wait

[[t]weɪt[/t]]

v. i.

1) to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often fol. by for or until):

to wait for the bus[/ex]

2) (of things) to be available or in readiness:

A letter is waiting for you[/ex]

3) to remain neglected for a time:

a matter that can wait[/ex]

4) to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed:

Your vacation will have to wait[/ex]

5) to look forward to eagerly:

to wait for a chance to get even[/ex]

6) to work or serve as a waiter

7) to await:

You'll have to wait your turn[/ex]

8) to postpone or delay:

Don't wait supper for me[/ex]

9) to serve as waiter for:

to wait tables[/ex]

10) phv wait on

a) to serve food or drink to

b) to attend to the purchasing needs of (a customer) in a store

c) to be an attendant or servant for

d) to call upon or visit (a person, esp. a superior)

e) dial. to wait for (a person); await

f) phv Also, wait upon. to await (an event)

11) phv wait out, to postpone action until the end of:

to wait out a storm[/ex]

12) phv wait up

a) to postpone going to bed in anticipation of an expected person or event

b) Informal. to halt one's walking, running, etc., to allow someone to overtake one

13) an act or instance of waiting; delay

14) a period or interval of waiting

15) brit. Brit.

a) waits, (formerly) a band of musicians employed by a city or town to play music in parades, for official functions, etc

b) a street musician, esp. a singer

c) one of a band of carolers

d) a piece sung by carolers, esp. a Christmas carol

•

- lie in wait

Etymology: 1150–1200; early ME < AF waitier; OF guaitier < Gmc; cf. OHG wahtēn to watch, der. of wahta a watch (see wake I) usage: Sometimes considered objectionable in standard usage, the verb phrase wait on meaning “to wait for (a person)” is largely confined to speech. It is most common in the Midland and Southern U.S.: Let's not wait on Rachel, she's always late. wait on or upon (an event) does not have a regional pattern and occurs in a wide variety of contexts: We will wait on (or upon) his answer before making our decision.