"whistle" Definition

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

1. n.
1 clear shrill sound made by forcing breath through a small hole between nearly closed lips. 2 similar sound made by a bird, the wind, a missile, etc. 3 instrument used to produce such a sound. v. (-ling) 1 emit a whistle. 2 a give a signal or express surprise or derision by whistling. B (often foll. By up) summon or give a signal to (a dog etc.) By whistling. 3 (also absol.) Produce (a tune) by whistling. 4 (foll. By for) vainly seek or desire. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. slang
“as clean as a WHISTLE,” neatly, or “slickly done,” as an American would say; “To whet (or more vulgarly wet) one’s WHISTLE,” to take a drink. This last is a very old expression. Chaucer says of the Miller of Trumpington’s wife (_Canterbury Tales_, 4153)— “So was hir joly WHISTAL well y-wet.” “To WHISTLE for anything,” to stand small chance of getting it, from the nautical custom of WHISTLING for a wind in a calm, which of course comes none the sooner for it. “To pay for one’s WHISTLE,” to pay extravagantly for any fancy.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "whistle" 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 "whistle" 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.

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