| HOLD | | —v. (past and past part. Held) 1 a keep fast; grasp (esp. In the hands or arms). B (also refl.) Keep or sustain (a thing, oneself, one's head, etc.) In a particular position. C grip so as to control (hold the reins).
- have the capacity for, contain (holds two pints).
- possess, gain, or have, esp.: a be the owner or tenant of (land, property, stocks, etc.). B gain or have gained (a qualification, record, etc.). C have the position of (a job or office). D keep possession of (a place etc.), esp. Against attack.
- remain unbroken; not give way (roof held under the storm).
- celebrate or conduct (a meeting, festival, conversation, etc.).
- a keep (a person etc.) In a place or condition (held him in suspense). B detain, esp. In custody.
- a engross (book held him for hours). B dominate (held the stage).
- (foll. By to) keep (a person etc.) To (a promise etc.).
- (of weather) continue fine. 10 think, believe; assert (held it to be plain; held that the earth was flat). 11 regard with a specified feeling (held him in contempt). 12 cease; restrain (hold your fire). 13 keep or reserve (please hold our seats). 14 be able to drink (alcohol) without effect (can't hold his drink). 15 (of a court etc.) Lay down; decide. 16 mus. Sustain (a note). 17 = hold the line. —n. - (foll. By on, over) influence or power over (has a strange hold over me).
- manner of holding in wrestling etc.
- grasp (take hold of him).
- (often in comb.) Thing to hold by (seized the handhold). hold (a thing) against (a person) resent or regard it as discreditable to (a person). Hold back 1 impede the progress of; restrain.
- keep for oneself.
- (often foll. By from) hesitate; refrain. Hold one's breath see *breath. Hold down 1 repress.
- colloq. Be competent enough to keep (one's job etc.). Hold the fort 1 act as a temporary substitute.
- cope in an emergency. Hold forth speak at length or tediously. Hold one's ground see *ground1. Hold hands grasp one another by the hand as a sign of affection or for support or guidance. Hold it cease action or movement. Hold the line not ring off (in a telephone connection).
- n. Cavity in the lower part of a ship or aircraft for cargo. [old english: related to *hollow] | |