Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

hold 1       (hōld)  Pronunciation Key  v.   held (hěld), hold·ing, holds v.   tr. To have and keep in one's grasp: held the reins tightly. To aim or direct; point: held a hose on the fire. To keep from falling or moving; support: a nail too small to hold the mirror; hold the horse steady; papers that were held together with staples. To sustain the pressure of: The old bridge can't hold much weight. To keep from departing or getting away: Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash. To keep in custody: held the suspect for questioning. To retain (one's attention or interest): Televised sports can't hold my interest. To avoid letting out or expelling: The swimmer held her breath while underwater. To be filled by; contain. To be capable of holding. See Synonyms at contain. To have as a chief characteristic or quality: The film holds many surprises. To have in store: Let's see what the future holds. To have and maintain in one's possession: holds a great deal of property. To have as a responsible position or a privilege: held the governorship for six years. To have in recognition of achievement or superiority: holds the record for the one-mile race; holds the respect of her peers. To maintain control over: Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom. To maintain occupation of by force or coercion: Protesters held the embassy for a week. To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example). To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action: The storyteller held the crowd spellbound. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To keep from departing or getting away: Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash. To keep in custody: held the suspect for questioning. To retain (one's attention or interest): Televised sports can't hold my interest. To avoid letting out or expelling: The swimmer held her breath while underwater. To be filled by; contain. To be capable of holding. See Synonyms at contain. To have as a chief characteristic or quality: The film holds many surprises. To have in store: Let's see what the future holds. To have and maintain in one's possession: holds a great deal of property. To have as a responsible position or a privilege: held the governorship for six years. To have in recognition of achievement or superiority: holds the record for the one-mile race; holds the respect of her peers. To maintain control over: Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom. To maintain occupation of by force or coercion: Protesters held the embassy for a week. To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example). To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action: The storyteller held the crowd spellbound. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To be filled by; contain. To be capable of holding. See Synonyms at contain. To have as a chief characteristic or quality: The film holds many surprises. To have in store: Let's see what the future holds. To have and maintain in one's possession: holds a great deal of property. To have as a responsible position or a privilege: held the governorship for six years. To have in recognition of achievement or superiority: holds the record for the one-mile race; holds the respect of her peers. To maintain control over: Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom. To maintain occupation of by force or coercion: Protesters held the embassy for a week. To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example). To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action: The storyteller held the crowd spellbound. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To have and maintain in one's possession: holds a great deal of property. To have as a responsible position or a privilege: held the governorship for six years. To have in recognition of achievement or superiority: holds the record for the one-mile race; holds the respect of her peers. To maintain control over: Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom. To maintain occupation of by force or coercion: Protesters held the embassy for a week. To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example). To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action: The storyteller held the crowd spellbound. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To maintain control over: Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom. To maintain occupation of by force or coercion: Protesters held the embassy for a week. To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example). To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action: The storyteller held the crowd spellbound. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To impose control or restraint on; curb: She held her temper. To stop the movement or progress of: Hold the presses! To reserve or keep back from use: Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger. To defer the immediate handling of: The receptionist held all calls during the meeting. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To be the legal possessor of. To bind by a contract. To adjudge or decree: The court held that the defendant was at fault. To make accountable; obligate: He held me to my promise. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view: holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices. To assert or affirm, especially formally: This doctrine holds that people are inherently good. To regard in a certain way: I hold you in high esteem. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To cause to take place; carry on: held the race in Texas; hold a yard sale. To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene: held a meeting of the board. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position: Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg. To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection: held my nose against the stench. v.   intr. To maintain a grasp or grip on something. To stay securely fastened: The chain held. To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition: hopes the weather will hold. To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition: The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations. To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition: hopes the weather will hold. To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition: The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations. To continue in the same direction: The ship held to an easterly course. To be valid, applicable, or true: The observation still holds in cases like this. To have legal right or title. Often used with of or from. To halt an intended action. Often used in the imperative. To stop the countdown during a missile or spacecraft launch. Slang To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics: The suspect was holding. n.   