Reverse Dictionary: AT – ATTO

ATHLETE, ATHLETIC(S) – ADJECTIVES
– athletic, muscular; large and well-made RENKY 1684 Eng. dial.
– athletic; pert. to wrestling or athletics PALAESTRAL;  PALESTRAL c1374
– athletic; pert. to wrestling or athletics PALAESTRIAN;  PALESTRIAN 1828
– athletic; pert. to wrestling or athletics PALAESTRIC;  PALESTRIC 1774
– athletic; pert. to wrestling or athletics PALAESTRICAL;  PALESTRICAL 1579 obs.
– athletic; physically active GYMNASTIC 1785 rare

ATHLETE etc. – NOUNS
– an athlete’s style and ability GAME 1997 US sl.
– an athletic or musical contest GAMING 1587 obs.
– an ejection from an athletic contest EARLY BATH 1978 NZ sl.
– an ejection from an athletic contest EARLY SHOWER 1978 NZ sl.
– a place devoted to the public teaching and practice of athletic exercises and wrestling; a gymnasium PALAESTRA;  PALESTRA 1412-20
– athletics, physical exercise, gymnastics ACTIVITY 1552 obs.

ATHLETE etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
– a big, strong athlete or warrior; a professional fighter, wrestler, etc.; a champion KEMP a700
– a competitor in a heptathlon, an athletic contest, usually for women, consisting of seven different events HEPTATHLETE 1983
– a girl jock; presumably a reference to softball and field hockey CHICK WITH A STICK 20C teen & high school sl.
– an aging athlete or entertainer who is no longer in the public’s favour; an out-of-date person HAS-BEEN 1702
– an athlete DROMOMANIAC Bk2006 US sl.
– an athlete GAME-PLAYER 1587 obs.
– an athlete GAMESTER 1581 obs.
– an athlete GAMNER 1567 obs.
– an athlete JOCK 1960s Amer. sl.
– an athlete; a gamester GAMER c1620-30 obs.
– an athlete; a sports enthusiast; a person who frequents gymnasiums; an exercise fanatic GYM RAT 1978 Amer. sl.
– an athlete known for consistently making a strong effort; a player who performs better in actual games than in practices GAMER 1977 colloq.
– an athlete; one who plays with footballs, basketballs, baseballs, etc. BALLER Bk2006 US sl.
– an athlete or official who is quick to take offense at teasing RABBIT EARS 1967 US sl.
– an athlete; someone obsessed with ball games; perhaps a stupid one BALLHEAD Bk1995 US sl.
– an athlete who is good at pretending he has been hurt or fouled, esp. a baseball player who very convincingly mimes the pain of being hit by a pitch ACTOR Bk2007 Amer. sl.
– an athlete who lack aggressiveness or spirit in competition DOG 1934 US sl.
– an athlete who performs well in rainy conditions MUDDER 1942 US sl.
– an athlete who takes part in walking-matches; a pedestrian WALKIST 1879 sporting sl.
– an athletic coach; used as a title or nickname DOC 1909 Amer. dial.
– an athletic or muscular man; esp. a bodyguard or hired thug ANIMAL 1921 Amer. sl.
– an athletic or strong fellow HORSE 1808 Amer. sl.
– an athletic or strong fellow HOSS 1845 Amer. sl.
– an inferior athlete, esp. one with rippling muscles, as a prize fighter, wrestler, or weight-lifter SAUSAGE Bk1975 Amer. sl.
– a person who works as a member of a ‘stable’, as an athlete HORSE 1925 Amer. sl.
– a physically aggressive athlete, esp. one who is tasked with roughing up an opponent HATCHET MAN 1971 US sl.
– a professional athlete MONEY PLAYER 1934 Amer. sl.
– a second-rate athlete SACK 1980 African-American & college sl.
– a showy, usually ineffective, athlete FANCY DAN 1927 Amer. sl.
– a very athletic rowdy fellow DEAD RABBIT 1859 Amer. sl.
– a veteran athlete; a seasoned champion runner PADJELL 1824 Sc.

ATHLETE etc. – VERBS
– to contend in athletic contests CAMP 1774-6 obs. exc. Eng. dial.

ATHWART – ADVERBS
– athwart, across ATHURTENS Bk1898 Eng. dial.
– athwart, across TWARTOUR Bk1905 Sc.

ATMOSPHERE – ADJECTIVES
– belonging to the atmosphere or air AERIAN 1618 rare
– of the atmosphere: close, oppressive, moist and warm BENAUT 1969 Amer. dial.
– of the atmosphere: quite still DEAD-LOWN 1820 Sc.
– fashionably atmospheric VIBEY 1999 UK sl.

