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the side of a ship, and compelled those whom they would drown to walk off into the water; figuratively, to vacate an office by compulsion. Bartlett.

Breathing with difficulty and with a wheeze; wheezing. Used also figuratively.

, to ply to the windward; -- opposed to Ant: leeward. To lay an anchor to the windward, a figurative expression, signifying to adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for success or security.

by rubbing; to rub off; to obliterate; -- usually followed by away, off or out. Also used figuratively. "To wipe out our ingratitude." Shak. Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon. Milton.

Hence, figuratively, to be effective; to have effect or influence; to conduce. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Rom. viii. 28. This so wrought upon the child, that afterwards he desired to be taught. Locke. She marveled how she could ever have been wrought upon to marry him. Hawthor…

To twist or contort the body; to be distorted; as, to writhe with agony. Also used figuratively. After every attempt, he felt that he had failed, and writhed with shame and vexation. Macaulay.

Also used figuratively. "The youthful season of the year." Shak.

hence, figuratively, the point of culmination; the greatest height; the height of success or prosperity. I find my zenith doth depend upon A most auspicious star. Shak. This dead of midnight is the noon of thought, And wisdom mounts her zenith with the stars. Mrs. Barbauld. It was during those civil troubles . . . this…