Upon prep.

Forms: α. 3– upon (4–5, 7 up on, 6 Sc. uponn), 4–7 vpon (3–5 vp on, 4, 5 Sc. vpone, Sc. 5–6 wpone, 6–7 wpon), 3–7 uppon, vppon (3 Orm. upponn, 4 upp on). β. 3–6 opon (4 oupon, opan), 4–5 oppon. γ. 3–6, 9 Sc. apon (4 apan), 5 Sc., 6 apone, 5–6 Sc. apoun, 5–7 Sc. appon(e, apponne. δ. 6 poun, 8–9 ’pon. See also UPO’. [Early ME. upon, uppon, etc., f. UP adv.¹ and adv.² + ON prep.; distinct from late OE. and early ME. uppon, var. of OE. uppan UP prep.¹

  The compound may have partly arisen from uses of upp on or uppe on in OE. (for instances see UP adv.¹ and adv.²), but the date at which it appears, and the locality of the texts in which it is first prominent, suggest that it was mainly due to the influence of ON. upp á (MSw. up a, op a, uppa, oppa, etc.; Sw. pā, Norw. and Da. paa), with which it agrees in laying the stress on the preposition and weakening or altogether ignoring the force of up. In the mod. Scand. tongues, except Icelandic and Færöese, the reduced form pā, paa, corresponding to Eng. (colloq. or dial.) ’pon, ’po’, has displaced the simple prep. ā, aa = on.)

  Originally denoting elevation as well as contact, the compound has from the earliest period of its occurrence so far lost the former implication, that it has been regularly employed as a simple equivalent of on, in all the varieties of meaning which that preposition has developed. The use of the one form or the other has been for the most part a matter of individual choice (on grounds of rhythm, emphasis, etc.) or of simple accident, although in certain contexts and phrases there may be a general tendency to prefer the one to the other. For ease of comparison, the following arrangement of the senses corresponds as closely as possible with that of ON. (See also HERE-, THERE-, WHEREUPON.)

  I.  Of local position outside of, but in contact with or close to, a surface.

  1.  Above and in contact with; in an elevated position on; at rest on the upper surface of; on and supported by; = ON prep. 1.

  In a few instances in late MSS. (e.g., Hatton Gosp. Matt. v. 14) OE. up on can be taken in this sense, but appears to be merely a scribal variant or alteration of uppon for uppan UP prep.¹

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 2867. Ðat … hise folc … ben ðor ȝare, In ðe deserd an stede up-on, His leue sacrifise to don.

a. 1272.  Luue Ron, 121, in O. E. Misc., 97. Hit stont vppon a treowe mote.

c. 1290.  St. Brendan, 368, in S. Eng. Leg., I. 229. At ester eue heore procuratour bad heom … heore resurrection opon þe fisches rugge make. Ibid., 577. Þe ston þat ich op-on sitte.

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., A. 1054. The hyȝe trone … Þe hyȝe godez self hit set vpone.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Miller’s T., 637. Til he cam to þe selle Vpon þe flore.

c. 1440.  Pallad. on Husb., I. 199. Vynys that vppon the hillis stonde.

c. 1489.  Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, xxii. 486. Reynawde … was vpon the hyghe gate of Ardeyn.

1508.  Dunbar, Gold. Targe, 20. The birdis sang vpon the tender croppis.

c. 1560.  A. Scott, Poems, i. 4. Welcum, oure rubent roiss vpoun þe ryce.

1606.  Shaks., Ant. & Cl., IV. xiv. 4. A forked Mountaine, or blew Promontorie With Trees vpon’t.

a. 1648.  Digby, Chym. Secr., II. (1682), 215. Take it upon the point of a knife.

1732.  Berkeley, Alciphr., IV. § 8. The castle upon yonder hill.

1749.  Fielding, Tom Jones, XIV. ii. She’s here, Mrs. Honour is upon the stairs.

1816.  J. Wilson, City of Plague, I. i. 191. Wilt thou rest, old man, Upon this traveller’s seat?

1825.  J. Nicholson, Operat. Mechanic, 383. A pair of rollers upon the top of the roving-can.

1903.  Mrs. De la Pasture, Cornelius, 7. A Crown Derby service was spread forth upon a round table.

  b.  Said with reference to an expanse, as of land, sea, etc.; = ON prep. 1 b. (Freq. from c. 1650.)

  Upon a († the) level (with): see LEVEL sb. 2, 3.

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 3273. And moyses stod up-on ðe sond.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 735. Þer sat is ship up-on þe sond.

1340–70.  Alex. & Dind., 39. Neuere werrede we wiþ wiȝth up-on erþe. Ibid., 739. Of swiche bestus … Þei han miht vp-on molde.

1362.  Langl., P. Pl., A. IX. 56. Vnder a Lynde, vppon a launde leonede I a stounde.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 53. He syh upon the grene gras The faire freisshe floures springe.

c. 1420.  Chron. Vilod., 2393. Þis blessud virgyn … Twolfe ȝere … in hurr tombe lay, As saffe, as hole as he vpon vrthe ȝede.

c. 1470.  Golagros & Gaw., 312. Thai plantit doun ane pailyeoun, vpone ane plane lee.

1526.  Tindale, Mark vi. 48. When they sawe him walkinge apon the see.

1535.  Fisher, Wks. (1876), 365. He must treade vppon the fallowes.

1568.  Durham Wills (Surtees), III. 44. Corne … in the barne 58l., Upon the earth at 20l.

1609.  Bible (Douay), Ezek. xvi. 5. Thou wast throwen forth upon the face of the earth.

1650.  Howell, Giraffi’s Rev. Naples, I. 15. Benches, Forms,… were burnt all to ashes upon the streets.

1662.  J. Davies, trans. Olearius’ Voy. Ambass., 203. Wood and Lodging … are very scarce upon that Road.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 42, ¶ 3. Two or three Shifters of Scenes … make up a complete Body of Guards upon the English Stage.

1812.  Byron, Ch. Har., I. xiii. 75. Now I’m in the world alone, Upon the wide, wide sea.

1828.  Lytton, Pelham, III. xix. I have no time … to speak of the earlier part of my life. I passed it upon the race-course.

1871.  Haweis, Music & Morals (1874), 7. The Painter’s art lies upon the surface of the world.

  c.  Denoting the part of the body on which one is supported; = ON prep. 1 c.

  See also FOOT sb. 27, KNEE sb. 3 a, TIPTOR sb. 1.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 286. Sche began merci to crie Upon hire bare knes.

c. 1440.  Generydes, 44. Vppe vppon his fete he was a non.

1481.  Caxton, Reynard (Arb.), 18. He satte vpon his hammes.

1601.  Shaks., Jul. C., II. i. 270. Vpon my knees, I charme you,… By all your vowes of Loue.

1661.  Earl Orrery, St. Lett. (1742), 40. We are now upon our last legs.

1692.  trans. C’tess D’Aunoy’s Trav., 157. Three or four Pages … serve me upon Knee.

1712.  Steele, Spect., No. 460, ¶ 7. Gallantry strutting upon his Tiptoes.

1784.  Cowper, Task, IV. 546. Her tott’ring form Ill propp’d upon French heels.

1800.  Wordsw., Hart-Leap Well, I. xi. Upon his side the Hart was lying stretched.

1843.  Macaulay, Horatius, lxvi. Horatius in his harness, Halting upon one knee.

  d.  Indicating a means of locomotion or conveyance; = ON prep. 1 d.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 894. For þou sal slid apon þi brest.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 2041. Yf he mouhte … gangen wel up-on hise fet.

13[?].  E. E. Allit. P., B. 88. Swyerez þat swyftly swyed on blonkez, & also fele vpon fote.

1393.  Langl., P. Pl., C. VII. 43. Strengest vp-on stede, and styuest vnder gurdell.

c. 1400.  Maundev. (Roxb.), i. 4. It es made sittand apon a hors.

c. 1475.  Rauf Coilȝear, 794. Vpon ane rude Runsy he ruschit out of toun.

1590.  Spenser, F. Q., I. i. 4. She … heauie sat vpon her palfrey slow.

1648.  Hexham, II. Een Rijdt-bane, a Sliding place … to slide upon Schates.

1660.  F. Brooke, trans. Le Blanc’s Trav., 350. The great King, whom they carry upon a Sindela of cotton.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, II. (Globe), 345. We went on Shore upon the Tide of Flood, near high Water.

1803.  Southey, Queen Orraca, IV. vii. Upon her palfrey she is set, And forward then they go.

1821.  Scott, Pirate, xxx. She saw him flee forth of the window … upon a dragon.

1853.  Kane, Grinnell Exp., xxxii. (1856), 282. I mounted the upheaving ice, and rode upon the fragments.

  e.  Denoting that on which the hand is placed in taking the oath, or the basis of an oath, etc.; = ON prep. 1 f.

  See also CONSCIENCE 9, EVANGEL¹ 3, EVANGELY 3, FAITH sb. 8, HONOR sb. 9 b, LIFE sb. 3 c, REP¹, SOUL sb. 10 c, WORD sb.

c. 1290.  Beket, 585, in S. Eng. Leg., I. 123. Þat he ne scholde nouȝt swerie op-on þe boke.

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 10468. He swor hym vpon þe bok, To holde of hym his heritage.

1398.  Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XV. cxxxvi. (Bodl. MS.). Hoote welles þat … blindeþ þeues ȝif he swereþ vpon þe water and toucheþ heere yȝen þerewiþ.

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 642. Yow swiftly shall sweire vppon swete goddes, This couenaunt to kepe.

a. 1460.  in Hist. Coll. Lond. Cit. (Camden), 119. The for sayde captaynys have sworne a-pon hyr honowre that … they shalle not makyn [etc.].

1493.  Litt. Red Bk. Bristol (1900), II. 134. This ys trew apon owre consciens.

1610.  Shaks., Temp., II. ii. 130. I’le sweare vpon that Bottle, to be thy true subiect.

1645.  Docq. Lett. Pat. at Oxf. (1837), 268. Administring of Oathes vpon the Holy Evangelistes.

1710.  Addison, Tatler, No. 253, ¶ 1. The Assistants … were all sworn upon their Honour.

1722.  De Foe, Col. Jack (1840), 67. He would come back … and untie him, upon his word.

1776.  Trial Nundocomar, 52/1. You have sworn me upon the waters of the Ganges: how can I tell more than I remember?

1831.  G. P. R. James, Phil. Augustus, III. x. I declare that … he himself [is] worthy of death, upon my honour!

1848.  Dickens, Dombey, xxxix. Upon my word and honour,… it would be a charity.

  † f.  Above, more than. Obs. Cf. UP prep.¹ 8.

13[?].  Guy Warw. (A.), 359. Opon al oþer y loue þe.

c. 1430.  Syr Gener. (Roxb.), 969. Son, vpon al thing Doo aftre Nathanaels teching.

  † g.  fig. Over (a person, etc.), in respect of rule, authority, or supervision. Obs.

  See also REIGN v. 1 b, RULE v. 5 b. RULER 1 (quot. 1382).

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 383. Þe kyngis of heþen han lordeschip vp-on hem.

c. 1400.  Maundev. (Roxb.), iii. 10. Þi powere es grete apon þi subgets.

1422.  Yong, trans. Secreta Secret., 162. Oure Lord god enoyntyd Saule Kynge vppon Israell.

1477.  Earl Rivers (Caxton), Dictes, 69. He aught to haue lawde That … hath lordship vpon his ennemyes.

1534.  Whitinton, Tullyes Offices, I. (1540), 11. A man that wolde be chefe ruler vpon the commentye.

  h.  Taking part in, forming a member of (an inquest, jury, etc.). Cf. ON prep. 1 g.

1516.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 422/2. Thai … being apone the inqueist … in the schirer court.

1609.  [see SIT v. 26].

1643.  Docq. Lett. Pat. at Oxf. (1837), 5. Consociating himselfe with his neighboring Justices in sitting upon an illegal Commission.

1676.  Office Clerk of Assize, a vj. Persons … to serve in or upon the Grand Jury.

1729.  Jacob, Law Dict., s.v. Jury, Clergymen, Apothecaries, &c. are exempted by Law from serving upon Juries.

1769.  [see JURY sb. 2 b].

  i.  Hence in many phrases, originally denoting physical location, of which the sense has become more or less figurative; = ON prep. 1 h. See esp. ANVIL sb. 2 b, CARPET sb. 1 b, HAND sb. 32, HIGH a. 17 h, 18, LEVEL sb. 4, PAR sb. 1, SPOT sb.¹ 9, TABLE sb. 5 b.

