con

I

[[t]kɒn[/t]]

adv.

1) against a proposition, opinion, etc.:

arguments pro and con[/ex]

2) the argument, position, arguer, or voter against something

Compare pro I

•

Etymology: 1575–85; short for L contrā in opposition II

con

[[t]kɒn[/t]] v. t. conned, con•ning

1) to peruse or examine carefully; study

2) to commit to memory; learn

•

Etymology: bef. 1000; ME cunnen, OE cunnan, var. of can I in sense “become acquainted with” III

con or conn

[[t]kɒn[/t]] v. conned, con•ning, n.

1) naut. navig. to direct the steering of (a ship)

2) naut. navig. bui the station of the person who cons a ship

•

Etymology: 1350–1400; earlier cond, apocopated var. of ME condie, condue < MF cond(u)ire < L condūcere to conduct IV

con

[[t]kɒn[/t]] adj. v. conned, con•ning, n.

1) inf involving abuse of confidence; deceitfully manipulative:

a con trick[/ex]

2) inf to swindle; trick

3) inf to persuade by deception, cajolery, etc

4) cvb inf a confidence game or swindle

5) cvb inf a lie, exaggeration, or glib self-serving talk

•

Etymology: 1895–1900, amer.; by shortening of confidence V

con

[[t]kɒn[/t]] n.

sts Informal. a convict

•

Etymology: 1715–25; by shortening