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discover (2 is the most freq. S. sense; the sense ‘find out’ is not common)
1. to uncover, expose to view Mer.V. II. vii. 1 “ The several caskets,” Tw.N. II. v. 175, R3 IV. iv. 241.
2. to divulge, reveal, disclose (a thing), make known, Gent. II. i. 175 “that might her mind ,” Wiv. II. ii. 194, Ado V. i. 244, 1H6 II. v. 59, V. iv. 60, Cæs. III. i. 17 “our purpose is d-ed” ; (hence) to show, exhibit Gent. III. ii. 77, Wint. III. i. 20, Cæs. I. ii. 69.
3. to spy out, reconnoitre Err. I. i. 91 “we d-ed Two ships,” R2 II. iii. 33, Ant. IV. x. 8 “Where their appointment we may best ” ; absol. Tim. V. ii. 1.
4. to reveal the identity of, betray (a person) Lr. II. i. 68 “I threaten'd to discover him.”
5. to distinguish, discern Meas. IV. ii. 184, Cor. II. i. 47, Cæs. II. i. 75 “ them By any mark of favour.”
A Shakespeare Glossary. C. T. Onions. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1911.

This text was converted to electronic form by professional data entry and has been proofread to a high level of accuracy.

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hide References (11 total)
  • Cross-references in text-specific dictionaries from this page (11):
    • William Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra, 4.10
    • William Shakespeare, Coriolanus, 2.1
    • William Shakespeare, King Lear, 2.1
    • William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2.1
    • William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, 3.2
    • William Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors, 1.1
    • William Shakespeare, The First Part of Henry VI, 2.5
    • William Shakespeare, The First Part of Henry VI, 5.4
    • William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, 2.7
    • William Shakespeare, Richard II, 2.3
    • William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Or what you will, 2.5
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