  2.  Denoting contact with or location on a surface, etc., whatever its position; = ON prep. 2.

  (a)  c. 1200.  Ormin, Ded. 69. Þatt upponn all þiss boc ne be Nan word ȝæn Cristess lare.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 23215. Painted fire … Þat apon a wagh war wroght.

1382.  Wyclif, Exod. xxxiv. 1. Y shal write vpon hem [sc. stone tables] the wordes that hadden the tablis.

1535.  Coverdale, Hab. ii. 2. Wryte the vision planely vpon thy tables.

1552.  in J. O. Payne, St. Paul’s Cathedral (1893), 22. A greate clothe of redd silke … with lions of golde upon it.

1566, 1596.  [see INSCULP v.].

1596–.  [see RECORD sb. 1].

1605.  Shaks., Macb., V. i. 7. I haue seene her … take foorth paper,… write vpon’t, read it. Ibid., viii. 26. As our rarer Monsters are Painted vpon a pole.

1729.  T. Innes, Crit. Essay (1879), 74. His name is upon it, written with his own hand.

1766.  [see ENGRAVE v. 3 a].

1776.  Trial Nundocomar, 97/2. Did you see upon the face of the bond anything to make you suspect it?

1801.  Farmer’s Mag., April, 203. Which is very practicable upon paper.

1888.  ‘J. S. Winter,’ Bootle’s Childr., v. A gold bangle with ‘Mignon’ upon it … in raised letters.

  (b)  a. 1225.  Leg. Kath., 1187. Þe treo Þer he deide upon.

c. 1290.  S. Eng. Leg., I. 43/300. Þis ȝoungue Man sixe and þritti dawes heng up-on þe galu-treo.

1377.  Langl., P. Pl., B. I. 154. Was neuere leef vpon lynde liȝter þer-after.

14[?].  Lydg., Min. Poems (1911), 252. As he [sc. Christ] hangeth vp-on the roode tre.

1536.  Exhort. to North, in Furnivall, Ballads fr. MSS., I. 307. The gallous apone, prepared for mardoche, hanged he was.

1596.  Dalrymple, trans. Leslie’s Hist. Scot., I. 121. Lat him end his lyf vpon ane fork.

1605.  Shaks., Macb., V. v. 39. Vpon the next Tree shall thou hang.

1867.  Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 411. A sail set upon the flying jib-boom.

1899.  Shetland News, 16 Dec. (E.D.D., s.v. Hing). I took aff me kjaep, an’ hang her apon a nail.

  (c)  c. 1386.  Chaucer, Prol., 111. Vp on his arm he baar a gay bracer.

c. 1450.  St. Cuthbert (Surtees), 813. With broches and golde opon hir arme.

1494.  Act 11 Hen. VII., c. 23. The little Bone that sitteth upon the great Fin.

1523.  Fitzherb., Husb., § 21. A wedynge-hoke with a socket set vpon a lyttel staffe.

1547.  in Feuillerat, Revels Edw. VI. (1914), 10. Th’under sleves of … Satten cut vpon Red Sarcenett.

1655.  Stanley, Hist. Philos., II. 7. By reflection of the Sunns beams upon a thick cloud, which, not able to pierce it, are refracted upon it.

1774.  J. Bryant, Mythol., II. 231. Upon the head of the woman is a veil.

1824.  T. G. Cumming, Rail & Tram Roads, 24. Several branches were made … with the flaunche upon the wheel, and not upon the rail.

1847.  Marryat, Childr. N. Forest, xix. Those clothes would not look so well upon Oswald.

1889.  Doyle, Micah Clarke, 318. Monmouth must fight now, if he ever hopes to feel the gold rim upon his temples.

  b.  Used of immaterial relationships, or in figurative expressions.

  To (be)get… upon (a woman): see BEGET v. 2 b, GET v. 26.

a. 1400.  Minor Poems fr. Vernon MS., xlii. 8. His eȝe is euere þe vppon.

1423.  James I., Kingis Q., ii. I … toke a boke to rede apon a quhile.

c. 1450.  Mirk’s Festial, I. 6. Vnsley old man, goo heþen! for I se apon þe mony meruayles.

1548–9.  (Mar.) Bk. Com. Prayer, Pref. All thynges must be read vpon the boke.

1591.  Shaks., Two Gent., I. i. 20. Vpon some booke I loue, I’le pray for thee.

1662.  Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, II. iii. § 4. That what is spoken hath the impress of Divine authority upon it. Ibid., v. § 2. They have a clear and distinct perception of God upon their own minds.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, II. (Globe), 498. The Horror which was upon our Minds.

1753–4.  Richardson, Grandison, I. xii. 66. Every one’s eyes were upon me.

1806.  J. Beresford, Miseries Hum. Life (ed. 4), VI. 97. Here am I … with a sort of traveller’s lumbago upon me.

1832.  L. Hunt, Gentle Armour, I. 142. The page returns with doubt upon his eyes.

1848.  Bailey, Festus (ed. 3), 230. There was a tale Upon thy tongue he interrupted.

1877.  Spurgeon, Serm., XXIII. 669. It is absurd upon its very face.

  c.  By means of; with. Now dial.

c. 1440.  York Myst., xix. 212. Þe knyght vppon his knyffe Hath slayne my sone.

1590.  Shaks., Mids. N., II. i. 244. To die vpon the hand I loue so well.

1742.  Phil. Trans., XLII. 266. The Perfection of Smelling in the Inhabitants of the Antibes, who can run a Man upon the Nose like an Hound.

1751.  Labelye, Westm. Bridge, 71. Explaining before them, upon a working Model, the Method I proposed.

1790.  Boswell, Lett. (1924), 388. I intended to have printed it upon what is called an English letter.

1865.  R. Hunt, Pop. Rom. West Eng., I. 105. Which eye can you see me upon?

  d.  Used in reference to an axis, pivot, or base; = ON prep. 1 e. (Cf. RAISE v. 8 b, TURN v. 3.)

1570.  Billingsley, Euclid, I. i. 8. A triangle … set or described vpon a line.

1593.  Fale, Dialling, 14. Upon E make a halfe circle from H by G.

1679.  Moxon, Math. Dict., s.v. Circle, The Circle … is described upon the Centre A.

1728.  Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Triangle, A Triangle is equal to a Parallelogram upon the same Base, but half the Altitude.

1796.  Instr. & Reg. Cavalry (1813), 149. Each describing the portion of a circle upon (P) as a center.

1830.  Tennyson, Mariana, vi. The doors upon their hinges creak’d.

1832.  Prop. Reg. Instr. Cavalry, III. 47. Two contiguous points given as a Base, upon which a body of troops is to march or form.

1877.  Huxley, Anat. Imv. Anim., vi. 309. The next four somites … cease to be moveable upon one another.

  3.  a. On the bank of (a river or lake); on the shore of (the sea); on the borders of (a territory, etc.); close by, near to; bordering upon; beside or by; = ON prep. 3.

13[?].  K. Alis., 4090 (Laud MS.). A Castel he had vpon þe ryue.

1387.  Trevisa, Higden, V. 329. He fauȝt … aȝenst þe Saxons … uppon þe ryver Gleny.

c. 1425.  Eng. Conq. Irel., 142. The tounes vp-on the see.

1474.  Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879), I. 197. To mak a myl … othir vpoun the gret watter or vpoun the burn.

1526.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 514/1. Theifis and tratouris duelland apoun Levin.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. viii. 7 b. Alger … is situated vpon the Mediterane Sea.

1601.  R. Johnson, Kingd. & Commw., 192. Siras seated vpon the riuer Bindimire.

1662.  Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, III. iv. § 13. The greatest part of the Countries lying upon the Ocean and Mediterranean.

1720.  De Foe, Capt. Singleton, xiii. (1840), 226. A tract of land … seated upon some navigable river.

1747.  Col. Rec. Pennsylv., V. 87. Upon the heads of Joniady River.

1859.  Tennyson, Marriage of Geraint, 145. Arthur … Held court at old Caerleon upon Usk.

  † b.  About; near; close on (a specified number, etc.). Obs.

  In later use only with CLOSE adv. 1 d, NEAR adv.² 5 c, NIGH adv. 12 c.

1451.  Capgrave, Life St. Gilbert, 68. He left at his deth swech persones dedicate to God vp-on too þousand too hundred.

1477.  Caxton, Jason, 74. He cessed not to … rowe til he cam nyghe the Ile vpon a bowe shotte.

1478.  J. Paston, in P. Lett., III. 219. A steppe modyr of hyrs, whyche is upon l. yer of age.

1482.  Cely Papers (Camden), 102. Ther wylbe in aull with blottes apon xxvij or xxviij sarplers wholl.

1534.  Tindale, Luke viii. 42. He had but a doughter only, apon a twelve yere of age.

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VIII., 32 b. He had askryed a nomber of horsemen … vppon the poynct of syx thousand.

1600.  Holland, Livy, 171. There were upon two thousand & five hundred taken alive.

1660.  Nicholas Papers (Camden), IV. 226. To pay mee my allowance … as it was regulated upon three years since.

  4.  Denoting collateral position; esp. with side, hand, † half; beam (of a ship), point (of the compass); north, south, etc.; right, left; = ON prep. 4.

  See also BORDER v. 5, TOUCH v. 14, VERGE v.¹ 2 b.

  (a)  c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 7929. Southsex … & Middelsex … marchen vpon Kent.

c. 1400.  Maundev. (Roxb.), vi. 22. Mesopotamy also marchez apon þe desertes of Araby.

1568.  Grafton, Chron., II. 354. For we [Scots] are so lodged vpon England, that we may … enter which way we lust.

1586–.  [see NEIGHBOR v. 1, 2].

1596.  Dalrymple, trans. Leslie’s Hist. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 31. Wpon the coste of the Lenox lyes Argyle.

1624.  Heywood, Gunaik., II. 92. That part … which butted upon the west.

1681.  Dryden, Span. Friar, I. i. Upon the skirts Of Arragon our squandered troops he rallies.

1786.  W. Thomson, Watson’s Philip III. (1839), 311. An island bordering upon Istria.

1842.  R. I. Wilberforce, Rutilius & Lucius, 106. Behind they abutted upon the grounds of Milo.

1873.  T. W. Higginson, Oldport Days, v. 115. The house was close upon the water.

  (b)  13[?].  Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 2069. Þe brode ȝatez [were] Vnbarred, & born open, vpon boþe halue.

1375.  Barbour, Bruce, XI. 175. Schir Gylys de Argente he set Vpon ane half, his renȝe to get.

a. 1400[?].  Morte Arth., 3795. We are with Sarazenes be-sett appone sere halfes!

c. 1475.  Rauf Coilȝear, 291. I se the Firmament fair vpon ather syde.

1565.  Golding, Ovid’s Met., I. 1 b. Twoo Zones do cut the Heauen vpon the righter syde.

1577.  B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., II. (1586), 71 b. A rich grounde, leuell, and lying vpon the Sunne.

1644.  in Eng. Hist. Rev., April (1913), 341. My Lord Ambassador beinge plac’d … upon his left hand about three Seates distante from him.

1669.  Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., I. ii. 4. Upon what Point of the Compass the Object beareth from you.

1739.  Labelye, Piers Westm. Bridge, 5. When the Wind is upon any Point of the Compass between the South and the West.

1791.  Smeaton, Edystone L., § 76. A vessel steering to Foy will have the wind upon her beam.

1823.  F. Clissold, Ascent Mt. Blanc, 11. [It] shelved down, upon our right, in one plane of smooth rock.

  transf.  1656.  Cromwell, Sp., in Burton, Diary (1828), I. p. clxix. It was never so upon the thriving hand.

1718.  Wodrow, Corr. (1843), II. 362. May the kingdom of our Lord be upon the growing hand.

1852.  Bailey, Festus (ed. 5), 252. To you, dear ass, upon the sire’s side, To you, sir steed, I’m on the dam’s allied.

  b.  transf. Indicating the side, part, cause, etc., espoused or supported by the agent.

c. 1430.  Chev. Assigne, 219. ‘Go we forthe, fader,’ quod þe childe, ‘ypon goddes halfe!

1445.  in Anglia, XXVIII. 256. [They] seyen the duke of yorke hath god vpon his side.

1595.  Shaks., John, I. i. 34. Till she had kindled France and all the world, Vpon the right and party of her sonne.

1611.  B. Jonson, Catiline, V. M 2. The least man, that falles vpon our party This day…, Shall walke at pleasure, in the tents of rest.

1821.  Shelley, Hellas, 440. Famine, and Pestilence, And Panic, shall wage war upon our side!

  c.  Engaged in assailing, or about to attack.

1568.  Grafton, Chron., II. 291. The French men were so mingled among their enemies, that some time there was fiue men vpon one Gentleman.

c. 1670.  Wood, Life (O.H.S.), I. 114. Captain Walter had six rebells upon him, and … fought it out so … gallantly that [etc.].

