.), 6. Studies serue for pastimes, for ornaments and for abilities.
1677. Johnson, in Ray’s Corr. (1848), 128. In the meantime wishing you success in your studies, I rest, &c.
1748. H. Walpole, Lett. to G. Montagu, 11 Aug. These Veres have thrown me into a deal of this old study.
1756–9. A. Butler, Lives of Saints, S. Peter Damian. He gave a considerable time to sacred studies.
1788. Mrs. Hughes, Henry & Isabella, III. 5. Is she persuaded to apply to any particular study, such as music, painting, &c. because her father is fond of it?
1841. Penny Cycl., XXI. 175/1. He began his studies at the gymnasium of Coburg in 1638.
1864. Tennyson, Aylmer’s F., 394. Back would he to his studies, make a name.
1874. Blackie, Self-Cult., 30. So far from rushing hastily into merely professional studies, a young man should rather [etc.].
1892. Lady F. Verney, Verney Mem., I. 122. Ralph still going on with his studies at Oxford.
6. The action of studying (something specified or implied); mental effort in the acquisition of (some kind of learning); attentive reading of (a book, etc.), or careful examination or observation of (an object, a question, etc.). Phrase, to make a study of, to study, observe carefully.
c. 1300. St. Edmund, 276, in E. E. P. (1862), 78. O tyme he was in grete studie of his lessoun a nyȝt.
1340–70. Alisaunder, 637. Many thinges of man myght hee showe, By studie of þe stones in what state hee were.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 232 b. The seconde parte of contemplacyon is study or redynge of holy scripture.
1584. Powel, Lloyd’s Cambria, 33. Who … trauelled to Athens, and bestowed there manie yeeres in the studie of the Greeke, Hebrue and Chaldie toongs.
1668. E. Hopkins, Serm. Vanity (1685), 10. God hath composed two books, by the diligent study of which we may attain to the knowledge of Himself: the Book of the creatures, and the book of the Scriptures.
1704. Norris, Ideal World, II. xii. 486. The study of the sciences is a natural abstraction of the mind from the creature.
1845. Pattison, Ess. (1889), I. 27. The volume of the canons which had formed the object of his study the preceding night.
1859. Ruskin, Two Paths, i. § 18. The study, however, of the effect of art on the mind of nations is one rather for the historian than for us.
1884. Hunter & Whyte, My Ducats & My Daughter, xxv. (1885), 374. Even in the midst of his own troubles, Lynn found himself engaged in making a study of Gertrude.
1895. M. Hewlett, Earthwork out of Tuscany, 34. Never a chapel of them but is worth study and a stiff neck.
b. Theat. The action of committing to memory one’s part in a play. Hence, to have or be a quick, slow, etc., study, to be quick, slow, etc., in learning by heart.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., I. ii. 69. Snug. Haue you the Lions part written? pray you if be, giue it me, for I am slow of studie.
1761. Foote, Liar, III. Wks. 1799, I. 316. I have a short scene to give you in study.
1822. H. Mackenzie, Life Home, 95. Mrs. Siddons told me she never found any study (which, in the technical language of the stage, means the getting verses by heart) so easy as that of Douglas.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xxiii. I’ve got a part of twelve lengths here, which I must be up in to-morrow night…; I’m a confounded quick study, that’s one comfort.
1857. Reade, Course of True Love, Art, 128. Having what is called a very quick study, she was soon mistress of the twenty or thirty lines.
1882. Ashton, Soc. Life Q. Anne, xxv. II. 21. Powell … was … a careless study, with a bad memory.
7. That which is studied; the object of one’s study. Chiefly with possessive.
1535. Coverdale, Ps. cxix. 99. I haue more vnderstondinge than all my teachers for thy testimonies are my studye.
1595. Phrases Lat. Aldi Manutii, 12. Ad Ciceronem me contuli, I haue giuen my selfe to Cicero: Tully is my whole studie.
1709. Pope, Ess. Crit., 124. Be Homer’s works your study and delight, Read them by day, and meditate by night. Ibid. (1734), Ess. Man, II. 2. The proper study [1733 The only Science] of mankind is Man.
1780. Mirror, No. 97, ¶ 9. This gentleman … discovered himself to be eminently skilled in the science of law, the study, as he boasted, of his earlier years.
1859. Habits of Gd. Society, xi. 306. The man who makes dining a study … must go farther in the improvements of the room than we yet have.