ATMOSPHERE – NOUNS
– atmosphere or ambience; used in a positive fashion ATMOS 1990s sl., orig. teen usage
– the atmosphere created by any event, mood; nuances intimately related to all senses VIBE(S) 1960 US sl.
– the atmosphere generated by an event, mood; nuances intimately related to all sense VIBRATIONS 1966 US sl.
– the atmosphere, sky, air, heavens; weather ELEMENT 1785 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
– the atmosphere; the body of air that surrounds the earth AEROSPHERE 1799 rare
– the reflection in the atmosphere on a hot day DINDLE Bk1900 Eng. dial.
– the study of the atmosphere or air AEROGRAPHY 1735 

ATMOSPHERE – VERBS
– to create a pleasant, exciting atmosphere VIBE 1990s sl.
– to give off an atmosphere VIBE 1960s sl.

ATOM – NOUNS
– an atom, a jot, a particle DAW Bk1900 Sc.
– an atom, a jot, a particle; a minute portion ACE 1528
– an atom, a jot, a whit; a very small particle atom TARE c1386 obs.
– an atom, a particle THRUM 1872 Sc.
– an atom, a particle; the smallest coin SCRIDDICK;  SKIRDICK;  SKRIDDICK 1889 Eng. dial.
– an atom, a particle; the smallest portion of anything YIM 1824 Sc.
– an atom; the tiniest amount OAT M19 sl.

AT ONCE – ADVERBS
– at once, instantly, immediately, without delay INSTANTER 1688 orig. law term

ATROCIOUS – ADJECTIVES
– atrocious, abominable; not to be spoken of; unmentionable NEFAND 1490 obs.
– atrocious, abominable; not to be spoken of; unmentionable NEFANDOUS 1640
– atrocious, vile, extremely wicked, grossly criminal, infamous FACINORIOUS 1601 obs.
– atrocious, vile, extremely wicked, grossly criminal, villainous, infamous, detestably bad FACINOROUS 1548 obs. exc. arch.

ATTACK, ATTACKED, ATTACKING – ADJECTIVES
– capable of being attacked or assaulted SAULTABLE 1556 obs.
– attacking physically DOWN ON 19C
– foully attacked ILL-SET-ON Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– attacked, stabbed JACKED 1980s sl.

ATTACK etc. – INTERJECTIONS
– used to convey the impact of a sudden violent attack or blow WHAM! 1940s US
– used to convey the impact of a sudden violent attack or blow WHAMMO! 1940s US

ATTACK etc. – NOUNS
– a devastating attack BLITZ Bk2006 US sl.
– a fierce and unwanted verbal attack on someone or  something, esp. in print, and esp. one intended to ruin their reputation HATCHET JOB 1944 sl.
– a fierce or destructive attack, an onslaught, an affray ANSLAIGHT a1625 obs.
– a military attack or assault SHOWER a1375 obs.
– an attack BRASH Bk1911 Sc.
– an attack TACK 19C Eng. dial.
– an attack, a battle, a fight BIRST 1805 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– an attack; an act of aggression AGGRESS a1611 rare
– an attack; an armed encounter ACOUNTER c1330 obs.
– an attack, an assault AFFRAY c1380
– an attack, an assault ONSETTING 1541 obs.
– an attack; an assault; a hostile encounter AFFRONT 1587 obs.
– an attack, an assault, an onset, an outburst, of noise, talk, etc. ONDING 1871 Sc.
– an attack; an assault, an onset, an outburst, of noise, talk, etc. ONDINGING 1828 Sc.
– an attack, an inroad INGATE Bk1902 Eng. dial.
– an attack, an invasion ONCOME a1340 obs.
– an attack, invasion, or onslaught INFALL 1721 Sc. obs.
– an attack made for the sake of plunder; a petty raid SKECK 1297 obs. rare
– an attack made for the sake of plunder; a petty raid SKEG 1542 obs.
– an attack on someone SLAP L19 sl.
– an attack or access of disease, plague, or calamity; an assault, on onset ONFALL c1000 obs. exc. Sc.
– an attack or assault; a coming on, in order to strike VENUE a1330 obs. rare
– an attack upon a person with the fingernails NAIL-PIE 1864 Eng. dial.
– an attack with a jug of boiling sugared water  JUGGING 2000 UK prison sl.
– a night-attack WAKING 1525 obs.
– a night attack, a ‘camisado’ CANVASADO a1626 obs.
– a pointed attack on or approach to another person, often in the context of wooing DEAD SET L18 sl.
– a shock; esp. that of a sudden attack or surprise CANVASS 1611 obs.
– a simultaneous attack SIMULTANEITY 1858 rare
– a sudden attack CANVASADO 1581 obs.
– a sudden attack; an onslaught AFFRET 1590 obs. rare
– attack, assault SAULT 1297 obs.
– attack, assault, onset SAILYIE;  SAILZIE 1827 Sc.
– attack, assault; the act of confronting or opposing in hostility AFFRONTURE 1549 obs. rare
– attack; encounter; an act of running against something; meeting; collision OCCURSATION 1615 obs. rare
– attack, encounter; meeting; collision OCCURSION 1533 obs.
– attacking, assailing OPPUGNING 1535
– a verbal attack BLAST Bk2006 US sl.
– sudden or unforeseen attack, as of temptation SUBREPTION 1632 obs.
– the act of attacking or assaulting SAULTING c1489 obs.
– the act of attacking or assaulting; attack, assault OPPUGNATION 1533 rare
– the object of an attack; a nation, etc. towards whom or which aggression is directed AGGRESSEE 1854