1701.  W. Wotton, Hist. Rome, 269. The Senate heard that Severus was just upon them.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, I. (Globe), 270. He saw five Men upon him. Ibid. (1721), Mem. Cavalier (1840), 211. We are all undone, the roundheads are upon us.

1860.  All Year Round, No. 66. 384. Certain manœuvres, which had just time to result…, when the squall was upon us.

1885.  Manch. Exam., 10 June, 4/7. The crisis … is upon us at last.

  † d.  Having a tendency to be; verging towards; bordering on. Freq. with little. Obs.

  Cf. to run upon s.v. RUN v. 70 b.

1707.  Ld. Raby, in Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), II. 43. He is … a little upon y^e dirty as all y^e Poles are.

1716.  in Lond. Gaz., No. 5438/4. Lost…, a large Brilliant…, a little upon the Blue.

1738.  Swift, Pol. Conversat., 180. I think he’s a little upon the silly, or so.

1740.  trans. De Mouhy’s Fort. Country Maid (1741), I. 35. A Countenance much upon the Wheedler and the Devotee.

  5.  Within the bounds or limits of; in; = ON prep. 5. (Cf. UPO’ prep., quot. 1773.)

13[?].  Sir Beues (A.), 4180. [He] karf …. Doun riȝt þe viser wiþ is swerd And half þe her vpon is berd.

1605.  Shaks., Lear, IV. vi. 256. Seeke him out vpon the English party.

1639.  Laud, Wks. (1853), V. 364. I find by the bishop’s certificate, that he hath constantly resided upon his episcopal houses.

1765.  Museum Rust., IV. 449. His country seat, possessed and lived upon by his ancestors for several generations.

1824.  Scott, St. Ronan’s, xxii. Miss Clara … just sitting upon the wind of a door [= in a draught].

  † b.  Denoting ratio between two numbers, etc.; = PER prep. III. 2, IN prep. 4. Obs. rare.

1622.  Malynes, Anc. Law-Merch., 195. In regarde of lecage of tenne or fifteene vpon the hundreth.

1739.  Labelye, Piers Westm. Bridge, 76. The Ascent … not being above one Foot perpendicular upon 20 Feet slope. Ibid., 78.

  6.  Denoting the day of an occurrence, regarded as a unit of time. Freq. also with night, morn, morrow, eve(n, time, † tide, † hour, occasion, etc. = ON prep. 6.

  Once upon a time: see ONCE adv. 4.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 19810. Apon a dai at þe tid o non An angel com.

1338.  R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 37. Untc Kyngeston … Com S. Dunstan, opon a Sonenday.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 3. Now upon this tyde Men se the world … so diversed, That [etc.].

a. 1400[?].  Arthur, 539. And sone after vpon an owr He hurde of Mordred.

1424.  Stonor Papers (Camden), I. 36. Writen at Sarum apon þe seynt Michell euen. Ibid. (a. 1470), 111. My wyf and y welbe with you uppon Ester.

1535.  Coverdale, Job i. 6. Now vpon a tyme … the seruauntes of God came and stode before the Lorde.

1551.  Robinson, trans. More’s Utopia (1895), 15. Vpon a tyme, when tidynges came [etc.].

1631.  Weever, Anc. Funeral Mon., 471. Once euery yeare vpon the same day of his Anniuerse.

1663.  Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. II. (1911), 183. [They] were all brought before the mayor vpon the 28th of December.

1672.  T. Godden, Cath. No Idolaters, 35. Would an Impartial Reader (to use Dr. Taylor’s expression upon another occasion) say [etc.]?

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 164, ¶ 4. Upon the Day on which … their Marriage was to have been solemnized.

1771.  Mrs. Griffith, Hist. Lady Barton, III. 285. I wrote upon the instant, but … cannot recollect what I said.

a. 1821.  Keats, Eve St. Mark, 1. Upon a Sabbath-day it fell.

1868.  Tennyson, Lucretius, 24. He … woke upon a morn That mock’d him.

  † b.  In, at, or during (any period of time); in the course of; = ON prep. 6 b. Obs.

  (a)  1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 314. [He] made upon the derke nyht … Gret fyr.

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 8684. Wyth myche dole vppon dayes & on derke nightes, Sum walt into wodenes.

1427–9.  Rolls of Parlt., IV. 364. To make a Toure to be uppon day light a redy Bekyn.

1529.  in Leadam, Star Chamb. Cases (Selden), II. 34. Thomas … directed … the hole recordys … vppon a yere past or more to vs … to examen the same.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xix. Vpon the euening the fire … got into their pouder.

1603.  Shaks., Meas. for M., IV. i. 35. Vpon the Heauy midle of the night.

1661.  Act 13 Chas. II., c. 9 § 27. No man in or belonging to the Fleet shall sleep upon his Watch.

1673.  in Picton, L’pool Munic. Rec. (1883), I. 247. Offences committed by them the same day upon the said election.

[1820.  Keats, St. Agnes, vi. Upon the honey’d middle of the night.]

  (b)  1591.  Unton, Corr. (Roxb.), 103. Upon nowe advertisement is come from the Kinge.

1638.  Ld. Digby, Lett. Conc. Relig. (1651), 19. To tell you what upon the present … occurreth to me.

  † c.  Within the space of (a specified period of time); = ON prep. 6 c. Obs.

c. 1375.  Cursor M., 510 (Fairf.). Be iournays qua ga hit may, fourly myle a-pon a day.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Prol., 704. Vp on a day he gat hym moore moneye Than þat the person gat in Monthes tweye.

1457–8.  in Acta Dom. Conc., II. Introd. 15. He sall warne thame to pass to the kings chapell … apone xl dais.

1459.  Rolls of Parlt., V. 369/2. A commaundement … to be redy to come … upon a day warnyng.

a. 1585[?].  Montgomerie, Misc. Poems, vii. 35. Rome wes not biggit all vpon ane day.

1674.  Reg. Privy Council Scot., Ser. III. IV. 299. [The lords] ordaines letters of horning upon 48 houres to be direct for that effect.

  d.  At the point of; close on, touching on; = ON prep. 6 d.

  Usu. with vbl. sb. or gerundive: see group (a). Upon the point of: see POINT sb.¹ D. 5.

  (a)  1426.  Audelay, Poems, 6. Have mynd apon ȝoure endyng of the payns of helle.

1491.  Acta Dom. Conc. (1839), 205/1. I am apone my saling and may nocht lang tary.

1530.  Palsgr., 423/1. I am upon my lieng downe, as a woman that is nere her tyme.

1604.  Dekker, Honest Wh., xii. Wife. Comes the Duke this way? Pio. Hee’s upon comming, mistris.

1611.  Cotgr., Emmati,… faded, vpon withering.

1669–70.  Marvell, Corr., Wks. (Grosart), II. 310. I intended more, but the post also is upon going.

1707.  Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), II. 10. The King of Prussia is upon sending to the … Library all the … medals.

a. 1774.  Goldsm., Hist. Greece, I. 247. The truce … was just upon expiring.

1842.  C. Whitehead, R. Savage, I. i. I was just upon commending them to a lower place.

  ellipt.  1899.  Daily News, 12 Sept., 4/7. The new … recreation garden … is just upon finished.

  (b)  1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xix. 22. As wee were vpon our departure.

1626.  Breton, Fantasticks, D 3 b. Few that are merry, but … wenches that are vpon the mariage.

1632.  Massinger, Maid of Hon., V. i. Signor Adorni is return’d! now upon entrance!

1666.  Marvell, Corr., Wks. (Grosart), II. 197. The Smyrna fleet … is upon returne.

c. 1680–.  [see GO sb. 8 d].

1722.  Pope, Lett. (1735), I. 274. I’m told you are all upon Removal very speedily.

1775.  S. J. Pratt, Liberal Opin., cxxxiii. (1783), IV. 206. Our old rector will make a subject by and by;… he’s certainly upon the go [= dying].

1797.  Mrs. M. Robinson, Walsingham, IV. 318. The good fellow is upon the go; his life is not worth six weeks’ purchase.

1820.  Byron, Mar. Fal., IV. ii. 66. Doge. How goes the night? Ber. F. Almost upon the dawn.

  † e.  By or for (a specified time). Obs.

1510.  Brasenose Coll. Doc. (MS), A³ 43. To make me a Dublett and a Jacket upon Cryst masse next comyng.

  † f.  For the extent or period of. Obs.

  Cf. upon a stretch s.v. STRETCH sb. 6 a.

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VII., 49 b. Which sickenes contynued vpon fyue monethes.

  7.  a. On the occasion of; = ON prep. 7.

  In freq. use c. 1670–c. 1825. Group (b) illustrates obs. usages.

  See also OCCASION sb. 10 b. SIGHT sb. 4 d, 6 b, SUDDEN sb. 1 b, SUDDENLY 1 b, VIEW sb. 16.

  (a)  c. 1440.  Capgrave, Life St. Kath., I. 981. Vp-on this hir letter hath she sent.

1492.  Hen. VII., in G. Griffiths, Hist. Tong (ed. 2), 224. To thentent that uppon convercacion we may shewe unto you our minde.

1515.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 79. The saide artificers seyne that by the grauntis made uppon their first corporacion it appereth that [etc.].

1566.  Drant, Horace, Sat., I. iii. B v. His maister hangs him straighte upponte.

1596.  Bacon, Use Com. Law (1635), 2. If one kill another upon a suddaine quarrell.

1662.  Culpeper, in Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. II. (1911), 152, note. I haue some Quakers … in prison which I doe intend to let goe upon taking the Oath.

1698.  Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 74. The Banyans repairing to the Suburbs upon Tattoo.

1705.  Collier, Ess. Mor. Subj., III. Pain, 13. Was ever … any Fencer, worth the naming, heard to groan upon a Hit?

1712.  Addison, Spect., No. 369, ¶ 17. They … were cast into Hell upon their Disobedience.

1774.  Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), II. 309. Upon comparing the various animals … with each other, we shall find [etc.].

1817.  Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. 450. They retired upon the brisk advancement of the grenadiers.

1841.  Lane, Arab. Nts., I. 101. Upon which they raised their heads, and answered as before.

1890.  Ld. Esher, in Law Times’ Rep., LXIII. 734/1. [He] shall be released from that obligation upon the Director undertaking the case.

  (b)  1510.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 307/1. The slauchter … committit be him apoun subdante.

1572.  Holinshed, Chron., I. 35/1. Cesar … writeth that immediatly vpon knowledge had … he woulde inuade Brytaine.

1646.  Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 269. The Silly-how, that sometimes is found about the heads of children upon their birth.

1707.  Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), II. 63. Y^e sneaking Villains, like Worms upon a Rain, crawl’d out.

1726.  Swift, Gulliver, II. v. Yet often, upon a pinch, I was forced to work like a common mariner.

1736.  Butler, Anal., I. iv. Persons may be betrayed into wrong behaviour upon surprise.

1763.  Johnson, in Boswell, 25 June. He has no tenants … who will follow him to the field upon an emergency.

  b.  Immediately after; following on.

1390.  Gower, Conf., II. 71. Whan that he this tale herde, Hou upon that the king ansuerde With Hercules he moste feighte.

1496.  Coventry Leet Bk., 573. And what persones þat be absent þat day vppon warnyng shall pay xij d.

1523.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., I. cxlviii. 177. [They] conquered … townes and castels one vpon the other by force.

1562.  J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 45. So soone vpon supper…, Sleepe maketh yll … digestion.

1596.  Shaks., Merch. V., IV. i. 384. I am content … to render it, Vpon his death, vnto the Gentleman.

1614.  Day, Festivals, ix. (1615), 268. Whether the Fault were unawares, or upon advisement.

1645.  Bp. Hall, Rem. Discontents, 80. After he had upon ten years siege, taken the rich City.

1688.  Holme, Armoury, II. 181/2. The bite or sting of a Scorpion is present Death if … [Swine] drink upon it.

1711.  G. Hickes, Two Treat. Chr. Priesth. (ed. 3), II. 30. I have wrote … not rashly or by chance, but upon thought.

1748.  Anson’s Voy., II. xiii. 276. Immediately upon this fortunate supply they stood to the westward.

1780.  Mirror, No. 95. I left my own house immediately upon the discovery I made.

1814.  Jane Austen, Mansf. Park, xi. Coming, as it generally did, upon a week’s previous inactivity.

1849.  Macaulay, Hist. Eng., v. I. 539. This plan had been dropped upon the detection of the Rye House Plot.

1883.  Howells, in Harper’s Mag., Dec., 79. The silence which his friend has absent-mindedly let follow upon his last words.

  ellipt.  1818.  Colebrooke, Import Colonial Corn, 183. The capital should at first be less productive if,… upon a balance, this become more fruitful.