The act or a means of grasping. A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido: a neck hold; an arm hold. A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated: a writer with a strong hold on her readership. Complete control: has a firm hold on the complex issues. Full understanding: has a good hold on physics. The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value. The symbol designating this pause; a fermata. A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred. A temporary halt, as in a countdown. A prison cell. The state of being in confinement; custody. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. Something that may be grasped or gripped, as for support. A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position: adjusted the horizontal hold. A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection. A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated: a writer with a strong hold on her readership. Complete control: has a firm hold on the complex issues. Full understanding: has a good hold on physics. The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value. The symbol designating this pause; a fermata. A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred. A temporary halt, as in a countdown. A prison cell. The state of being in confinement; custody. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. Music The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value. The symbol designating this pause; a fermata. A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred. A temporary halt, as in a countdown. A prison cell. The state of being in confinement; custody. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred. A temporary halt, as in a countdown. A prison cell. The state of being in confinement; custody. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. A prison cell. The state of being in confinement; custody. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. Archaic A fortified place; a stronghold. To retain in one's possession or control: held back valuable information; held back my tears. To impede the progress of. To restrain oneself. To limit: Please hold the noise down. To fulfill the duties of (a job): holds down two jobs. To keep at a distance; resist: held the creditors off. To stop or delay doing something: Let's hold off until we have more data. To maintain one's grip; cling. To continue to do something; persist. To wait for something wanted or requested, especially to keep a telephone connection open. To present or proffer as something attainable. To continue to be in supply or service; last: Our food is holding out nicely. To continue to resist: The defending garrison held out for a month. To refuse to reach or satisfy an agreement. To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. To continue a term of office past the usual length of time. To prolong the engagement of: The film was held over for weeks. To obstruct or delay. To rob while armed, often at gunpoint. To offer or present as an example: held the essay up as a model for the students. To continue to function without losing force or effectiveness; cope: managed to hold up under the stress. Phrasal Verb(s): hold back To retain in one's possession or control: held back valuable information; held back my tears. To impede the progress of. To restrain oneself. hold down To limit: Please hold the noise down. To fulfill the duties of (a job): holds down two jobs. hold forth To talk at great length. hold off To keep at a distance; resist: held the creditors off. To stop or delay doing something: Let's hold off until we have more data. hold on To maintain one's grip; cling. To continue to do something; persist. To wait for something wanted or requested, especially to keep a telephone connection open. hold out To present or proffer as something attainable. To continue to be in supply or service; last: Our food is holding out nicely. To continue to resist: The defending garrison held out for a month. To refuse to reach or satisfy an agreement. hold over To postpone or delay. To keep in a position or state from an earlier period of time. To continue a term of office past the usual length of time. To prolong the engagement of: The film was held over for weeks. hold to To remain loyal or faithful to: She held to her resolutions. hold up To obstruct or delay. To rob while armed, often at gunpoint. To offer or present as an example: held the essay up as a model for the students. To continue to function without losing force or effectiveness; cope: managed to hold up under the stress. hold with To agree with; support: I don't hold with your theories. Idiom(s): get hold of To come into possession of; find: Where can I get hold of a copy? To communicate with, as by telephone: tried to get hold of you but the line was busy. To gain control of. Often used reflexively: You must get hold of yourself! Idiom(s): hold a candle to To compare favorably with: This film doesn't hold a candle to his previous ones. Idiom(s): hold (one's) end up To fulfill one's part of an agreement; do one's share. Idiom(s): hold (one's) own To do reasonably well despite difficulty or criticism. Idiom(s): hold out on (someone) To withhold something from: Don't hold out on me; start telling the truth. Idiom(s): hold (someone's) feet to the fire To pressure (someone) to consent to or undertake something. Idiom(s): hold sway To have a controlling influence; dominate. Idiom(s): hold the bag Informal To be left with empty hands. To be forced to assume total responsibility when it ought to have been shared. Idiom(s): hold the fort Informal To assume responsibility, especially in another's absence. To maintain a secure position. Idiom(s): hold the line To maintain the existing position or state of affairs: had to hold the line on salary increases. Idiom(s): hold the phone Slang To stop doing what one is engaged in doing. Often used in the imperative: Hold the phone! Let's end this argument. Idiom(s): hold water To stand up to critical examination: Your explanation doesn't hold water. Idiom(s): no holds barred Without limits or restraints. Idiom(s): on hold Into a state of temporary interruption without severing a telephone connection: put me on hold for 10 minutes. Informal Into a state of delay or indeterminate suspension: had to put the romance on hold. [Middle English holden, from Old English healdan.]

