Push, subst. a thrust, calculated either to overturn something, or to set it in motion; hence 1) attack, onset: “sudden p. gives them the overthrow,” Caes. V, 2, 5. “this p. will cheer me ever, or disseat me now,” Mcb. V, 3, 20. to stand the p. of == to expose one's self to, to face: “stand the p. of every beardless vain comparative,” H4A III, 2, 66. “I stand the p. of your one thing that you will tell,” H4B II, 2, 40. “to stand the p. and enmity of those this quarrel would excite,” Troil. II, 2, 137.
2) an impulse given, a setting in motion: “lest they desire upon this p. to trouble your joys with like relation,” Wint. V, 3, 129. “we'll put the matter to the present p.” Hml. V, 1, 318 (== let us push on the matter immediately, let us immediately go to work).*