  † c.  As soon as. Obs.^–1

1475.  Paston Lett., III. 128. I woll, uppon as I heer from yow, come to yow in alle hast possible.

  † 8.  Denoting physical arrangement, order, etc., = in (masses, a row, etc.). Cf. ON prep. 8. rare.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 892. Als he lep þe kok vn-til, He shof hem alle upon an hyl.

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 1991. The flode … Rose vppon rockes [= in high masses] as any ranke hylles.

c. 1450.  Lovelich, Merlin, 1474. For thinges that ben past, j knowe, And thinges that ben comeng vppon a rowe.

1665.  J. Webb, Stone-Heng, 68. Nor [could] these have continued upon such a direct line, as still some of them seem to do.

  9.  In (a particular or specified manner, etc.); = ON prep. 9.

  See also CROSS sb. 29, HEAD sb. 35 d, LOFT sb. 2 a, SLY sb. 2 (a), SQUARE a. 11 a, b.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 468. Godard … tok þe maydnes bothe samen, Al-so it were up-on hiis gamen.

1338.  R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 25. Bot þat þise lowed men vpon Inglish tellis, Right story can me not ken, þe certeynte what spellis.

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 3300. Like to þis werke, Þat þis coppis opon kellwyse knytt in þe woȝes.

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy. 7359. There only was ordant of Ectors dethe, With all Soteltie to serche opon sere wise.

c. 1450.  Holland, Howlat, 828. The lordis leuch vpoun loft.

c. 1518.  Skelton, Magnyf., 497. Chanons can not counterfet but vpon thre.

1600.  Shaks., A. Y. L., I. i. 2. It was vpon this fashion bequeathed me by will.

1628.  Feltham, Resolves, II. lxxxii. 233. Though he doth forbeare to call for it, yet I beleeue, vpon the like, thou owest him.

1641.  Earl Monm., trans. Biondi’s Civil Wars, III. 146. Charles de Lens … was slaine upon cold bloud.

  † b.  Upon new, = ANEW adv. 1. Obs.^–1

1399.  Gower, Praise of Peace, 315. Every dai it chaungeth uppon newe.

  10.  a. Occupied with; engaged in; employed on; = ON prep. 10 b.

  For further illustration of group (b) see GUARD sb. 5 a, PATROL sb. 1, SENTRY sb. 3, WATCH sb. 6 b.

  (a)  13[?].  Seuyn Sages (W.), 190. He was ever upon his bok, And to his lore tok gret kepe.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Frankl. T., 197. Vp on this daunce, amonges othere men, Daunced a squier biforn Dorigen.

1478.  Acta Dom. Conc. (1839), 19/1. Þe lordis … declarit þat þai wald nocht sit apoun na summondis quhil þe said xj day.

1612.  in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. I. 608. The Electour Palatine is now at the Haghe upon his voyage into England.

1634.  W. Tirwhyt, trans. Balzac’s Lett. (vol. I.), 154. Those who carve in Brasse or Marble waxe old upon their workes.

1659.  Vane, in Burton’s Diary (1828), III. 171. Consider what it is we are upon, a Protector in the office of Chief Magistrate.

1690.  Locke, Govt., I. xi. § 146. When Mankind were but one People,… and were upon Building a City together.

1705.  Hearne, Collect. (O.H.S.), I. 30. He designs to carry on the work, being now upon a III⁴ volume.

1709.  Swift, Adv. Relig., Wks. 1755, II. I. 100. Neither am I at present upon a wild speculative project.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, II. (Globe), 563. They seemed to be upon their own affairs.

1741.  Richardson, Pamela, I. 163. Well, Jacob, what do you stare at? Pray mind what you’re upon.

1784.  in B. Ward, Dawn Cath. Revival (1909), I. iv. 81. That they may be upon the mission all unius moris in Domino.

1859.  Dickens, T. Two Cities, II. i. He was never absent … unless upon an errand.

  (b)  1577–.  [see GUARD sb. 5 a].

1647–8.  in Eng. Hist. Rev., Oct. (1917), 573. There was onely townesmen upon the guarde, and those expressed great joy to see Sir Hugh.

1678.  Butler, Hud., III. i. 459. He was upon pursuit, To take you somewhere hereabout.

1681.  V’ctess Campden, in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 56. Lady Skidmore … was at Mr. Conisby’s house upon a visette.

a. 1716.  South, Serm. (1717), VI. 378. No Man would spend the Night upon the Sentry, who [etc.].

  b.  Denoting state or condition. Cf. ON prep. 10.

  See also BEHAVIOR 3, BY sb.² 2 b, CASE sb.¹ 2 b, CONTENT sb.² 2, DUTY 5 e, FRET sb.² 6, LOAN sb.¹ 3, LOOSE a. B. 1, OATH sb. 1, PAROLE sb. 1, TRIAL sb. 12. The uses placed under (b) are obsolete.

  (a)  c. 1290.  S. Eng. Leg., I. 272/39. Ich am a man opon mi seruiz, and noman serui i-nelle Bote mi louerd.

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 42. He was wyse enoȝe wirdis to reken … of ledes opon lyfe.

1525.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., II. lxxvii. [lxxiii.] 229. All suche … were styll in theyr owne houses vpon a redynes.

c. 1580.  in Eng. Hist. Rev., July (1914), 517. You must kepe good wache by night and be upon your owne kepinge.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xi. 13 b. The Caddy … keepeth the town vpon tribute vnder the king of Alger.

1628.  Feltham, Resolves, II. iv. 7. Their difference is neuer so much vpon the view, as then.

1657.  Earl Monm., trans. Paruta’s Pol. Disc., 35. Large Plains in Italy, wherein he might fight the Romans upon great advantage.

1683.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc., Printing, xiii. ¶ 1. It must with the Chissel be split upon a good Blood-Red-Heat in that place.

1706.  Farquhar, Recruiting Officer, I. i. A Granadeer … absent upon Furlow.

1769.  Goldsm., Hist. Rome (1786), II. 373. He never missep hitting … the fleetest animals, though upon full speed.

1788.  Clara Reeve, Exiles, I. 181. Poor Albert … had been upon the fret ever since I left him.

1801.  trans. Gabrielli’s Myst. Husb., III. 86. The kettle was just upon the boil.

1823.  Southey, Hist. Penins. War, I. 686. The fate of the continent was upon the hazard.

  (b)  1425.  Rolls of Parlt., IV. 290. For lake of Parsons … children have deghed uncristend … and wymen opon chyld perechyd.

1535.  Coverdale, 1 Chron. xiii. 17. Yf ye come vpon disceate, and to be mine aduersaries.

1604.  Shaks., Oth., I. i. 100. And now in madnesse … Vpon malitious knauerie, dost thou come To start my quiet.

1707.  J. Stevens, trans. Quevedo’s Com., Wks. (1709), 45. Finding a Door upon the jar.

a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, III. xiv. (1900), II. 357. Lord Russell … was upon all the secret of his [sc. Rumsey’s] going beyond sea.

1740.  trans. De Mouhy’s Fort. Country Maid (1741), I. 269. I had left the Door upon the Jarr.

  c.  Indicating a sphere of activity or existence.

  Partly with implication of locative sense: cf. 1 b.

1487.  Cely Papers (Camden), 159. Mony goyth now uppon the bursse at a xj^s iij^d ob. the nobull.

1589.  Nashe, Pasquil’s Ret., 1. I little thought to meete thee so suddainly upon the Exchange.

c. 1645.  Howell, Lett. (1650), I. 26. One may hear 7. or 8. sorts of toungs spoken upon their Bourses.

1709.  Steele, Tatler, No. 48, ¶ 4. I was curious to observe the Reception these Gentlemen met with upon Change. Ibid. (1712), Spect., No. 266, ¶ 2. This Creature is what they call newly come upon the Town.

1763.  Johnson, in Boswell, 25 June. A Merchant upon the ’Change of London.

1822.  W. Irving, Braceb. Hall, vii. 59. A dashing young ensign, just come upon the town.

1838.  D. Jerrold, Men of Char., II. 255. Again was John Applejohn upon the world.

1882.  Pebody, Eng. Journalism, xi. 79. He found employment upon the Morning Post.

  d.  With sbs. denoting activity or progress.

  See also GALLOP sb. 1, GOG², HUNT sb.² 1 b, LISTEN sb. 2, LONG RUN, SCRAMBLE sb. 1, TROT sb. 1 d.

1645.  Slingsby, Diary (1836), 176. Our horse, upon a Gallop without once drawing up.

1662.  J. Wilson, Cheats, I. i. I was out t’other Night upon the Randan.

1678.  in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 50. Lord Rochester hath bin att the gates of death, and so penitent that he is upon an amendment.

1728.  Vanbr. & Cib., Prov. Husb., V. i. You will every Day see hundreds as fast upon the Gallop, as she is.

1768.  Goldsm., Good-n. Man, I. i. Everything upon the waste.

1801.  Farmer’s Mag., Jan., 105. Grain of all kinds continues upon the advance.

1877.  Spurgeon, Serm., XXIII. 505. The leaves are just upon the turn, and the fall of the year is close at hand.

  e.  Denoting situation within a portion of time or space.

1632.  Sir T. Hawkins, trans. Mathieu’s Unhappy Prosperitie, 76. His life was now almost wholly wasted, he is upon the last hour.

1680.  R. L’Estrange, 20 Sel. Colloq. Erasm., 258. Observing the Woman to Yawn and just upon her last Stretch, he put [etc.].

1694–.  [see TACK sb.¹ 6].

1720.  De Foe, Capt. Singleton, xi. (1840), 187. We being then upon our starboard tack.

  11.  Indicating the basis or reason of reliance, trust, etc.

  See also COUNT v. 9, DEPEND v. 5, HANG v. 13 b (quot. 1817), RELY v. 5, REST v. 5 b, STAND v. 78 c, STAY v.² 2 b, 3 b, SUSPEND v. 9, TRIST v. 1, TRUST v. 1.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 16724. And wha se lefeþþ upponn himm, Þatt mann iss all unndemedd.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 280. Uor þet stonding is treowe trust of herdi bileaue uppon Godes strencðe.

c. 1250.  Prayer to Virgin, 18, in O. E. Misc., 196. Al min hope is uppon þe.

c. 1315.  Shoreham, V. 51. Four manere ioyen hy hedde here Of hyre sone so lef an dere, Wytnes opan þe godspelle.

1377.  Langl., P. Pl., B. I. 117. Þei leueden vpon hym þat lyed in þis manere.

1382.  Wyclif, Isaiah vii. 2. Siria restede vp on Effraym.

1509.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 286/2. Ony proclamatioun … anent the intercommonyn and sitting apoun the Inglismenis assouerans.

1574.  R. Scot, Platform Hop Gard., 2. I, for my part, relye not upon other mens opinions.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xx. 24. [He] resolued [= relied] vppon so smal an assuraunce of the Bascha.

1604.  Shaks., Oth., I. iii. 295. My life vpon her faith. Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leaue to thee.

1640.  Laud, Wks. (1853), III. 279. His Majesty’s goodness was confident upon the fidelity of his subjects.

1767.  Gooch, Treat. Wounds, I. 241. It is fallacious, and by no means to be depended upon, as a Criterion.

1796.  Jane Austen, Pride & Prej., i. Depend upon it,… I will visit them all.

1823.  Southey, Hist. Penins. War, I. 715. They counted upon succour from San Juan’s troops.

1850.  Tennyson, In Mem., xxxii. 7. Then one deep love doth supersede All other,… And rests upon the Life indeed.

  b.  According to; in agreement or accordance with; on the model of.

  (a)  1390.  Gower, Conf., II. 108. I not if that be Sompnolence, Bot upon youre conscience, Min holi fader, demeth ye.

c. 1400.  Sowdone Bab., 105. Comaundinge hem vppon her legeaunce To come.

c. 1420.  Avow. Arth., xxxiii. Quat is thi rawunsun opon ryȝte, The sothe thou me sayn?

c. 1440.  Jacob’s Well, 66. To make amendys, fully in trewe restitucyoun, vp-on þi powere.

1516.  in Acta Parlt. Scot. (1875), XII. 37/1. He … behavis him swa towart … ȝoure brothir … that apon Ressoune na man sall be discontentit of his gyding.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xviii. 20 b. The king … was set at libertie, vpon an accord and alliaunce which hee made.

1664.  Extr. St. Papers Friends, III. (1912), 226. I inform’d my Lord … that vpon my certaine knowledge a greate number would meete … att such a house.

1698.  Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 54. Nothing remaining of it but only what is taken upon Chronicle.