1878. Stedman, Oxford: Soc. & Intell. Life, 238. There are several other commentaries, but they will not be found profitable study.
b. Something worth studying, or that requires to be studied; an object presenting effects of color (and the like) attractive to an artist.
1766. Fordyce, Serm. Yng. Women (1767), I. ii. 53. The male heart is a study.
1779. Mirror, No. 45, ¶ 9. A painter, who wished to express indignation, contempt, and pity, blended together, could not have found a finer study.
1817. Hazlitt, Pol. Ess. (1819), 214. It is ‘a psychological curiosity’; a study of human infirmity.
1853. Mrs. Stowe, Uncle Tom’s C., xi. The various hats, in fact, were quite a Shakspearian study.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., I. v. 45. Both it and Northumberland … afforded studies of color that would have rewarded an artist.
1859. Habits of Gd. Society, iv. 160. As a work of art, a well-dressed woman is a study.
1891. E. Peacock, N. Brendon, I. 275. Basil was a curious study for her.
1894. Yellow Bk., I. 192. The harpist, whose nose is a study in purples.
8. A room in a house or other building, furnished with books, and used for private study, reading, writing, or the like. Often applied to ‘the private room or office of the master of a house, however it may be used’ (Cent. Dict.).
In Public Schools (and other large schools), the private room for study and other occupations of one or more boys.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 4745. Next hys chaumbre, besyde hys stody, Hys harpers chaumbre was fast þerby.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Frankl. T., 479. But in his studie ther as hise bookes be They seten stille.
c. 1430. Life St. Kath. (Roxb.), 14. He … passed from chambre to chambre tyle he come yn to hir secreet study where no creature vsed to come bot hir self allone.
1463. Bury Wills (Camden), 33. I yeve and be qwethe to the seid Jone my nece a lityl grene coffre for kerchys, stondyng in my stodye.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, Prol. 1. I sittyng in my studye where as laye many dyuerse paunflettis and bookys.
1507–8. Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot., IV. 100. Item to Johne Forman for ane lok to the Kingis latron that standis in the Kingis studee, iiij s.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., 316. A noble man of Spaine … kepeth the whole house to himself, and going into his studie [L. bibliothecam], searcheth all thinges.
1601. Shaks., Jul. C., II. i. 7. Luc. Call’d you my Lord? Brut. Get me a Tapor in my Study, Lucius.
1609. B. Jonson, Sil. Wom., IV. v. Doe you obserue this gallerie?… Here are a couple of studies, at each end one.
a. 1632. L. Hutten, Diss. Antiq. Oxf. (Hearne, 1720), 347. That Tower which standeth upon the Bridge … is commonly called by the name of Frier Bacon’s Study.
1641. Commons Remonstr., in Wks. Chas. I. (1662), II. 62. Some Members of both Houses had their studies and cabinets, yea their pockets, searched.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 180. Those that have counting Houses forget those that have Studies.
1798. Sophia Lee, Canterb. T., Yng. Lady’s T., II. 448. Crosby fitted up a large and retired parlour as a study.
1857. Hugues, Tom Brown, I. v. ‘And shall I have a study like this, too?’ said Tom.
1868. Walcott, Sacred Archæol., 217. Carol … (2) an enclosed study or reading-place in a cloister, used by the scribes or ordinary monks and regular canons.
1880. J. Payn, Confid. Agent, I. 39. Your uncle and I are going to have a pipe in the study.
1904. Dor. P. Hughes, Life H. P. Hughes, x. 240. When they came to consult him in his study.
transf. 1800. Bloomfield, Farmer’s Boy, Spring, 32. The fields his study, Nature was his book.
† b. A room or cupboard containing books, etc.
1538. Elyot, Dict., Armarium, a study where bokes are laide, or a drye larder.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Study, a Closet of Books.
1711. Henley, trans. Montfaucon’s Trav. Italy, V. 86. Having begun here to give an Account of Private Studies, or Closets, we have thought fit in this Place to speak of that of Tarvisiano.
† c. The books contained in a ‘study’ (sense 8, 8 b); a student’s collection of books, etc.; a private library. Often a study of books. Obs.
1667. Ashmole, Diary (1774), 333. I bought Mr. John Bookers study of books, and gave 140l. for them.
a. 1672. Wood, Life (O. H. S.), II. 178. Foulis … left behind him a larg studie of books; which being afterwards to be sold, A. W. did … make a catalogue of them.
1682. Wheler, Journ. Greece, I. 41. He is of Candia, hath a good Study of Manuscripts which he brought from thence, and is called Pappa Agapito.
