(American: all-around), adj. phr. (colloquial).—Generally capable, adaptable, or inclusive; affecting all alike: e.g., an ALL-ROUND (= average) RENT; an ALL-ROUND (= thorough) SCAMP; an ALL-ROUND CRICKETER = one good alike at batting, bowling, and fielding. Hence ALL-ROUNDER.
1869. Notes on the North-western Provinces of India, 98. An ALL ROUND rate of so much per acre charged on the cultivation.
1881. PAYN, A Grape from a Thorn, xl. He’s a bad one ALL ROUND.
c. 1883. Angler’s Souvenir, 230. Very few anglers are ALL ROUND men—i.e., devote themselves to … all branches of angling alike.
1883. Graphic, 11 August, 138. 2. Foremost still as an ‘ALL-ROUND’ cricketer stands W. G. Grace.
1884. SHEPHERD, Prairie Experiences, 192. One of the usual ALL-ROUND men, who considered that he could do most things.
1886. J. R. LOWELL, Oration at Harvard, 8 Nov. Let our aim be … to give an ALL-ROUND education.