ATTACK etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
– a person towards whom aggression is directed; the object of an attack AGGRESSEE 1854
– a person who lulls an opponent into security, and then suddenly attacks SANDBAGGER 1940 US sl.

ATTACK etc. – VERBS
– to attack BESET Bk1898 Eng. dial.
– to attack BOOST 1930s US sl.
– to attack FALL DOWN ON 1960s African-American & gang sl.
– to attack JUMP (ON) SOMEONE’S BONES 1980s sl.
– to attack LET INTO 1851 sl.
– to attack ONSEEK c1205 obs.
– to attack TACK 1720
– to attack TAKE TO 1790 Eng. dial.
– to attack WALTZ INTO 1910s sl.
– to attack and cut someone with a razor; to stab MALKY 1985 Sc. sl.
– to attack and rob a person, esp. in a public place MUG 1864 colloq.
– to attack a person’s face with the jagged end of a smashed bottle FILL IN (SOMEONE’S) COUPON L20 Sc. sl.
– to attack by surprise; to ambush BUSHWHACK 1866 Amer. dial.
– to attack excessively either verbally or physically GO TO TOWN ON 1992 Ireland
– to attack fiercely DROP INTO 20C colloq.
– to attack from behind COP A HEEL 20C US prison sl.
– to attack from behind COP AND HEEL 20C US prison sl.
– to attack in a group TAKE OVER THE HURDLES 1940s US prison sl.
– to attack in a large group MOB;  MOB IT M18 sl.
– to attack like a bull-dog; to assail or treat roughly BULL-DOG 1842
– to attack or assail a person BEGIN UPON A PERSON c1825
– to attack or assail a person on his property by means of a rabble; to mob RABBLE 1644
– to attack or assault someone SET ABOUT 1879 UK colloq.
– to attack or hit someone LIGHT UP 1970s African-American sl.
– to attack or kill as part of a gang, to gang up on GANG 1920s US sl.
– to attack or rob on the highway RUM-PAD L19 cant
– to attack or scold vigorously; to act vigorously and aggressively GO ABOARD OF SOMEONE 1980 Can. sl.
– to attack physically WHALE INTO 20C sl.
– to attack physically or verbally SAIL IN; SAIL INTO M19 sl., orig. US
– to attack physically or verbally TAKE SOMEONE TO THE BRIDGE 1980s African-American sl.
– to attack physically or verbally TAKE SOMEONE TO THE HOOP 1980s African-American sl.
– to attack physically or verbally TEAR INTO 20C sl.
– to attack savagely or mercilessly in speech or in writing; to demolish in a review or criticism TOMAHAWK 1815
– to attack savagely SAVAGE 1897 Eng. dial.
– to attack someone CRAWL ONE’S HUMP 1907 US West. sl.
– to attack someone JUMP UP SOMEONE’S ASS 1977 Amer. sl.
– to attack someone physically; to treat someone unkindly PUT ONE’S FOOT IN SOMEONE’S ASS 1940s US African-American sl.
– to attack someone’s face using a glass or bottle as a weapon GLASS 1936 UK sl.
– to attack someone; to attack someone verbally BLISTER 1968 Aust. sl.
– to attack someone; to beat someone up SMACK UP 1945 Aust. sl.
– to attack someone; to give someone a blow or beating DEAL SOMEONE ONE 1980s NZ sl.
– to attack someone; to strike someone SKULL 1997 Irish sl.
– to attack someone with a bottle, esp. in the face BOTTLE 1984 UK sl.
– to attack someone with a jug of boiling water, esp. sugared water JUG 1996 UK sl.
– to attack someone with bricks, bottles, and boots BUG 1966 UK vagrant alcoholics’ sl.
– to attack someone with the fists TAKE TO SOMEONE 1911 NZ sl.
– to attack someone with vigour GIVE SOMEONE ARSEHOLES 1968 NZ sl.
– to attack suddenly by surprise COP A SUNDAY 1930s US prison sl.
– to attack, to assail BESAIL 1460 obs.
– to attack, to assail FALL A-BONES OF ANYONE Bk1900 Eng. dial.
– to attack; to assail LASH c1330 obs.
– to attack, to assail, to assault SAILYIE;  SAILZIE 1827 Sc. arch.
– to attack, to assault AFFRAY c1390 obs.
– to attack, to assault FALL ABOARD 19C Eng. dial.
– to attack; to assault SAULT 1387 obs.
– to attack, to assault, to assail; also, to act on the offensive OFFEND c1374 obs.
– to attack, to assault, to set upon AGGRESS 1596
– to attack, to assault, to terrify GRUNGE 1960s sl.
– to attack, to assault; to engage in battle AFFRONT 1579 obs.
– to attack, to beat up PANEL 1990s sl.
– to attack, to beat, to thrash LACE INTO E19 sl.
– to attack, to cause trouble for PUKE SOMEONE OFF 1960s sl.
– to attack, to cause trouble for TAKE A SHIT 1960s sl.
– to attack, to cause trouble; to rob RAG 20C sl.
