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Glite Dictionary
gainst

gainst

2 9.9
In contact with something or in conflict with it, such as leaning on a tree and fighting an enemy
  • adposition
  • Archaic
translation icon : contra
  • Flat treason 'gainst the kingly state of youth.

Examples

  • The other half comes to the privy coffer of the state and the offender's life lies in the mercy of the Duke only, 'gainst all other voice.

    The Merchant of Venice (2004)

  • I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst pompey, for he's laid great courtesies of late upon me.

    Antony and Cleopatra (1972)

  • But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next!

    Romeo + Juliet (1996)

  • It is almost 'gainst my conscience.

    Hamlet (1948)

  • Flat treason 'gainst the kingly state of youth.

    Love's Labour's Lost (2000)

  • Let not his deserving and my love as well be valued 'gainst your wife's commandment.

    The Merchant of Venice (2004)

  • Clinging to you, we all will stand 'gainst the flocks of Satan's angels.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next!

  • It is almost 'gainst my conscience.

Synonyms

against
vsgainst
∞ 1.0

To protect someone from harm

is an old poetic form meaning opposition or physical contact

Surface Forms

gainst main

Etymology

Gainst is an old or poetic short form of against, made by dropping the first a-. So, gainst means 'in opposition to' or 'touching', which is why you can lean 'gainst' a tree or stand 'gainst' the wind.