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

hold 2       (hōld)  Pronunciation Key  n.   The lower interior part of a ship or airplane where cargo is stored. [Alteration (influenced by hold1) of Middle English hole, husk, hull of a ship, from Old English hulu; see kel-1 in Indo-European roots.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
hold  (v.)

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
hold  (n.)

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

hold
noun
1.	the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold on the railing" [syn: clasp]
2.	understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something; "he has a good grasp of accounting practices" [syn: appreciation]
3.	power by which something or someone is affected or dominated; "he has a hold over them"
4.	time during which some action is awaited; "instant replay caused too long a delay"; "he ordered a hold in the action" [syn: delay]
5.	a state of being confined (usually for a short time); "his detention was politically motivated"; "the prisoner is on hold"; "he is in the custody of police" [syn: detention]
6.	a stronghold
7.	a cell in a jail or prison
8.	the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it; "he grabbed the hammer by the handle"; "it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip" [syn: handle]
9.	the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo [syn: cargo area]
verb
1.	keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"; "hold in place"; "She always held herself as a lady"; "The students keep me on my toes" [syn: keep]
2.	have or hold in one's hands or grip; "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"; "A crazy idea took hold of him" [ant: let go]
3.	organize or be responsible for; "hold a reception"; "have, throw, or make a party"; "give a course"
4.	have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense; "She has $1,000 in the bank"; "He has got two beautiful daughters"; "She holds a Master's degree from Harvard" [syn: have]
5.	keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view; "take for granted"; "view as important"; "hold these truths to be self-evident"; "I hold him personally responsible" [syn: deem]
6.	maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings); "bear a grudge"; "entertain interesting notions"; "harbor a resentment" [syn: harbor]
7.	to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement; "This holds the local until the express passengers change trains"; "About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade"; "The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center"; "The terrorists held the journalists for ransom" [syn: restrain]
8.	secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree" [syn: retain]
9.	have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices; "She bears the title of Duchess"; "He held the governorship for almost a decade" [syn: bear]
10.	be the physical support of; carry the weight of; "The beam holds up the roof"; "He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam"; "What's holding that mirror?"
11.	contain or hold; have within; "The jar carries wine"; "The canteen holds fresh water"; "This can contains water"
12.	have room for; hold without crowding; "This hotel can accommodate 250 guests"; "The theater admits 300 people"; "The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people" [syn: accommodate]
13.	remain in a certain state, position, or condition; "The weather held"; "They held on the road and kept marching"
14.	support or hold in a certain manner; "She holds her head high"; "He carried himself upright"
15.	be valid, applicable, or true; "This theory still holds" [syn: prevail]
16.	assert or affirm; "Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good"
17.	have as a major characteristic; "The novel holds many surprises"; "The book holds in store much valuable advise"
18.	be capable of holding or containing; "This box won't take all the items"; "The flask holds one gallon" [syn: contain]
19.	arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance; "reserve me a seat on a flight"; "The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family"; "please hold a table at Maxim's" [syn: reserve]
20.	protect against a challenge or attack; "Hold that position behind the trees!"; "Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks" [syn: defend]
21.	bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted; "He's held by a contract"; "I'll hold you by your promise" [syn: oblige]
22.	hold the attention of; "The soprano held the audience"; "This story held our interest"; "She can hold an audience spellbound"
23.	remain committed to; "I hold to these ideas"
24.	resist or confront with resistance; "The politician defied public opinion"; "The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear"; "The bridge held" [syn: defy]
25.	be pertinent or relevant or applicable; "The same laws apply to you!"; "This theory holds for all irrational numbers"; "The same rules go for everyone" [syn: apply]
26.	stop dealing with; "hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting"
27.	lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; "moderate your alcohol intake"; "hold your tongue"; "hold your temper"; "control your anger" [syn: control]
28.	keep from departing; "Hold the taxi"; "Hold the horse"
29.	take and maintain control over, often by violent means; "The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week"
30.	cause to stop; "Halt the engines"; "Arrest the progress"; "halt the presses" [syn: halt]
31.	cover as for protection against noise or smell; "She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate"; "hold one's nose"
32.	drink alcohol without showing ill effects; "He can hold his liquor"; "he had drunk more than he could carry" [syn: carry]
33.	aim, point, or direct; "Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames"
34.	declare to be; "She was declared incompetent"; "judge held that the defendant was innocent" [syn: declare]
35.	be in accord; be in agreement; "We agreed on the terms of the settlement"; "I can't agree with you!"; "I hold with those who say life is sacred"; "Both philosophers concord on this point" [syn: agree] [ant: differ]
36.	keep from exhaling or expelling; "hold your breath"

American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

hold

In addition to the idioms beginning with hold, also see (hold) at bay; bear (hold) a grudge; get hold of; hang (hold) on to your hat; have a hold over; lay hold of; leave holding the bag; no holds barred; on hold; (hold the) purse strings; stand (hold) one's ground; take hold.

