wiredrawing

1 definition found

wiredrawing - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Wiredraw \Wire"draw`\, v. t. [imp. Wiredrew; p. p.
     Wiredrawn; p. pr. & vb. n. Wiredrawing.]
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     1. To form (a piece of metal) into wire, by drawing it
        through a hole in a plate of steel.
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     2. Hence, to draw by art or violence.
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              My sense has been wiredrawn into blasphemy.
                                                    --Dryden.
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     3. Hence, also, to draw or spin out to great length and
        tenuity; as, to wiredraw an argument.
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              Such twisting, such wiredrawing, was never seen in a
              court of justice.                     --Macaulay.
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     4. (Steam Engine) To pass, or to draw off, (as steam) through
        narrow ports, or the like, thus reducing its pressure or
        force by friction.
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