1722. Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), VII. 373. The Revd. Mr. Thomas Foulkes of Xt. Ch. hath bought the Study of my friend.
1736. Lett. Lit. Men (Camden), 367. It is said also he was forced to sell his Study of Books.
† d. The office or place of business of a professional man. (= F. étude.) Obs.
1574. Coventry Leet Bk., 817. I gave a deed to be ingrossed with speed, and yt must be done very secretly in a Close studdie or parlour & not in the open shopp.
1581. Pettie, Guazzo’s Civ. Conv., II. (1586), 106. He went hastelie to the studie of a brother of his who was a Doctor. Ibid., III. 145. Being not long since in an Aduocates studie, I heard [etc.].
† 9. A seat of learning. General study, study general (= med.L. studium generale), a university.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), I. 177. In þis lond was somtyme þe studie and þe scole of Pallas and Minerua.
c. 1420. Hoccleve, Minor Poems, 221. He wente vn-to the studie general.
1456. Sir G. Haye, Law Arms (S.T.S.), 222. Charlis Maygne … transportit the study out of Rome and brocht it to Paris,… [and] has gevin to the study of Paris sa mony notable privilegis that clerkis suld joys thare.
a. 1466. Gregory, Chron., in Hist. Coll. Cit. Lond. (Camden), 133. Alle maner chyrchys, unyversyteys, and studyys generalle.
c. 1470. Harding, Chron., CX. i. Martin bishop of Rome, graunted to king Alurede To found & mak a study … And an vniuersitee for clerkes in to rede The whiche he made, at Oxenford.
1499. Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 51/1. To pas to the partis beȝond sey to Paris or uther studeis.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot. (Rolls), III. 498. This famous studie [sc. St. Andrews] in that ȝeir began.
1538. Starkey, England, II. iii. 203. Thys thyng in studys and vnyuersytes ys neclectyd and despysyd.
1599. W. Barker (title), The Fearfull Fansies of the Florentine Couper. Written in Toscane, by Iohn Baptist Gelli, one of the free Studie of Florence.
[1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 379. Those schooles of learning which wee call … Universities, that age termed Studia that is, Studies.
1673. O. Walker, Educ., I. x. 120. Oxford and Paris (the two onely general Studies for a long time on this side the Alps).]
10. An artistic production executed for the sake of acquiring skill or knowledge, or to serve as a preparation for future work; a careful preliminary sketch for a work of art, or (more usually) for some detail or portion of it; an artist’s pictorial record of his observation of some object, incident, or effect, or of something that occurs to his mind, intended for his own guidance in his subsequent work. Also, occas., a drawing, painting, or piece of sculpture aiming to bring out the characteristics of the object represented, as they are revealed by especially careful observation.
1769. Reynolds, Disc. R. Acad., ii. Wks. 1797, I. 29. What, therefore, I wish to impress upon you is, that whenever an opportunity offers, you paint your studies instead of drawing them.
1822. H. Mackenzie, Life Home, 92. Of this piece [sc. Douglas] there are extant … more fragments and original sketches, or, as a painter would call them, studies, than of any other of Mr. Home’s productions.
1857. Ruskin, Pol. Econ. Art, ii. § 90. He will make a study of a picture he likes, for his own use, in his own way; but he won’t and can’t copy.
1871. Hamerton, Etcher’s Handbk., 59. These two things, the pen study for line, and the sepia study for values of light and dark, are sufficient if properly done, and enough done, to educate an etcher.
1874. R. Tyrwhitt, Sketching Club, 48. By a study I mean, generally speaking, a finished drawing of some part of a picture.
1883. Ruskin, Art of Eng., 10. The study of cattle on a Highland moor in the evening, by Mr. Davis.
1884. Sat. Rev., 7 June, 745/2. M. Guignard exhibits a clever study of a calf being fed.
1911. Act 1 & 2 Geo. V., c. 46 § 2 (1). Any … sketch, plan, model, or study made by him for the purpose of the work.
b. A discourse or literary composition devoted to the detailed consideration of some question, or the minute description of some object; a literary work executed as an exercise or as an experiment in some particular style or mode of treatment.
1866. Carlyle, Remin. (1881), II. 240. It was by her address and invention that I got my sooterkin of a ‘study’ improved out of its worst blotches.
1877. Swinburne, Note on C. Brontë, 29. A study in that kind as soft and true as Rousseau’s, as keen and true as Browning’s.