– to attack, to confront TAKE 1920s sl.
– to attack, to fall upon FALL ABOARD OF 1604 obs.
– to attack, to fight against, to assault, to besiege OPPUGN 1432-50 obs.
– to attack, to get stuck into LURRY INTO 1940s Irish sl.
– to attack, to give away a secret or to betray the confidence of someone; to tell; to inform SCREAM ON ONE 1960s African-American sl.
– to attack; to grip, to seize; to tackle; to meddle with; to fight YOKE 1775 Sc.
– to attack, to make an onset upon; to set upon ONSET 1602 obs.
– to attack, to manhandle SCRUFF M19 Aust. sl.
– to attack, to overcome, to demolish WALK INTO M19 sl.
– to attack, to punish TACKLE 1828
– to attack, to pursue; to interfere with; to annoy, to cause discomfort to INTERRUPT Bk1902 Eng. dial.
– to attack, to turn upon in anger RAISE ON 1828 Sc.
– to attack using a blackjack (a club) SAP;  SAP DOWN;  SAP UP L19 sl.
– to attack verbally BATTLE 1998 US sl.
– to attack verbally BLISTER 1968 Aust. sl.
– to attack verbally GUN 2003 UK sl.
– to attack verbally MAD-DOG 1990s US college sl.
– to attack verbally TAKE A POP 1990s sl.
– to attack verbally, esp. as a disproportionate response BITE SOMEONE’S HEAD OFF 1984 UK sl.
– to attack verbally, esp. as a disproportionate response SNAP SOMEONE’S HEAD OFF 1984 UK sl.
– to attack, verbally or physically, someone who is seen to have exposed themselves to such an assault by their behaviour or their weakness JUMP ON;  JUMP UPON M19 sl.
– to attack verbally; to belittle; to insult SHOOT ON 1960s African-American usage
– to attack verbally, to cause problems for TAKE A POKE AT 1950s sl.
– to attack verbally, to criticize BLAST Bk2006 US sl.
– to attack verbally, to criticize TAKE LAG 1950s W. Indies & Black British usage
– to attack verbally, to criticize or scold; in a weakened sense, to tease, to mock BUST ON 1961
– to attack verbally; to kick viciously SINK THE BOOT Bk1999 Aust. sl.
– to attack verbally; to kick viciously SINK THE SLIPPER Bk1999 Aust. sl.
– to attack verbally, to mock, to criticize TAKE THE RIP OUT OF 1990s sl.
– to attack verbally; to punish DEAL IT OUT;  DEAL OUT 20C Aust. sl.
– to attack verbally; to reprimand severely TEAR DOWN L19 sl.
– to attack verbally, to scold severely RAKE 1907 Amer. dial.
– to attack verbally, to slander BADMOUTH 1940s sl.
– to attack verbally, to slander DOWNMOUTH 1981 US sl.
– to attack verbally; to sneer or jeer at  TAKE THE PISS OUT OF 1930s sl.
– to attack vigorously RALLY 1812 boxing sl.
– to attack vigorously; to fight FEATHER INTO 1917 Amer. dial.
– to attack violently, to fight FANG AWAY Bk1900 Eng. dial.
– to attack, whether physically or verbally TAKE A SHOT L19 sl.
– to attack with a sharp instrument; to stab CHIV;  CHIVE 1725 criminals’ sl.
– to attack with a sharp instrument; to stab CHIVEY;  CHIVVY 1959 Brit. sl.
– to attack with a sudden, violent rush, esp. as a group or gang; to assail, to assault BUM-RUSH 1988 orig. African-American
– to attack with repeated strokes, to pelt with stones; to strike repeatedly BICKER 1827 Sc.
– to attack with vigour LAY IN c1888 colloq.
– to engage someone in an abusive verbal attack VEX 2001 UK sl.
– to have some attack a third party; to set someone on another person SIC ON;  SICK ON M19 sl.
– to lull someone into a false sense of security, and then suddenly attack them SANDBAG 1940 US sl.
– to make a hostile attack or charge; to charge TACHE a1400-50 obs.
– to make an attack on HAVE A SMACK AT 1679
– to make an unjust attack, to arrest VAMP ON 1970s African-American sl.
– to make a sharp attack upon, to beat soundly GIVE BELLOWS TO MEND Bk1898 Eng. dial.
– to make a sneak attack on someone JAP 1957 US sl.
– to make a sudden violent attack FAUNCE 1858 Amer. dial.
– to make a verbal attack on someone or something; to put pressure on MONSTER 1967 Aust. sl.
– to prepare oneself to face an attack WALK ROUND L19 sl.
– to subject persons, opinions, etc. to heavy, crushing, or persistent attack BATTER 1578
– to subject to attack or assault CANVAS;  CANVASS 1599 obs.
– to threaten an attack upon; to take up a position of hostility to; to oppose HEAVE AT 1546 obs.
– to wait for, with the intention of attacking verbally or physically SPELL FOR 20C W. Indies sl.