Investopedia - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

An analyst recommendation to neither buy nor sell a security.

Investopedia Commentary

Exact definitions vary by brokerage, but generally this rating is better than sell and worse than buy. The hold rating is right in the middle of the rating system. It means that if you own a security you still shouldn't sell, but you also shouldn't buy the security if you don't own it already.

Also known as neutral.

Related Links

Analyst Recommendations: Do Sell Ratings Exist?
Why There Are Few Sell Ratings On Wall Street

See also: Buy, Downgrade, Outperform, Sell, Underperform, Upgrade

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: hold
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: held; hold·ing
1 a : to have lawful possession or ownership of <held the property as tenants in common> holds the title to the car> b : to have as a privilege or position of responsibility <holding a retail liquor license> hold their offices during good behavior —U.S. Constitution article III>
2 : to restrain the liberty of; specifically : to keep in custody held without bail>
3 : to cause to be conducted hold a hearing on the matter>
4 : to rule as the holding of a case held that such conduct violated the statute> —compare DECIDE, FIND

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

Hold\, n. [D. hol hole, hollow. See Hole.] (Naut.) The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

Hold\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Held; p. pr. & vb. n. Holding. Holden, p. p., is obs. in elegant writing, though still used in legal language.] [OE. haldan, D. houden, OHG. hoten, Icel. halda, Dan. holde, Sw. h[*a]lla, Goth. haldan to feed, tend (the cattle); of unknown origin. Gf. Avast, Halt, Hod.]

1. To cause to remain in a given situation, position, or relation, within certain limits, or the like; to prevent from falling or escaping; to sustain; to restrain; to keep in the grasp; to retain.

The loops held one curtain to another. --Ex. xxxvi. 12.

Thy right hand shall hold me. --Ps. cxxxix. 10.

They all hold swords, being expert in war. --Cant. iii. 8.

In vain he seeks, that having can not hold. --Spenser.

France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, . . . A fasting tiger safer by the tooth, Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold. --Shak.

2. To retain in one's keeping; to maintain possession of, or authority over; not to give up or relinquish; to keep; to defend.

We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of deity or empire. --Milton.

3. To have; to possess; to be in possession of; to occupy; to derive title to; as, to hold office.

This noble merchant held a noble house. --Chaucer.

Of him to hold his seigniory for a yearly tribute. --Knolles.

And now the strand, and now the plain, they held. --Dryden.

4. To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.

We can not hold mortality's strong hand. --Shak.

Death! what do'st? O,hold thy blow. --Grashaw.

He hat not sufficient judgment and self-command to hold his tongue. --Macaulay.

5. To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.

Hold not thy peace, and be not still. --Ps. lxxxiii. 1.

Seedtime and harvest, heat and hoary frost, Shall hold their course. --Milton.

6. To prosecute, have, take, or join in, as something which is the result of united action; as to, hold a meeting, a festival, a session, etc.; hence, to direct and bring about officially; to conduct or preside at; as, the general held a council of war; a judge holds a court; a clergyman holds a service.

I would hold more talk with thee. --Shak.

7. To receive and retain; to contain as a vessel; as, this pail holds milk; hence, to be able to receive and retain; to have capacity or containing power for.

Broken cisterns that can hold no water. --Jer. ii. 13.

One sees more devils than vast hell can hold. --Shak.

8. To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.

Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught. --2 Thes. ii.15.

But still he held his purpose to depart. --Dryden.

9. To consider; to regard; to esteem; to account; to think; to judge.

I hold him but a fool. --Shak.

I shall never hold that man my friend. --Shak.

The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. --Ex. xx. 7.

10. To bear, carry, or manage; as he holds himself erect; he holds his head high.

Let him hold his fingers thus. --Shak.

To hold a wager, to lay or hazard a wager. --Swift.