1911. A. G. Hogg, Christ’s Message, 133. Recall the thought to which the two first Studies of this week led up.
11. Mus. (See quot. 1883.)
1875. Stainer & Barrett, Dict. Mus. Terms, Study, a term applied to an exercise for the pianoforte or other instrument.
1883. F. Taylor, in Grove’s Dict. Mus., III. 746/2. Studies, the name given to a large class of musical compositions,… having … the cultivation of the powers of execution for their chief object. Studies have been written for nearly every instrument, but … it will be sufficient here to speak of Pianoforte Studies, which form the great majority of all those in existence.
12. attrib. and Comb., as (sense 5) study-book, -club, -day, † desk, † house; study-bearing, -racked, -worn, adjs.; (sense 8) study-cap, -chair, -door, -fagging, -fire, -lamp, † man, -table, -window; study-bred adj. Also study boy, in some schools, a boy who, as being in an upper form, has a share of a ‘study’ (sense 8); study-hall [= F. salle d’étude], in Roman Catholic colleges, a large room in which the pupils prepare their lessons; study-place (a) = sense 8; (b) = study-hall.
1670. Eachard, Cont. Clergy, 25. If … instead of such either of inferiour parts, or a feeble constitution,… there were pick’d out those that were of a tolerable ingenuity, of a *study-bearing body, and … as hence there is nothing to hinder our universities from being full, so [etc.].
1610. Bolton, Elem. Armories, 49. Fitt Armes, and *study-books for whom.
1858. W. G. Trery (title), A Study Book of Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
1893. Stevenson, Catriona, xxiv. I … purchased a study-book in law.
1899. R. Kipling, Stalky & Co., vi. 181. The four long form-rooms in which all below the rank of *study-boys worked.
1899. J. A. Hobson, Ruskin, 220. An abortive brood of *study-bred theories and researches.
1832. S. Warren, Diary Physic., II. ii. 59. He was in a brown dressing gown, and *study cap.
1848. B. F. Westcott, in A. Westcott, Life (1903), I. ii. 102. In my inventory they call it a *study-chair!
1886. G. Allen, Maimie’s Sake, xvii. He sat … in a red velvet-cushioned study-chair.
1910. Universe, 26 Aug., 8. Its columns have in the past led to the formation of various groups and *study-clubs.
1730. T. Boston, Acc. My Life, xii. (1908), 286. For about 3 weeks, as my *study-day came about, I found my self unfitted for it.
1549. Chaloner, Erasm. Praise Folly, Q ij b. As though I had priuely piked our Maister doctors cunning out of their *studi deskes.
1585. Daniel, trans. P. Jovius’ Disc. Imprese, G vij. Of whom he [sc. Erasmus] demaunded what posie were fit to be set on his *Studie doore.
1853. Mrs. Gaskell, Ruth, xxx. His study-door was but a step from that which led into the street.
1857. Hughes, Tom Brown, I. viii. He … chose them for his fags, and excused them from *study-fagging.
1817. Scott, Harold, Introd. I love my *study-fire to trim, And con right vacantly some idle tale.
1891. Tablet, 12 Sept., 415. You will not get it all in the *study-halls and in the class-halls.
1499. Promp. Parv., 63/2 (Pynson). Cell or *stody hows, cella.
1883. F. M. Crawford, Dr. Claudius, i. He struck a match and lit his *study-lamp.
1657. J. Watts, Scribe, Pharisee, etc. 266. Passing our times in speculative notions and contemplations, as some onely *Study-men, and not Pulpit-men do.
1563. Shute, Grounds Archit., 3 b. Your *study places, where you wold write, draw or deuise … ought to receive their light from the northe.
1667. in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ., III. 71. They satt to gether in the studdy place.
c. 1755. in B. Ward, Hist. St. Edmund’s Coll. (1893), 301. At two o’clock on School Days all go to ye Study Place.
1812. W. Tennant, Anster Fair, VI. xlvi. Thy *study-rack’d, perplexed brains.
1857. Hughes, Tom Brown, I. viii. Selling even his school-books, candlestick, and *study table.
1912. Hibbert Jrnl., Oct., 121. The dullard will be more happy and useful at the plough-tail than at the study-table.
1871. Lowell (title), My *Study Windows.
1897. ‘Tivoli’ (H. W. Bleakley), Short Innings, xv. 221. Dick hoisted himself through the study-window.
1843. D. Pollok, in Life R. Pollok, 333. He … was pale, thin and study-worn.
