̘. ̈n.ju:s v. & n. --v.tr. 1
cause to
act or
serve for a
purpose;
bring into service;
avail oneself of (rarely uses
the car; use
your discretion). 2
treat (a person) in a specified
manner (they used
him shamefully). 3
exploit for one's
own ends (they are
just using you). 4 (in
past; foll. by to + infin.)
did or
had in the past (but no longer) as a
customary practice or
state (I used to be an archaeologist; it used
not (or did not use) to
rain so often). 5 (as used adj.)
second-hand. 6 (as used predic. adj.) (foll. by to)
familiar by
habit;
accustomed (not used to
hard work). 7
apply (a
name or
title etc.) to oneself. --n. 1 the act of using or the state of
being used;
application to a purpose (put it to
good use; is in
daily use;
worn and polished
with use). 2 the
right or
power of using (lost the use of my right arm). 3 a the
ability to be used (a
torch would be of use). b the purpose for
which a
thing can be used (it's no use talking). 4
custom or
usage (long use
has reconciled me to it). 5 the
characteristic ritual and
liturgy of a
church or
diocese etc. 6
Law hist. the
benefit or
profit of lands,
esp. in the
possession of
another who holds
them solely for the
beneficiary. øcould use colloq. would be glad to
have; would be improved by having. have no use for 1 be
unable to
find a use for. 2
dislike or be
impatient with.
make use of 1
employ, apply. 2 benefit
from. use and
wont established custom. use a person's name
quote a
person as an
authority or
reference etc. use up 1
consume completely, use the
whole of. 2 find a use for (something remaining). 3
exhaust or wear
out e.g. with
overwork. [ME f. OF
us,
user, ult. f. L uti ususe]