"wait" Definition

Definitions for the word "wait" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. i.
To watch; to observe; to take notice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary till the arrival of some person or event; to rest in patience; to stay; not to depart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To stay for; to rest or remain stationary in expectation of; to await; as, to wait orders.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To attend as a consequence; to follow upon; to accompany; to await.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To attend on; to accompany; especially, to attend with ceremony or respect.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To cause to wait; to defer; to postpone; -- said of a meal; as, to wait dinner.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
The act of waiting; a delay; a halt.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
Ambush.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
One who watches; a watchman.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
Hautboys, or oboes, played by town musicians; not used in the singular.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
Musicians who sing or play at night or in the early morning, especially at Christmas time; serenaders; musical watchmen.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v.
1 a defer action or departure for a specified time or until some event occurs (wait a minute; wait till i come; wait for a fine day). B be expectant. 2 await (an opportunity, one''s turn, etc.). 3 defer (a meal etc.) Until a person''s arrival. 4 (usu. As waiting n.) Park a vehicle for a short time. 5 act as a waiter or attendant. 6 (foll. By on, upon) a await the convenience of. B serve as an attendant to. C pay a respectful visit to. n. 1 period of waiting. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) watching for an enemy (lie in wait). 3 (in pl.) Archaic street singers of christmas carols. wait and see await the progress of events. Wait up (often foll. By for) not go to bed until a person arrives or an event happens. You wait! Used to imply a threat, warning, etc. [germanic: related to *wake1]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "wait" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "wait" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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