1703.  Vanbrugh, False Friend, I. i. I find you much upon my taste in this matter.

1748.  Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VII. 373. Here Mr. Belford gives the substance of it upon his memory.

1867.  Lowell, Fitz Adam’s Story, 464. An honest cord [of wood] in Jethro still would fail By a good foot upon the Deacon’s scale.

  (b)  a. 1225.  Leg. Kath., 994. Hwi schulde he forhohien to wurðen to þet þing Þet is iwend [ = formed] upon him?

1563.  Shute, Archit., B iv. This piller [is] … made by the Ionians, vpon the Simetrie of a strong man.

1776.  Ann. Reg., 148. A rifle gun upon a new construction.

1790.  W. Wrighte, Grotesque Archit., 11. The four minarets at the angles bring the plan upon a square of forty feet.

1791.  Smeaton, Edystone L., § 85. Upon these ideas I drew up … the following plan.

1863.  Mary Howitt, trans. F. Bremer’s Greece, I. viii. 264. The new constitution of Greece is formed very much upon that of France.

1882.  Pebody, Eng. Journalism, xxii. 172. The Society papers … are to some extent modelled upon the Reviews.

  c.  Indicating the ground, basis, occasion, or reason of an action, opinion, etc.; = ON prep. 11.

  In very frequent use from c. 1525. In group (b.) with allusion to literal uses (sense 1).

  (a)  1456.  Sir G. Haye, Law Arms (S.T.S.), 179. A symple knycht may nocht lede a baroun … apon his sauf condyt.

a. 1500.  in C. Trice-Martin, Chanc. Proc. (1904), 4. Uppon untrue verydyte yoven in London ther lieth none atteynt.

1515.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 403/2. The slauchter … committit apoun forthocht felony.

1554–5.  in Feuillerat, Revels Q. Mary (1914), 170. In a redines to serve vpon further warnynge.

1584.  R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., X. i. (1886), 143. Those witches that make men beleeve they can prophesie upon dreames.

1602.  W. S., Thomas Ld. Cromwell, V. iv. The great Lord Cromwell arreasted vpon treason!

1647–8.  in Eng. Hist. Rev., Oct. (1917), 569. How … Cholmeley came first to be imployed in the Parliament service, and upon what grounds hee quitt the same.

1697.  Walsh, Life V., ¶ 26, in Dryden, Virgil. He has solv’d more Phænomena of Nature upon sound Principles, than Aristotle in his Physics.

1722.  De Foe, Plague (1754), 14. Upon these Arguments my Brother chang’d my Resolutions again.

1747.  W. Gould, Eng. Ants, Pref. Upon this Reason my Lord Bacon does not approve of the historical Method of writing in Philosophy.

1787.  Whitaker, Mary Q. Scots Vind., I. 62. They thus condemn the Queen … upon letters unauthenticated by the producers.

1827.  Scott, Chron. Canongate, Introd. Invernahyle obtained from the Chevalier his prisoner’s freedom upon parole.

1846.  Chambers’ Jrnl., VI. 280/2. Upon the most insubstantial of pretexts.

1872.  Liddon, Elem. Relig., i. 16. The most intellectual Gnostics were Sensualists; Sensualists upon a theory and with deliberation.

  (b)  a. 1400–.  [see FOUND v.² 4].

1565.  Sir R. Maitland, in Maitland Folio MS., 23. Grund all thy doing vpon suthfastnes.

1573–.  [see BUILD v. 6 b].

1672.  T. Godden, Catholicks No Idolaters, 23. This is the major Proposition of his Syllogism, and if this fail, the Charge he builds upon it, must needs fall.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 9, ¶ 8. Our Modern celebrated Clubs are founded upon Eating and Drinking.

1814.  Jane Austen, Mansf. Park, xlii. He particularly built upon a very happy … autumn there this year.

1844.  Beresf. Hope, Ess., 111. This … does give us very different ground to go upon.

1878.  Hopps, Princ. Relig., iii. 13. Upon this great truth … we base all our hopes.

  † d.  of (a cause of death or illness). Obs.

c. 1420.  Brut, 344. Mony a worthi man yn þat viage deid vpon þe Flix.

1510.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 73. Vppon the seid enprisonement the same John … deyed within xij howres.

1600.  Holland, Livy, 1264. Upon which fracture he died thirtie daies after.

1645.  Slingsby, Diary (1836), 163. Y^e Gentlewoman y^t had lived in it dead upon Grief.

1696.  A. Telfair, New Confut. Sadd., 10. Which frightned him so much, that he fell sick upon it immediately.

  e.  Indicating means of subsistence or existence, or an article of food furnishing sustenance.

  Sometimes = ‘after having taken or consumed’: see (c).

  (a)  1457.  Harding, Chron., in Eng. Hist. Rev., Oct. (1912), 747. His lyfelode exceded noght all clere An hundreth marke to leue vpon in dede.

c. 1489.  Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, iii. 98. We have loste our store of vytaylles, so that we have noo thynge to lyve upon.

1564.  Child-Marr., 125. Aspshawe is a very poore man, and liveth apon his neibours.

1583–.  [see LIVE v.¹ 2].

1599.  B. Jonson, Ev. Man out of Hum., Descr. Char. A Thred-bare Sharke. One that … lives upon lendings.

1600.  J. Pory, trans. Leo’s Africa, V. 249. Monasteries … maintained vpon the common beneuolence of the citie.

1625.  Burges, Pers. Tithes, 45. All liuing vpon Fishing.

1713.  [see LIVE v.¹ 3].

1884.  Pall Mall G., 9 Sept., 3/1. The lady did not indeed say that she lived with her father and mother, but she lived upon them.

1885.  Law Times Rep., LII. 651/1. He earned nothing, and he lived upon some money of mine.

  (b)  c. 1440.  Pallad. on Husb., X. 76. Til May hit wol suffice vppon to feede.

1571.  Digges, Pantom., Pref. B j. Suche two footed Moules and Todes whom … nature hath ordayned to … suck vpon the muck.

1600.  J. Pory, trans. Leo’s Africa, VI. 276. They liue vpon the flesh of Ostriches and camels.

1678.  Wanley, Wond. Lit. World, V. i. § 94. 467/2. ’Tis thought he surfeited upon Melons.

1713.  Steele, Guard., No. 34. He … breakfasted upon toast and ale.

1743.  P. Francis, trans. Horace, Sat., II. iii. 124. While Moths upon his rotting Carpets fed.

1818.  G. S. Faber, Horæ Mosaicæ, II. 281. If the Dominical Supper be a feast upon a sacrifice.

1832.  Ht. Martineau, Life in Wilds, ii. 26. The grass it fed upon.

1885.  Manch. Exam., 16 June, 5/1. M. Henze fed his prize oxen upon silage.

  ellipt.  1717.  Prior, Alma, III. 243. Was ever Tartar fierce or cruel, Upon the Strength of Water-Gruel.

1737.  Bracken, Farriery Impr. (1757), II. 109. A young Horse may look pretty sleek upon Hay only.

1897.  Meredith, Amazing Marriage, i. The clergyman,… renouncing strong drinks, because he found that he ‘cursed better upon water.’

  (c)  1663.  Boyle, Usef. Exp. Nat. Philos., II. vi. 185. Though … [it] did make her sickish, especially, when she slept upon it.

1829.  Scott, Jrnl., 5 July. So to roost upon a crust of bread and a glass of small beer, my usual supper.

  † f.  At (an expense, cost, etc.). Obs.

c. 1400.  R. Gloucester’s Chron. (Rolls), 3799. Al þe ðachelerie … he nom in is compaynie … vp [v.rr. vp on, vppon] is coust.

1476.  Acta Auditorum (1839), 49/1. Þare to remain apoun þare awin expenss.

1513.  Bradshaw, St. Werburge, II. 1157. Many shyps were made vpon the kynges cost.

1563.  Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 239. To commande thame to warde, to remane thairin upon thair awne expense.

1577.  Hanmer, Anc. Eccl. Hist., 396. He had buylded vpon his owne costes and charges the sepulchres and tumbes.

1674.  Reg. Privy Counc. Scot., IV. 278. A mudwall rowme … built upon his owne coast.

1711.  in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 124. Each company … was subsisted upon the cost of every captain for three months.

  g.  Denoting security of a loan, etc.

1474.  Caxton, Chesse (1883), 121. The besant … was holden & gaged vpon an ymage.

1562.  J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr., Bb i b. No man will one peny lende upon it.

1611.  Bible, Neh. v. 4. Wee haue borrowed money … vpon our lands and vineyards.

1677.  Yarranton, Eng. Improv., 7. Moneys lent upon Goods at very easie Interest.

1707.  Lond. Gaz., No. 4333/8. They will … Lend Money upon Tallies or other good Securities, at 5 l. per Cent.

1742.  Kames, Decis. Crt. Sess. (1799), 40. The money is secured … upon land.

1791.  Boswell, Johnson (1904), I. 328. Security being taken upon the property.

1861.  M. Pattison, Ess. (1889), I. 36. He assigns 1000 marks … to his son’s wife, secured upon the Swiss possessions of his house.

1868.  Rogers, Pol. Econ., iv. 43. If [a banker] … issues notes upon no property at all, the issue is fraudulent.

1885.  Act 48–49 Vict., c. 54 § 11. Any mortgage or charge duly created … upon the profits of any benefice.

  † h.  On condition of. Obs.

1516.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 422/2. The kingis grace dischargis thaim apone thair remaining in ward for the said errour.

1591.  Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., IV. v. 36. Vpon my Blessing I command thee goe.

1626.  in Picton, L’pool Munic. Rec. (1883), I. 199. Maister Lappage doth … promise that hee will continew his ministry … upon true payment and receivinge the afforesaid allowance.

1662.  Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, III. iii. § 5. If it were suitable to Gods nature to promise life to man upon obedience.

  † i.  Out of; with; by the use of. Obs. rare.

1553.  T. Wilson, Rhet. (1580), 42. He did not make the wife vppon the same claie, whereof he made man.

1683.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc., Printing, ii. ¶ 2. That his Letter be Cast upon good Mettal, that it may last the longer.

  j.  In many phrases, as upon … accord, account (of), composition, condition, design, distrust, envy, foot, fraud, head, lease, matter, purpose, score, shame, suspicion, trust, whole, for which see the sbs.

  12.  At the risk or with the certainty of incurring or suffering (a pain, penalty, etc.); on peril of; ON prep. 12.

  See also PAIN sb.¹ 1 b, PENALTY sb. 2 d.

c. 1384.  Chaucer, H. Fame, III. 1570. That he shuld fast goon Vpon the peyn to be blynde.

c. 1420.  Contin. Brut, 384. Þe King commaunded to … late hem passe yn pees, vpon deth. Ibid., 385. [He] chargyd ham, vpon her lyf, to kepe wel the toun and þe Castell.

1480.  Caxton, Descr. Brit., 9. Walsshmen shold not passe that dyche with wepen vpon a grete payne.

1540.  Acts Privy Council (1837), VII. 21. To temperate his tongue hereafter upon adventure of further punishement.

1553.  W. Cholmeley, Req. & Suite, 19, in Camden Misc. (1853), II. Commaundyng … the Aldermen, upon the losse of their auctoritie and office,… to see [etc.].

1596.  Edward III., I. i. 70. With threats, Vppon a penaltie, inioynd to come.

1603.  Parsons, 2nd Pt. Three Convers. Eng., xii. 625. The Duke protesteth the contrary (vpon his death).

1656.  Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., 126. I have,… upon severe punishment, inhibited the translation of my Alcheron.

1699.  Bentley, Phal., 439. He order’d every man upon the pain of death to bring in all the money he had.

  13.  Indicating that which forms the basis of revenue, profit, fines, taxation, lending, etc.; = ON prep. 13.

  See also RETIRE v. 1 e (quot. 1806), TAX sb.¹ 1.

1466.  Acta Auditorum (1839), 4/2. [He] sall … resaue þe soume of mone aucht till him vppoun þe said annuel.

1495.  Act 11 Hen. VII., c. 43. Preamble, So that the seid Erle upon his seid leasses…, do reserve asmuch rentis … as be nowe usuell.

1535.  Coverdale, Neh. v. 3. Let vs borowe money of the kinge vpon vsury.

1554.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 217. They so offending to be payned opon a certen some of money.

1677[?].  Petty, Pol. Arithm. (1699), 272. Such a part of the full value of their Commodities, as may possibly be lost upon the sale of them.

1719.  D’Urfey, Pills, I. 333. Five hundred Pounds upon the brown Bay still.

1798.  Hull Advertiser, 24 March, 2/3. Insurance upon … outhouses, and upon unthreshed stock therein.

1845.  R. W. Hamilton, Pop. Education, x. 278. How can the State raise the amount? Is it not to be raised upon the people?

