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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.

7 words match “EXPLETIVE”

EXPLETIVE a. 2 definitions
Filling up; hence, added merely for the purpose of filling up; superfluous. "Expletive imagery." Hallam. Expletive phrases to plump his speech. Barrow.
EXPLETIVELY adv.
In the manner of an expletive.
A n.
An expletive, void of sense, to fill up the meter A merry heart goes all the day, Your sad tires in a mile-a. Shak.
AND conj.
It is sometimes, in old songs, a mere expletive. When that I was and a little tiny boy. Shak.
DEVIL n.
An expletive of surprise, vexation, or emphasis, or, ironically, of negation. [Low] The devil a puritan that he is, . . . but a timepleaser. Shak. The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare, But wonder how the devil they got there. Pope.
EXPLETORY a.
Serving to fill up; expletive; superfluous; as, an expletory word. Bp. Burnet.
SO adv.
Well; the fact being as stated; -- used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it