ATTEMPT, ATTEMPTABLE, ATTEMPTED – ADJECTIVES
– attemptable; adventurable; venturous, hazardous VENTURABLE 1576 obs. rare
– attempted, tried, tested, tempted YFONDED c1175 obs.
– worthy of an attempt; possible, feasible ON 1935 UK sl.

ATTEMPT etc. – NOUNS
– a feeble attempt OFFERING 1903 Sc.
– a first attempt at anything SAY-PIECE 1773 Sc. obs.
– a hurried attempt; a snatching SCRAMP Bk1904 Eng. dial.
– an attempt DASH 1931 colloq.
– an attempt IMITATION Bk1902 Eng. dial.
– an attempt, a chance, a turn WHACK 1884
– an attempt; a ‘go’ SHY M19 sl.
– an attempt, a go SLAP M19 sl.
– an attempt, an assay; a trial piece of work SAY 1723 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– an attempt, an effort PAN Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– an attempt, an effort, an endeavour, an aim, an intent ETTLE 1839 Sc.
– an attempt, an experiment; a trying to do or find out something FANDING;  FONDING a1000 obs.
– an attempt at, an aim, effort, endeavour MINT 1660 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– an attempt at anything; an exciting venture at betting or cards FLUTTER 1874 sl.
– an attempt at doing something, or a show of this; the act of aiming at something, an aim OFFER 1581 rare or obs.
– an attempt, a try HACK 1836 Amer.
– an attempt, a try JAB 20C US sl.
– an attempt, a try; a crack DAB 1861 US sl.
– an attempt; one’s utmost effort INDEAVERANCE Bk1900 Eng. dial.
– an attempt or try TAKE 20C colloq.
– an attempt or try; a test BIRL;  BURL 1917 Aust. & NZ colloq.
– a very general attempt; a wild guess SHOT IN THE DARK 1895

ATTEMPT etc. – PHRASES
– don’t attempt anything beyond one’s means DON’T STRETCH THE ARMS FARTHER THAN THE SLEEVES REACH 1887 Eng. dial.