1892.  Law Times, XCIV. 104/1. A commission of over 60 per cent. upon the sums received.

  II.  Of motion or direction towards a position, thing or person, state, etc.

  14.  Upward so as to place or be on a surface, point, etc. Cf. ON prep. 14.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 11959. Þe deofell brohhte Jesu Crist Wiþþutenn o þe temmple Upponn an sæte uppo þe rof.

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 3899. Moyses ðor made a wirme of bras, And henget heȝe up-on a saft.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 1942. He lep up on a stede lith.

13[?].  Seuyn Sages (W.), 2318. Ypon his palfrai lep Catoun.

1375, 1470–85.  [see START v. 1].

1470–85.  Malory, Arthur, IX. xxx. 384. They came vpon sir launcelot sodenly and vnnethe he myght putte vpon hym his helme.

1535.  Coverdale, Joel ii. 9. They shal clymme vp vpon the houses.

1627.  Drayton, Nymphidia, xvii. Flye Cranion her Chariottere, Vpon the Coach-box getting.

1639.  S. Du Verger, trans. Camus’ Admir. Events, 130. He leapes upon his Mule.

1725.  Fam. Dict., s.v. Pears, Mount them one upon another Steeplewise.

1847.  Tennyson, Princ., III. 208. To lift the woman’s fall’n divinity Upon an even pedestal with man.

1854.  H. Miller, Sch. & Schm., xxi. 446. A large loligo … had thrown itself high and dry upon the beach.

  b.  To or towards a position on a surface, etc.; = ON prep. 14.

  Group (b.) corresponds to sense 1 c; group (c) illustrates non-physical uses.

  (a)  c. 1200.  Ormin, 14667. Sniþ itt, alls itt wære an shep, & leȝȝ itt upponn allterr.

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 3186. On an gold gad ðe name god Is grauen, and leid up-on ðe flod. Ibid., 3949. Vp-on hise ase his sadel he dede.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 8894. Vnwarli sco sett hir don Apon þis ilk tre.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 921. Some drope of pitee … Vp on vs wrecched wommen lat thou falle. Ibid. (c. 1391), Astrol., II. § 7. Ley thi label vp-on the same degree of the sonne.

c. 1400.  St. Alexius (Cotton), 257. They hylde water wppon hys hede.

c. 1430.  Two Cookery Bks., 42. Þan take fayre pecez of Brede … vppeon þe Eyroun.

1602.  Marston, Antonio’s Rev., IV. iii. Her head sunk down upon her breast.

a. 1655.  Sir T. Mayerne, Archimag. Anglo-Gall., No. 84 (1658), 58. Lay this froth upon your sullibub as high as you can.

1697.  Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 611. The various God … draws a Rock upon his dark Abode.

1728.  Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Triangle, If a perpendicular be let fall upon the Base of an oblique angled Triangle.

1808.  Scott, Marm., II. i. Upon the gale she stooped her side.

1844.  J. Jack, Hist. of St. Monance, xi. 74. The skipper placed upon the table a large wooden caup or platter.

1870.  Anderson, Missions Amer. Bd., IV. xxvi. 63. The mob rushed forward and trampled spitefully upon it.

  ellipt.  c. 1450.  Mirk’s Festial, I. 5. Sle, sle, opon þe broche, rost hote.

  (b)  1303.  R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 952. Syttyþ dowun vppon ȝoure knees.

c. 1400.  26 Pol. Poems, 149/233. I set me doune apon my kne.

1486.  Bk. St. Albans, b iv b. Softe and layserly fall oppon yowre kneys.

1535.  Coverdale, Mark xv. 19. [They] fell vpon the kne, & worshipped him.

a. 1578.  Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 209. The said preist … kneillit doune wpoun his knie.

1611.  Shaks., Cymb., IV. ii. 288. Come on, away, apart vpon our knees.

1837.  Sir F. Palgrave, Merch. & Friar, iv. (1844), 176. The Chancellor, dropping off the Woolsack upon his bended knees.

1876.  F. K. Robinson, Whitby Gloss., 208. ‘Up-end yourself,’ get upon your legs.

  (c)  c. 1325.  Spec. Gy Warw., 995. And anon god putte his fuisoun Vp-on hire mele.

1382.  Wyclif, Job xxv. 3. Vp on whom shyneth not the liȝt of hym?

1461.  Rolls of Parlt., V. 463/2. Takyng upon hym … the Coroune and name of Kyng.

1535.  Coverdale, Num. vi. 25. The Lorde make his face to shyne vpon the.

1656.  Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., II. vi. 210. Whereby they had put themselves … upon great difficulties.

1697.  Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 773. The Nymphs, Companions of th’ unhappy Maid, This Punishment upon thy Crimes have laid.

1765.  Sterne, Tr. Shandy, VIII. xxi. I fell in love all at once … it burst upon me … like a bomb.

1768.  Boswell, Lett. (1924), 145. I am thrown upon the wide world again.

1793.  T. Beddoes, Demonstr. Evid., 79. The magnitudes, being doubled upon themselves, increase so, that [etc.].

1816.  Byron, Prisoner of Chillon, x. A light broke in upon my brain.

  c.  Denoting incidence, seizure, hold, etc.; = ON prep. 14 b.

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 2339. Ðo cam iosep swilc rewðe up-on, he dede halle ut ðe toðere gon.

1398.  Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVII. cxv. (Bodl. MS.). Ripe & igadered ere corrupcioune oþer rostinge falle vpon whete.

1530.  Palsgr., 748/2. I take holde apon one, jempoygne.

1535.  Coverdale, Ps. cxiv. 3. The paynes of hell gat holde vpon me.

1535–.  [see LAY v.¹ 22].

1546–.  [see SEIZE v. 9].

1632.  Lithgow, Trav., VII. 303. The Venetian Factor seased vpon all.

1665.  Extr. St. Papers Friends, III. (1912), 240. There was a full congregation of quakers and the like seised vppon by Sir Francis Clarke sunday last.

1880.  J. Payne, New Poems, 259. A deadly terror got A sudden hold upon her.

1892.  H. Lane, Differ. Rheum. Dis. (ed. 2), 67. It seems to have taken a firm hold upon the public.

  d.  Of the incidence of a blow, stroke, etc.; = ON prep. 14 c.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 2734. He … smot him so up-on þe crunc, Þat [etc.].

13[?].  Guy Warw. (A.), 2368. Þan hastiliche þe ost ichon Opon Segyn þat smiten anon.

1470–85.  Malory, Arthur, X. lx. 516. Sir Tristram gaf hym suche a buffet vpon the helme.

1507.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), 253. He sawe … Irton being hurt vppon the hed.

1562.  Aberd. Kirk Sess. Rec. (Spalding Cl.), 6. To be puneist with ane palm vpone the hand for ilk falt.

1594.  Selimus, 1447. Dart Thy smouldring flame Vpon the head of cursed Acomat.

1611.  Bible, Exod. vii. 17. Behold, I will smite with the rod … vpon the waters.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 9, ¶ 11. His Neighbour may give him a Kick upon the Shins.

1737.  Whiston, Josephus, Hist., I. xxi. 13. Many … have stood amazed … when they saw him … shoot the arrow upon the mark.

1813.  Scott, Rokeby, VI. xxv. One stroke, upon the Castle bell, To Oswald rung his dying knell.

1844.  Mrs. Browning, Drama Exile, 64. This is the Eden lost By Lucifer!… this the sword … That smote upon the forehead.

1881.  Besant & Rice, Chapl. of Fleet, I. viii. The cruel cat falling at every step upon their … bleeding shoulders.

  e.  In phrases of the type harm upon harm, torment upon torment, denoting cumulative addition or repetition; = ON prep. 14 d.

c. 1320.  R. Brunne, Medit., 865. Þey wounded here, and heped harm vp on harmes.

c. 1380.  Wyclif, Sel. Wks., III. 346. And so servauntis upon servantis weren char[g]ious to þis hous.

c. 1485.  Digby Myst. (1882), IV. 1336. He had torment opon torment.

1529.  S. Fish, Supplic. Beggers (1871), 13. The capteyns of his kingdome … haue heped to him benefice vpon benefice.

1596.  Shaks., Merch. V., III. i. 91. Why, thou losse vpon losse! Ibid. (1599), Much Ado, II. i. 252. Hudling iest vpon iest, with … impossible conueiance vpon me.

1613.  Purchas, Pilgrimage (1614), 152. Which heaped vpon them Anathema vpon Anathema.

1699.  Evelyn, Acetaria, App. P 4. Cover the Bottom of the Jar with some Dill,… then a Bed of Nuts; and so stratum upon stratum.

1864.  Kingsley, Roman & T., 137. Dietrich had had to write letter upon letter.

1882.  ‘Ouida,’ Maremma, I. 90. Centuries upon centuries of carnage … have laid the land bare.

1884.  C. F. Woolson, in Harper’s Mag., Feb., 371. Millions upon millions of violets.

  f.  On (a voyage, expedition, mission, etc.); = ON prep. 14 e.

1426.  Lydg., De Guil. Pilgr., 648. Or I myhte make my passage To gynnen vp-on my pylgrymage. Ibid. (c. 1430), Min. Poems (Percy Soc.), 12. The kyng procedyng forthe upon his way, kome to the Condyte.

1596.  Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., I. iii. 150. When the vnhappy King … did set forth Vpon his Irish Expedition.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 55, ¶ 1. A young Fellow … sent upon a long Voyage.

1712.  W. Rogers, Voy., 324. To encourage our South Sea Company … to go upon some Discovery that way.

1817.  Kirby & Sp., Entomol., xvii. II. 77. The rufescent ants do not leave their nests to go upon these expeditions … till [etc.].

1839.  Bailey, Festus, 232. As on they sped upon their starward course.

  15.  Into contact or collision with, esp. by way of attack; against; = ON prep. 15.

  See also COME v. 48 b, FALL v. 69 b, FLY v.¹ 8 b, GO v. 66 a, LAY v.¹ 32 a, SET v. 132 a.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 24461. Me-thoght moght it [v.r. i] apon him rine,… I suld ha ben all hale.

13[?].  Guy Warw. (A.), 1996. Þou schalt ȝif þe first asaut Opon þe Almaundes.

c. 1385.  Chaucer, L. G. W., 1327, Dido (Fairf.). On a nyght sleping he let hir lye, And staal a-wey vpon [v.r. vnto] his companye.

c. 1400.  Sc. Trojan War, II. 444. Russhande wpone the altare.

c. 1450.  Merlin, iii. 56. Whan Vter saugh … the Danes assembled, he sette vpon hem as vigorously or more.

c. 1500.  Melusine, lix. 348. Go we vpon our enemyes to helpe & socoure our frendes.

1535.  Coverdale, 1 Sam. xvii. 35. And whan he wolde haue bene vpon me, I toke him by his beerde.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xix. 22. The Turkes…, vpon whom they of the Castle … gaue an assault.

1622.  Mabbe, trans. Aleman’s Guzman d’Alf., II. 48. I stumbled … vpon a great dung mixen.

1631.  Pellham, God’s Power, 2. Wee eight men … were bound for this Greenland aforesaid, to make a voyage upon Whales or Sea-horse.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 299, ¶ 2. He drew his Sword upon me before he was nine years old.

1782.  Cowper, Royal George, 20. She ran upon no rock.

1801.  Strutt, Sports & Past., III. i. 130. The two combatants … were thereby prevented from running their horses upon each other.

1857.  T. Hughes, Tom Brown, i. ix. [They] run plump upon one of the masters as they emerge into the High Street.

  ellipt.  c. 1450.  Merlin, iii. 56. The kynge seide to his peple, ‘Now vpon hem in all that we may.’

1535.  Coverdale, 2 Sam. xviii. 14. Not so, I wil vpon him before thy face.

1588.  Shaks., L. L. L., IV. iii. 367. Aduance your standards, & vpon them Lords.

1821.  Byron, Sardanap., IV. i. Upon them! (Trumpet sounds again.)

  fig.  1535–.  [see RUSH v.² 6 b, 3 a].

1887.  ‘L. Carroll,’ Game of Logic, i. 36. Let them Rush upon their Fate!

  16.  In the direction of; towards; = ON prep. 16.

  a.  In respect of looking, etc.

  See also CAST v. 7, FRONT v.¹ 1, GAPE v. 3, GAZE v. 1 b, GLARE v. 2, LAUGH v. 4, LOOK v. I, PORE v. 1, SEE v. 21, SMILE v. 2 a, SQUINT v. 2.

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 56. To kesten kang eien upon ȝunge wummen.

c. 1250.  Gen. & Ex., 2661. Ðor quiles he seweden [= looked] him up-on, Mani dede bileph un-don.

c. 1340.  Hampole, Pr. Consc., 5024. Þair bodys sal alle unsemely be,… and ugly, opon to se.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 219. He cast his eye vpon Emelya.