To hold forth, to offer; to exhibit; to propose; to put forward. "The propositions which books hold forth and pretend to teach." --Locke.

To held in, to restrain; to curd.

To hold in hand, to toy with; to keep in expectation; to have in one's power. [Obs.]

O, fie! to receive favors, return falsehoods, And hold a lady in hand. --Beaw. & Fl.

To hold in play, to keep under control; to dally with. --Macaulay.

To hold off, to keep at a distance.

To hold on, to hold in being, continuance or position; as, to hold a rider on.

To hold one's day, to keep one's appointment. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

To hold one's own.

(a) To keep good one's present condition absolutely or relatively; not to fall off, or to lose ground; as, a ship holds her own when she does not lose ground in a race or chase; a man holds his own when he does not lose strength or weight.

To hold one's peace, to keep silence.

To hold out. (a) To extend; to offer. "Fortune holds out these to you as rewards." --B. Jonson. (b) To continue to do or to suffer; to endure. "He can not long hold out these pangs." --Shak.

To hold up. (a) To raise; to lift; as, hold up your head. (b) To support; to sustain. "He holds himself up in virtue."--Sir P. Sidney. (c) To exhibit; to display; as, he was held up as an example. (d) To rein in; to check; to halt; as, hold up your horses.

To hold water. (a) Literally, to retain water without leaking; hence (Fig.), to be whole, sound, consistent, without gaps or holes; -- commonly used in a negative sense; as, his statements will not hold water. [Collog.] (b) (Naut.) To hold the oars steady in the water, thus checking the headway of a boat.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

Hold\, n. i. In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:

1. Not to more; to halt; to stop;-mostly in the imperative.

And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!" --Shak.

2. Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.

Our force by land hath nobly held. --Shak.

3. Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.

While our obedience holds. --Milton.

The rule holds in land as all other commodities. --Locke.

4. Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave;-often with with, to, or for.

He will hold to the one and despise the other. --Matt. vi. 24

5. To restrain one's self; to refrain.

His dauntless heart would fain have held From weeping, but his eyes rebelled. --Dryden.

6. To derive right or title; -- generally with of.

My crown is absolute, and holds of none. --Dryden.

His imagination holds immediately from nature. --Hazlitt.

Hold on! Hold up! wait; stop; forbear. [Collog] -- To hold forth, to speak in public; to harangue; to preach. --L'Estrange.

To hold in, to restrain one's self; as, he wanted to laugh and could hardly hold in.

To hold off, to keep at a distance.

To hold on, to keep fast hold; to continue; to go on. "The trade held on for many years," --Swift.

To hold out, to last; to endure; to continue; to maintain one's self; not to yield or give way.

To hold over, to remain in office, possession, etc., beyond a certain date.

To hold to or with, to take sides with, as a person or opinion.

To hold together, to be joined; not to separate; to remain in union. --Dryden. --Locke.

To hold up. (a) To support one's self; to remain unbent or unbroken; as, to hold up under misfortunes. (b) To cease raining; to cease to stop; as, it holds up. --Hudibras. (c) To keep up; not to fall behind; not to lose ground. --Collier.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

Hold\, n. 1. The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; gripe; possession; -- often used with the verbs take and lay.

Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold. --Chaucer.

Thou should'st lay hold upon him. --B. Jonson.

My soul took hold on thee. --Addison.

Take fast hold of instruction. --Pror. iv. 13.

2. The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.

The law hath yet another hold on you. --Shak.

3. Binding power and influence.

Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of. --Tillotson.

4. Something that may be grasped; means of support.

If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall. --Bacon.

5. A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard.

They . . . put them in hold unto the next day. --Acts. iv. 3.

King Richard, he is in the mighty hold Of Bolingbroke. --Shak.

6. A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; -- often called a stronghold. --Chaucer.

New comers in an ancient hold --Tennyson.

7. (Mus.) A character [thus ?] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; -- called also pause, and corona.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold

Hold\, v. t.

To hold up. To stop in order to rob, often with the demand to hold up the hands. [Colloq.] Hole \Hole\, n. (Games) (a) A small cavity used in some games, usually one into which a marble or ball is to be played or driven; hence, a score made by playing a marble or ball into such a hole, as in golf. (b) (Fives) At Eton College, England, that part of the floor of the court between the step and the pepperbox.

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Hold