ATTEMPT etc. – VERBS
– to attempt AWSE Bk1886 Eng. dial.
– to attempt TEND B1900 Eng. dial.
– to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A BOTTLE OF HAY 1742
– to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK 1855
– to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A MEADOW c1530
– to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task SEEK A NEEDLE IN A BOTTLE OF HAY 1690
– to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task SEEK A NEEDLE IN A TRUSS OF HAY 1711
– to attempt a task without provision of the necessary materials or means MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW 1658
– to attempt a thing at all risks; to hazard RAP Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– to attempt something that is almost impossible SEEK A HARE IN A HEN’S NEST 1599 obs.
– to attempt, to begin, to set about a thing AWM;  HAUM;  HAWM Bk1902 Eng. dial.
– to attempt to complete something begun by a great genius, but left imperfect; to attempt to complete a task beyond one’s powers FINISH ALADDIN’S WINDOW B1900
– to attempt to deal with, to grapple with TACKLE 1847
– to attempt, to endeavour NIXURIATE 1623 obs.
– to attempt, to endeavour; to strive after, to struggle hard to obtain ETTLE 1725 Sc.
– to attempt, to endeavour, to try AFFORCE c1487 obs.
– to attempt, to endeavour; to venture, to dare, to presume MINT 1724 Sc.
– to attempt, to have a try TAKE A POKE AT 1930s sl.
– to attempt, to try AFOND 1488 obs. rare
– to attempt, to try FAND;  FOND a1225 obs.
– to attempt, to try HAUSE;  HAWSE 1851 Eng. dial.
– to attempt, to try TEMPT B1900 Eng. dial.
– to attempt, to try, to endeavour DEVER 1879 Eng. dial.
– to attempt, to try; to make an effort or start; to show intention or promise of OFFER 1722 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
– to attempt; to try; to offer MAKE Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– to attempt, to venture MIRD 1809 Sc.
– to make an attempt GIVE IT A BIRL;  GIVE IT A BURL 1933 Aust. & NZ sl.
– to make an attempt GIVE IT A GO; HAVE A GO AT 1835
– to make an attempt GIVE IT A WHIRL 1884 sl., orig. US
– to make an attempt HAVE A BASH AT 1948 sl., chiefly Brit.
– to make an attempt HAVE A CRACK AT; TAKE A CRACK AT 1836 sl., orig. US
– to make an attempt HAVE A DASH AT 1923 Aust. colloq.
– to make an attempt HAVE A LASH AT 1894 Aust. & NZ sl.
– to make an attempt HAVE A WHACK AT;  TAKE A WHACK AT 1891 sl., orig. US
– to make an attempt TAKE A POP AT 1920s sl.
– to make an attempt at a thing MAKE A DAB 1900 US sl.
– to make an attempt at or attack on HAVE A SMACK AT 1679
– to make an attempt at something GO TO MARKET 1890
– to make an attempt at; to aim at OFFER AT 1847 Sc.
– to make an attempt, hit or miss HAVE A RAP AT ANYTHING Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– to make an attempt to LAM AWAY AT 1884 Amer. dial.
– to make an attempt; to endeavour to do something IMITATE a1626 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
– to make an attempt; to guess HAVE A STAB AT;  MAKE A STAB AT 1895 sl., orig. US
– to make an attempt, to have a go GIVE IT A FLY 1919 Aust. sl.
– to make an attempt, to have a go HAVE A FLY AT 1919 Aust. sl.
– to make an attempt, to try BUSK c1450 obs.
– to make an attempt, to try TAKE A SHOT (AT);  HAVE A SHOT AT 1878 sl.
– to make a speculative attempt; to try something not very likely to succeed CHANCE ONE’S ARM Bk1999
– to make the attempt GIVE THE VENTURE 1599 obs.

ATTENTION, ATTENTIVE, ATTENTIVELY, ATTENTIVENESS – ADJECTIVES
– acutely attentive; very eager to hear ALL EARS 1860s Amer. colloq.
– attention-seeking; showy, ostentatious LAIRY;  LAREY;  LARY 1898 Aust. sl.
– attentive, attending ADVERTISING 1603 obs.
– attentive to business; careful, cautious, prudent; industrious, wide-awake, eager VERTIE 1804 Sc. obs.
– attentive, careful TENTFUL 1870 Eng. dial.
– attentive, careful TENTIVE 1791 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– attentive, careful, heedful; watchful, cautious TENTY 1685 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– attentive, careful; solicitous, concerned; anxious, uneasy, troubled BUSY a1000 obs.
– attentive, careful; studious CURIOUS c1386 obs.
– attentive, conscientious, watchful, careful, attentive; said of mental or moral qualities AIDENT 1812 Sc. 
– attentive, considerate, thoughtful, careful ADVICEFUL 1596 obs.
– attentive, heedful ADVERTENT 1671
– attentive, heedful, careful, cautious, wary, watchful HEEDY 1548 obs.
– attentive, heedful, obedient ANSABLE;  ANSIBLE 1908 Sc.
– attentive; intelligent; thoughtful, given to reflection; intelligent THOUGHTY 1823 Sc.
– attentive, intent, on the alert ARRECT 1646 obs.
– attentive, kindly AINTY 1929 Sc.
– attentive, obliging, kind; doing or ready to do kind offices; eager to serve or please OFFICIOUS 1565 obs.
– attentive, observant; pert. to observation OBSERVATIVE 1611 rare
– attentive to, diligent, industrious, busy; hard-working EIDENT 1591 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
– attentive, watchful; keen; intent TENT 1789 Sc.
– attracting attention; alluring EYE-TAKING 1635
– being the focus of attention, performing, needing to impress ON 1960s US sl.
– extremely attentive to details, ceremony, or procedure; strict or exact in the observance of formalities or amenities PUNCTILIOUS 1625
– lively to general enthusiastic attention and interest, esp. in the popular media BUZZWORTHY 1980 US
– pert. to attention ATTENTIONAL 1901
– requiring a high level of attention and care; demanding HIGH-MAINTENANCE 1982 colloq.
– requiring attention; esp. said of a child TENDFUL 1833 Amer. dial.