14[?].  in E. E. P. (1862), 144. Dame ypocryte loke vp on a boke.

1526.  Tindale, 1 John i. 1. That which … we have loked apon, and oure hondes have handled.

1581.  [see TURN v. 48].

1632.  Lithgow, Trav., I. 38. Arthur looked vpon me, and I laughed vpon him.

1710.  Strype, Life & Acts of E. Grindal, vii. 70. These Unsuccesses were justly looked upon to proceed from the punishing Hand of Heaven.

1790.  Bruce, Source of Nile, I. 5. We pointed our prow directly … upon Alexandria.

1799.  Wordsw., Two April Mornings, 19. Matthew … fixing still his eye Upon the eastern mountain-top.

1845.  S. Austin, Ranke’s Hist. Ref., II. 357. The fears of some, the hopes of others, and the attention of all, were now turned upon the young emperor.

1874.  Farrar, Christ, I. 472. He turned His back for a time upon His native land.

1884.  Mrs. Oliphant, Sir Tom, iv. Her gray eyes absolutely flamed upon him.

  b.  In respect of movement, etc.

a. 1400[?].  Morte Arth., 262. Thow countez no caas, ne castes no forthire, Bot hurles furthe appone heuede, as thi herte thynkes.

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 6258. If any stert vpon stray, strike hym to dethe!

1511.  Guylforde’s Pylgr. (Camden), 21. After .viij. dayes … he come vpon [= appeared to] theym ayen.

1634.  Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 11. [We] were driuen to lee-ward a hundred leagues vpon the coast of Brazil.

1697.  Collier, Ess. Mor. Subj., I. B 1. Unless you point directly upon his Vice.

1716.  Lond. Gaz., No. 5455/3. Our Fleet … bore down upon them.

1828.  in Concanen, Rowe v. Brenton (1830), 28. To sink a shaft upon the lode.

1829.  Napier, Penins. War, II. 142. The hospitals … of Salamanca being evacuated upon Lamego, that town was crowded.

  17.  † a. In or into (pieces); = ON prep. 17 b.

c. 1400.  Sege Jerusalem, 699. Twey apys … Þat renten þe rawe flesche vpon rede peces.

  b.  Into, as by penetration; = ON prep. 17 a.

1738.  Herring, in J. Duncombe, Lett. (1773), II. 137. The sea, which here indents upon the country.

  18.  Unto, to (a person): in reference to descent or (Sc.) marriage; = ON prep. 18.

1492.  Acta Dom. Conc. (1839), 254/2. His faider … maryit him apoun his sister dochter incontrare his band.

1536.  Bellenden, Cron. Scot. (1821), I. 127. The eldest of hir dochteris wes married upon … Marius.

1596.  Bacon, Use Com. Law (1635), 32. If this inheritance descend upon a woman.

1667.  [see DESCEND v. 9].

1821.  Galt, Ann. Parish, i. My marriage upon my own cousin, Miss Betty Lanshaw.

1893.  Stevenson, Catriona, xxi. She was married … upon my Uncle Robin.

  19.  Into, to, or on (some action, occupation, course, or condition); = ON prep. 19.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 15580. Alle þe apostels þan bi-gan to fal a-pon a gret.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 30. Thanne upon dissencioun Thei felle.

1435.  [see SET v. 114].

1483.  in Acta Dom. Conc., II. Introd. 103. The said schiref put apone the said inquest … persons quhilk war suspect of the law.

a. 1513.  Fabyan, Chron., 351. A quest of .xii. Knyghtes of Myddlesex, sworne vpon a iurye.

1581–.  [see RUN v. 70 d].

1607.  T. Rogers, 39 Art., Pref. § 5. Wee set vpon the building of Gods house.

1625–.  [see FALL v. 69 d].

1658.  Allestree, Whole Duty Man, XIV. § 22. 300. It puts the child upon shifts, and tricks.

1709.  Strype, Ann. Ref., I. xxi. 240. Some while … after the entrance of Queen Elizabeth upon her government.

1750.  Johnson, Rambler, No. 1, ¶ 1. The perplexity of being forced upon choice.

1764.  Foote, Mayor of G., I. Wks. 1799, I. 165. I advised him to pull off his spurs before he went upon action.

1813.  Examiner, 17 May, 320/1. It put the Church upon the alert.

1847.  Wordsw., in Mem. (1851), I. 14. When at school, I … was put upon reading the first six books of Euclid.

  20.  Indicating the person or thing that action, feeling, etc., is directed towards or against, or that is influenced or affected by it; = ON prep. 20.

  Construed with many verbs, as attend, await, bear, bespit, bestow, breathe, call, charge, etc. See also FIE int. 1–2, OUT int. 2, SHAME sb. 16 b.

c. 1200.  Ormin, 1750. Þa bedess, þatt te Laferrd Crist Forr hise þeowwess biddeþþ Upponn hiss faderr heofennking. Ibid., 6119. Þe birrþ þin rihhte swinnkess winn Upponn ȝuw alle nittenn.

a. 1225.  Leg. Kath., 130. Ah se sone ha … wende hare wiheles, upon ham seoluen.

1297.  R. Glouc. (Rolls), 3167. Þe king ek in is syde is herte up on him caste.

c. 1320.  Cast. Love, 1482. Þat muche wo vs brouȝte vppon.

c. 1400.  trans. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh., 106. He hadde greuously synned vpon him.

1473.  Warkw., Chron. (Camden), 8. The Kynge … losyde his gonnys of his ordynaunce uppone them.

c. 1500.  Melusine, lix. 360. Be ye he that wyl take the trybute vpon my Fortresse?

1533.  Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot., VI. 156. To Johne Drummondis childer wirkand upoune the hagbute stokkis.

1585.  T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. xviii. 21. We will not leaue the following on vpon our purpose.

1633.  Marmion, Fine Companion, I. iii. (1875), 114. They can doe no more good upon me, than a young pittifull Lover upon a mistress that has the sullens.

1656.  Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., II. v. 206. He … had made their places be conferred upon men void of counsel.

1680.  Laws Nevis, iii. (1740), 6. If the said Offenders are not able to pay … then to be compelled to work it out upon the Forts.

1737.  Whiston, Josephus, Antiq., XVI. iv. § 3. The father may have a suspicion upon all his sons.

1796.  Ann. Reg., St. Papers, 297. The constitution … is sacredly obligatory upon all.

1805.  trans. Lafontaine’s Hermann & Emilia, I. 261. Nothing is more detestable than to offer one’s self upon a young man.

1850.  Robertson, Serm., Ser. III. (1857), 7. Persecution is that which affixes penalties upon views held instead of upon life led.

1896.  Peterson Mag., Jan., 102/2. The intruded upon young lady turned her back upon him.

  b.  Denoting the object of regard, desire, etc.; = ON prep. 20 b.

  See also DOTE v.¹ 3, EAGER a. 6, KEEN a. 6 b, MAD a. 4, RUN v. 70 b, SET v. 37.

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 7604. Opon þat meyden he wax al mad.

1382.  Wyclif, Psalm xxxix. [xl.] 17. Ful out ioȝe thei, and glade vpon me, alle that sechen thee.

c. 1449.  Pecock, Repr., II. xx. 267. He schal haue miche gretter affeccioun vpon the seid freend.

1470–85.  Malory, Arthur, X. lvi. 508. Louers … soo mad and soo soted vpon wymmen.

a. 1578.  Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 169. The king … was covatous wpoun money.

1598.  Barckley, Felic. Man, I. 51. A young man … that was … enamoured vpon an Image of marble.

1614.  Bp. Hall, Recoll. Treat., 982. In this case, Moses should have beene … cast downe…; yet how hot is hee uppon justice.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 106, ¶ 3. When he is pleasant upon any of them, all his Family are in good Humour.

1843.  Fraser’s Mag., XXVIII. 619. O’Connell is bent upon the disruption of the British empire.

  † c.  Among (a number of sharers, etc.). Obs.

1492.  in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 323. Distributers of the same upon the commynes.

1526.  Tindale, Rom. xv. 26. To make a certayne distribucion apon the poore sanctes.

1598.  Dallington, Meth. Trav., K 3. Hee diuideth the Lands vpon his horsemen, to each his portion.

  d.  Indicating the person by whom a cheque, draft, order, etc., is payable, or the bank on which it is drawn; = ON prep. 20 c.

  See also CHEQUE sb. 3, DRAUGHT sb. 35, DRAW v. 65.

1660.  Nicholas Papers (Camden), IV. 226. Mr. Fox hauing giuen mee a note upon Mr. Shaw to pay me my allowance.

a. 1722.  Fountainhall, Decis. (1759), I. 12. The bill upon his wife for £200.

1722.  De Foe, Col. Jack (1810), 216. He shows me a bill upon me, drawn by my wife.

1798.  in Ushaw Mag., Dec. (1913), 287. An order upon Mr. Wright for £12 as the price of the book sent you.

1843.  Blackw. Mag., LIV. 736. It may be quite as well … to draw upon the bank.

  21.  Indicating a person or thing towards whom or which hostile or adverse action or language is directed; against; = ON prep. 21.

  See also (a) BLOW v. 30, COMPLAIN v. 6 b, CRY v. 21 b, DESIGN sb. 1 b, LIE v.² 1 b, PEACH v. 2, RAGE v. 2 b, RAIL v.⁴ 1 b, STEAL v. 5 e; (b.) GO v. 66 a, MAKE v. 81, SEEK v. 17.

  (a)  c. 1200.  Ormin, 415. Þatt fand mann nan þing uppon hemm To wreȝenn, ne to tælenn.

a. 1225.  Leg. Kath., 2204. Þa Porphire iseh feole, Þet me seide hit upon,… dreien to deaðe.

c. 1275.  Passion our Lord, 241, in O. E. Misc., 44. A ueole kunne wise hi lowen him vp-on.

c. 1430.  Lydg., Hors, Shepe & G., 151. He cryethe affter peasse, compleynnythe vppon þe werres sore.

c. 1440.  Alph. Tales, 12. Þis abbatis … forgaff þaim at þai had saide vppon hur.

1560.  Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., 10. He declareth howe grevously he is complained upon unto the Duke.

1642.  Laud, Diary, 2 Dec. They were sufficiently railed upon in the streets.

1651.  H. More, Second Lash, in Enthus. Tri., etc. (1656), 253. I now forgive thee heartily for all thy abuses upon me.

a. 1715.  Burnet, Own Time, III. (1900), II. 84. The court carried every question…, though with a protestation made upon every step that was carried.

1737.  Whiston, Josephus, Hist., V. xiii. § 1. He also jested upon him.

1753.  Miss Collier, Art Torment., II. ii. (1811), 130. Nor need you be apprehensive of the others telling tales upon you.

1861.  F. Temple, Serm., 274. The unhappy man who has not courage to tell upon himself.

1891.  Law Times, XC. 447/2. The judges … must accept criticism upon their order.

  (b)  c. 1200.  Ormin, 7155. Forr þatt he wennde þatt tatt follc Upponn himm cumenn ware … for to niþþrenn himm.

c. 1230.  Hali Meid., 17. Leccherie … secheð earst upon hire, nebbe to nebbe.

c. 1300.  Havelok, 65. Was non so bold … Þat durste upon his menie bringhe Hunger.

13[?].  K. Alis., 4875 (Laud MS.). Euermore hij beþ werrende, And vpon oþer conquerrende.

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Monk’s T., 537. The peple roos vp-on hym on a nyght.

1393.  Langl., P. Pl., C. VII. 106. Ich am wratthe,… wol gladliche smyte Boþe with ston and with staf, and stele vp-on myn enemy.

c. 1450.  Merlin, ii. 24. The hethen assembled a grete oste vpon hem.

1475.  Bk. Noblesse (Roxb.), 5. They bring a sailours uppon this lande.

1518.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 137. Afterwardes they sought vpon hym at hys boothe with ij clubbys.

1535.  Coverdale, 1 Esdras i. 27. I am not sent … to fight agaynst y^e, for my warre is upon Euphrates.

1608.  Yorksh. Trag., vii. 17. It shall be my charge To raise the towne vpon him.

  (c)  1476.  Acta Auditorum (1839), 55/2. Elene tulloch … wes marijt þe tim þat þe said det wes recouerit apon hir.

1482.  Cely Papers (Camden), 85. To see the hurtes and harms he dyd yow uppon your goodes.

1598.  Barret, Theor. Warres, 28. He is to haue great care that his soldiers grow not licencious vpon their poore hosts.

1647.  in Crawford Proclam. (1910), II. 55/1. Robberies committed by the tories and rebels upon the protestants.