ATTENTION etc. – ADVERBS
– attentively GARDANTLY 1574 obs.
– attentively MARKINGLY a1586 obs.
– attentively, carefully; cautiously TENTY 1785 Sc.
– attentively, carefully; with watchfulness or attention; warily ADVISEDLY 1375 obs.
– attentively, diligently, industriously EIDENTLY 1838 Sc.
– attentively, heedfully ADVERTENTLY Bk1888 rare
– attentively, intently; with fixed attention; carefully, heedfully BUSILY c1225 obs.
– with attention TENTIFLY Bk1905 Eng. dial. obs.
– with full attention, intently; with an intense or keen gaze WITH ALL ONE’S EYES 1483
– with full attention, intently; with an intense or keen gaze WITH ALL THE EYES IN ONE’S HEAD 1548

ATTENTION etc. – INTERJECTIONS
– an exclamation used to attract attention HALE! c1290 obs.
– an exclamation used to attract attention OISIE! Bk1905 Sc.
– an exclamation used to attract attention THICCY!;  THIKKI! 1891 Eng. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention WORD!;  WORD UP! 1980s African-American sl.
– an exclamation used to attract attention YA HEY!;  YA HEY DERE!;   YAH HEY! 1934 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention YARRAH! 1827-32 Ireland 
– an exclamation used to attract attention at a distance, to express surprise, etc. HALLOO! a1700
– an exclamation used to attract attention; look here! YALLACK!;  YELLOOK!;  YELLUCKS!;  YOLLOCK! 1880 Eng. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or express emotion HE! a1300 obs.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. HOOEE!;  HOO-EE-AH! 1874 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. HOO-HEE!;  WHOO-HEE! 1965 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. HOO-WEE! 1882 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. WHOO! 1932 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. WHOOEE! 1888 Amer. dial.
– an exclamation used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. WHOOIE! 1924 Amer. dial.
– pay attention! COME TO THE PARTY! Bk1947 Amer. sl.
– pay attention!; listen up! DIG UP! Bk2006 US sl.

ATTENTION etc. – NOUNS
– an attentive ear OPEN EAR a1225
– attention ATTENSH 1930s sl.
– attention RABBIT FOOT L19 African-American sl.
– attention, alertness, vigilance KEEVEE;  KEEVIE;  KEEVY 1843 Sc.
– attention, care TENDANCE 1902 Eng. dial.
– attention, care, heed YEME c893 obs.
– attention, care, heed, notice KEEP c1250 obs.
– attention, care, observance BUSINESS a1398 obs.
– attention, notice MARK 1377 obs.
– attention, notice OBSERVE 1805 Sc. obs.
– attention, observation, notice TENT 1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– attention, observation, notice, consideration ADVISEMENT 1330 obs.
– attention, observation, notice, heed, consideration; a turning the attention to ADVERTENCE c1370
– attention, observation; the turning of the mind to anything ADVERTISEMENT 1523 obs.
– attention, perception ADVERSION 1647 obs. rare
– attention, watchfulness; also, the object of one’s attention GARD a1569 obs.
– attentiveness, dutifulness; the quality of being officious OFFICIOSITY 1565 obs. rare
– attentiveness, heedfulness ADVERTENCY 1646
– pursuits requiring constant attention HAND-TETHERS Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– pursuits requiring constant attention HAND-TIES Bk1905 Eng. dial.
– scant attention or care LICK AND A PROMISE Bk1913 Amer. dial.

ATTENTION etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
– an attention-seeker or show-off SHOWBOAT 1953 sl., orig. & chiefly US

ATTENTION etc. – PHRASES
– used of one who is forever demanding attention, making him or herself conspicuous ON A AY YO TRIP 1980s W. Indies & Black British teen usage