1678.  Wanley, Wond. Lit. World, V. i. § 98. Encroachments upon his Dominions.

1748.  Anson’s Voy., II. v. 176. The most eligible situation on that coast for cruising upon the enemy.

1754.  A. Murphy, Gray’s-Inn Journal, No. 102, ¶ 2. A Design upon one another’s Pockels … was introductory of another Crime.

1772.  in Eng. Hist. Rev., Jan. (1915), 30. He places a number of … sepoys upon them and their families.

1883.  Harper’s Mag., Aug., 448/2. The disadvantages are … unreliability in stays…, hardness upon helms.

  b.  On or against (a person), by way of vengeance or the like.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 5862. Þat suerd apon hus tak na wrak.

c. 1400.  Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton, 1483), III. viii. 55. They alwey hauen sought vengeaunce…, to be wroken vppon tho that ought haue mysliked them.

1470–85.  Malory, Arthur, X. lv. 506. Soone we shold haue ben reuenged vpon the fals knyghtes.

1526–.  [see REVENGE v. 1–2].

1535.  Coverdale, Isaiah i. 23. I must ease me of myne enemies, and a venge me vpon them.

1595.  Locrine, II. v. 86. Reuenge my death vpon his traiterous head.

1860.  Hook, Lives Abps., I. vii. 377. Edwy had the power to avenge himself upon Dunstan.

  ellipt.  c. 1485.  Digby Myst. (1882), I. 322. A shamefull deth I aske vpon herowde.

1535.  Coverdale, Ps. lviii. 10. God letteth me se my desyre vpon myne enemies.

  c.  So as to close in or confine.

1382.  Wyclif, 2 Kings iv. 5. The woman wente, and closede the dore vpon hir silf and vpon hir children.

1535.  Coverdale, Num. xvi. 33. They wente downe quycke in to the hell … And the earth closed vpon them. Ibid., Ps. lxix. 15. That … the pitte shut not hir mouth vpon me.

1633.  T. Adams, Exp. 2 Pet. ii. 5. The Lord … himselfe shut the doore of the Arke upon Noah.

1701.  Prideaux, Direct. Ch.-wardens (1712), 10. If they shall meet … with the Doors lock’d, barred, or bolted upon them.

1844.  Dickens, Mart. Chuz., xlviii. Softly turning the key upon him as they went out.

  22.  With respect or regard to; in reference to; touching, concerning; as to; = ON prep. 22.

  See also AGREE v. 10 b, COMPLIMENT v. 3, CONCLUDE v. 13, CONSULT v. 1, INSIST v. 3, LOT sb. 1, MATTER sb. 25 c, PRIDE v. 4, TREAT v. 2 a, VALUE v. 6.

1382.  Wyclif, Ecclus. xxii. 11. A litil weep vp on the deade, for he restede.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 110. I finde upon Surquiderie, How that … Be olde daies was a King [etc.].

c. 1400.  Contin. Brut, 321. In þe whiche parlement was treted … how he myȝte best oppon his wrong be avenged.

1439.  Cases bef. King’s Council (Selden), 105. The Kyngis counsaillours examined the persones … upon the ryot.

1484.  Surtees Misc. (1888), 43. Surmising none othere upon hyme.

1515.  in Leadam, Star Chamber Cases (Selden), II. 85. Two seuerall Writtes … to theym directed to enquere and examyn vpon certen Interrogatoriez.

1584.  Cogan, Haven Health, xc. 81. If you will not be at cost vppon spices, you may make a verie sweete water thus.

1609.  Bible (Douay), 1 Kings xxx. 6. The soule of everie man was bitterly affected upon their sonnes, and daughters.

1680.  Moxon, Mech. Exerc., xiii. 227. Having such good Success upon Brass, I improv’d the Invention so, as to make it serve for Wood also.

1710.  Steele, Tatler, No. 150, ¶ 4. I could name Two, who … fell out and parted Beds upon the boiling of a Leg of Mutton.

1760.  Impostors Detected, III. vii. [She] was not in the least vain or proud upon the encomiums … from every mouth.

1826.  Art of Brewing (ed. 2), 9. Opinions and practices … completely at variance upon the subject of mashing.

1843.  Blackw. Mag., LIV. 209. I shall set you at ease … upon that point.

1885.  Sir H. C. Lopes, in Law Reports, 14 Q.B.D. 921. This case raises a novel point upon which there is no authority.

  b.  Denoting the object to or towards which mental activity is directed; = ON prep. 22 b.

  See also CONSIDER v. 11 b, MEDITATE v. 46, MIN v.² 3 b, MIND sb.¹ 7 (quot. 1589), PUT v. 27 c, REFLECT v. 12, REMEMBER v. 4 c, RUN v. 70 c, STUDY v. 1, 2, THINK v.² 3 b, TREAT v. 2.

a. 1300.  Sarmun, xxxvi., in E. E. P. (1862), 5. And þench þos wordis her ispoke; for-ȝite ham noȝt ac þench apan.

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 112. In hir wirschip wald I bigyn A lastand warc apon to myn.

1390.  Gower, Conf., I. 14. To studie upon the worldes lore Sufficeth now withoute more.

a. 1400.  Isumbras, 427. Sir Ysambrace hym umbithoghte Appone a horse that coles broghte.

c. 1450.  Merlin, iii. 49. The moste remembraunce that I shall haue, shall be vpon yow, and on yowre nedes.

1463.  Bury Wills (Camden), 34. A remembraunce to thinke vpon me.

1582.  N. T. (Rhem.), Matt. vii. 28. The multitude were in admiration vpon his doctrine.

1611.  Bible, 1 Tim. iv. 15. Meditate vpon these things.

1655.  Earl Orrery, Parthen., I. VIII. 418. Did you reflect upon it with an vnprejudicate opinion.

1719.  De Foe, Crusoe, I. (Globe), 226. I ask’d him what it was he study’d upon. Ibid., II. (Globe), 379. But now the Admiration was turn’d upon another question.

1871.  W. Alexander, Johnny Gibb, xlvi. It has a closin’-in heid-piece concern that min’s me … upon a mutch that my wife hed ance.

1899.  W. J. Locke, White Dove, 3. S— was at last able to reflect upon the entire unexpectedness of his presence.

  c.  Denoting the subject of speech or writing; = ON prep. 22 c.

  Freq. with verbs, as rave, talk, write; AMPLIFY v. 7 b, CRITICIZE v. 1 b, DISTINGUISH v. 8 c, SPEAK v. 15.

  (a)  a. 1390.  Wycliffite Bible (1850), IV. 303. An other [prologue] vpon Romayns.

1390.  Gower, Conf., II. 65. Laodomie his lusti wif … Upon a thing wherof sche dradde A lettre … sende him.

1525.  Ld. Berners, Froiss., II. Preface. My Preface vpon the fyrst volume of this cronycle.

1533.  Frith, Answ. More, E iij b. The mynde and exposition of the olde Doctours vpon the wordes of Chrystes maundye.

1557.  Tottel’s Misc. (Arb.), 113. Vpon the deceas of W. Ch.

1605.  Shaks., Macb., II. i. 23. We would spend it in some words vpon that Businesse.

1697.  De Foe, Ess. Projects, Pref. I wou’d not adventure to appear in Print upon that Subject.

1709.  Steele, Tatler, No. 114, ¶ 1. Our Discourse chanced to be upon the Subject of Death.

1758.  Boswell, Lett. (1924), 6. From 1 to 2, [I] attend a college upon Roman Antiquities.

1801.  Farmer’s Mag., Jan., 66. A series of animadversions … published upon it in a provincial paper.

1824.  Byron, Juan, XVI. xlvii. She … Made epigrams … Upon her friends.

1893.  Stevenson, Catriona, xii. He engaged the goodwife … with some compliments upon the rizzoring of our haddocks.

  † (b)  1483.  Caxton, G. de la Tour, 107. Now I shalle telle yow upon this matere of a good lady.

1528.  in Roy Rede me, etc. (Arb.), 152. Austyne sayeth vppon the psalter, ye clargy occupyeth the secular lordshyppe secularly.

1574.  R. Bristow, Treatise, 47. Vpon these two, Christ … and his Church, ronneth al the Scriptures.

1581.  Fulke, in Confer., III. (1583), Q ij b. I wil not vouchsafe to replie vpon this answere.

1605.  Camden, Rem., 143. But he repaied him with this re-allusion vppon the name.

1710.  Steele, Tatler, No. 14, ¶ 1. My Design of observing upon Things.

1748.  Richardson, Clarissa (1811), I. 185. I … am the less solicitous … to amplify upon the contents of either.

  (c)  1481.  in Blades, W. Caxton (1882), 231. The polytyque book … whiche that Tullius wrote vpon the disputacons [etc.].

c. 1600.  W. Fowler, Wks. (S.T.S.), 9. A Fvneral Sonet, written vpon the death of … Elizabeth Dowglas.

1709.  Addison, Tatler, No. 163, ¶ 3. The Sonnet … was written upon a Lady.

1776.  Johnson, in Boswell (1904), I. 647. A man who has never been engaged in trade himself may undoubtedly write well upon trade.

1791.  ‘G. Gambado,’ Ann. Horsem. (1809), 55. Had they spent as much time in riding upon turnips, as they have in writing upon them.

  III.  In other senses.

  † 23.  From (a person or persons), esp. by means of hostile attack; = ON prep. 23. Obs. (Cf. 21.)

  Const. with verbs, as make, nim, recover, take, win; also CONQUER v. 2 b, GAIN v.² 4.

1338.  R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 22. Uppon Saynt Edmunde Northfolk he nam.

1387.  Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), VI. 291. Egbertus … took Chestre uppon þe Britouns.

1412–20.  Lydg., Chron. Troy, III. 3423. Troyens han wonne a-geyn her londe Vp-on Grekis.

1483.  in Acta Dom. Conc., II. Introd. 114. Quhilk some was recoverit be … Dure apone the said Schir Johne.

a. 1533.  Ld. Berners, Huon, 527. A ryche shyp, the whiche was wonne vpon the sowdans men.

1568.  Grafton, Chron., II. 194. They wanne dayly and yerely vpon the sayd Turkes, so that they had … much of the landes.

1643.  Prynne, Doom Cowardice & Treach., 6. At last by such forcible assaults the said Towne was taken upon the said Robert.

1654.  Bramhall, Just Vind., i. (1661), 2. Whatsoever the Popes of Rome gained upon us.

1660.  Nicholas Papers (Camden), IV. 187. The prizes made by the Ostenders upon the Kings subjects.

1742.  Leoni, Palladio’s Archit., II. 66. The Spoils made upon Pyrrhus King of Epirus.

  † 24.  In respect of; = ON prep. 24. Obs.

a. 1310.  in Wright, Lyric P., v. 26. He is blosme opon bleo brihtest under bis.

13[?].  Cursor M., 2034 (Gött.). He lis here vte, cum se þu sal, Naked apon his limes all.

  25.  On (a musical instrument).

c. 1384.  Chaucer, H. Fame, III. 110. Ther herd I pleyen vpon an harpe … Orpheus ful craftely.

1524.  Reg. Privy Seal Scot., I. 499/1. Playing apoun organis in the Kingis chapell.

1552.  in Feuillerat, Revels Edw. VI. (1914), 89. I haue provided one to plaie vppon a kettell drom.

1621.  Brathwait, Nat. Embassie, Ded. Able to play vpon an oaten pipe.

1683.  Kennett, trans. Erasm. on Folly, 68. No more skill … than a Pig playing upon the Organs.

1709.  Mrs. Manley, Secret Mem., I. 149. A great many of ’em … can toot, toot, toot, it upon a Pipe.

1804–6.  Syd. Smith, Mor. Philos. (1850), 175. Any air … performed upon such an instrument as the bagpipe.

1842.  Tennyson, Locksley Hall, 2. When you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn.

1876.  Grant, Burgh Sch. Scot., II. 380. Discoursing laments upon the Bagpipes.

  26.  Denoting advance from or improvement on some standard, etc.

  See also IMPROVE v. 8, IMPROVEMENT 6 b, REFINE v. 10.

1662.  Evelyn, Chalcogr., 50. Which afterwards Sebastian Serli refining upon composed the better part of that excellent book of his.

1711.  Addison, Spect., No. 44, ¶ 6. The French have therefore refin’d too much upon Horace’s Rule.

1782.  Priestley, Corrupt. Chr., I. III. 301. An improvement was made upon this doctrine.

1843.  Blackw. Mag., LIV. 197. Mr. Collins has improved greatly upon his last year’s exhibition.

1859.  Gladstone, Glean. (1879), II. 171. If he continues to advance upon himself as he has advanced heretofore.