ATTENTION etc. – VERBS
– to arouse one’s attention; to excite RING ONE’S CHIMES 1970 Amer. sl.
– to attract unwelcome attention DRAW THE CRABS Bk1999 Aust. sl.
– to be attentive, to pay attention to BESEE c1200 obs.
– to become sharply attentive and responsive SNAP TO 1940s Amer. sl.
– to become the centre of attention TAKE THE CORN 1839 US sl.
– to give all one’s attention, to listen BE ALL EARS 1577 colloq.
– to give attention or heed to, to attend to, to look after; to take heed YEME c897 obs.
– to give attention or regard; to consider BEHOLD c825 obs.
– to lavish attention on a person, typically a woman, esp. with a view to a romantic or sexual relationship RUSH 1863 US colloq.
– to pay attention NEEF 1934 Sc.
– to pay attention TEND TO Bk1913 Amer. dial.
– to pay attention or heed to; to observe, to notice MIND 1838 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– to pay attention to BAG ONTO 1948 Amer. sl.
– to pay attention; to listen BEND AN EAR 1935 Amer. sl.
– to pay attention; to listen to; to hearken HARP 1896 Eng. dial.
– to pay attention to one’s affairs; to wake up PULL ONE’S HEAD OUT 1960s Amer. students’ sl.
– to pay attention, to take heed; to turn one’s attention ADVERT 1430
– to pay attention to, to attend to diligently GIVE BUSINESS TO 1582 obs.
– to pay attention to; to heed, to care, to mind ANSE 1908 Sc.
– to pay attention to; to heed; to listen to TENT 1789 Sc.
– to pay attention to; to notice, to observe TAKE TENT OF 1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
– to pay close attention to; to watch attentively GIVE GOOD EYE 1564 obs.
– to pay much attention to; to pet, to fondle, to caress; to nurse and feed with care TANTLE;  TONTLE 1898 Eng. dial.
– to shout to attract attention, etc. HALLOW c1420
– to show attention to, to respect, to obey ANT 1891 Sc.
– to show great attention to, to make much of MAKE MICKLE OF 1725 Sc.

ATTIRE, ATTIRED, ATTIRING – ADJECTIVES
– attired, arrayed, trimmed, dressed ADDRESSED 1393 arch.
– attired, clothed, dressed up; adorned, embellished BUSKED c1450 rare
– attired, dressed, equipped, arrayed; generally with the idea of being specially attired for some purpose ACCOUTRED 1596
– dealing with habiliments HABILIMENTARY 1845
– relating to attire HABILIMENTAL 1837

ATTIRE etc. – NOUNS
– an attiring or clothing SUITING a1637 obs.
– articles of attire; garments, or ornaments as a whole TIREMENTS 1553 obs.
– attire TIREMENT a1400-50 obs.
– attire, array, dress ADDRESS 1592 obs.
– attire, clothes BUSSING c1712 Sc. obs. rare
– attire, clothing, array GARMENTURE 1832
– attire, clothing, dress MOCKER 1939-45 Aust. & NZ sl.
– attire, dress, apparel, raiment TIRE a1300 arch.
– attire, dress, array DUBBING a1300 obs.
– attire, habiliment, dress; military equipment HABULIMENT 1773 Sc. obs.
– attire, habiliment, dress; military equipment HABULZIEMENT 1822 Sc. obs.
– attire or bodily apparel; clothing, dress HABIT a1225  arch.
– attire, outfit, accoutrement, equipment, array, dress (now only of personal attire) HABILIMENT 1470-85
– attiring, dressing; dressing the hair; attire, apparel, head-dress; equipment, apparatus TIRING 1552 arch.
– scanty attire LAMOURS Bk1947 Amer. sl.
– the attire characteristic of a particular rank, degree, profession, or function; the dress of a religious order HABIT c1290
– vulgar or gaudy attire BEDIZENMENT 1837

ATTIRE etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
– one who attires or dresses TIRER 1862 rare

ATTIRE etc. – VERBS
– to attire a person; to clothe, to dress; to adorn a thing BUSK c1400
– to attire, esp. for war; to fit out; to accoutre, to array; to apparel, dress HABILLE a1450 obs.
– to attire for any special purpose or occasion; to prepare or make ready with the proper attire; to accoutre, to array, to apparel ADDRESS 1393 obs.
– to attire, to clothe HATER a1300 obs.
– to attire, to clothe HATTER c1400 obs.
– to attire, to clothe SKIN 1599 rare
– to attire, to dress, to clothe HABIT 1588
– to attire, to dress, to clothe, to deck, to adorn BEGO a1225 obs.
– to attire, to dress, to clothe; to provide with a suit of clothes SUIT 1577 arch.
– to attire, to dress, to deck out, to tittivate one’s person,  hair, etc. TIFF a1225 obs.
– to attire, to dress; to wash and attire oneself TOILET 1840
– to attire, to equip, to array ACCOUTRE 1606 rare
– to attire, to equip, to dress, to deck ADIGHT c1400 obs.
– to attire, to equip; to prepare, to make or get ready BUSKLE a1555 obs.

ATTORNEY – see LAWYER