The Well

For lessons using a well as spiritual metaphor, follow this link.

Definitions

1. 1. a. A spring of water rising to the surface of the earth and forming a small pool or flowing in a stream; a pool (or, rarely, a stream) fed by a spring. Now arch. or dial.

b. A miraculous spring of water (or oil); a spring of water supposed to be of miraculous origin or to have supernatural healing powers; also, in later use, a medicinal or mineral spring. Freq. in proper names assigning the well to a particular saint.

c. pl. A place where medicinal springs exist, to which invalids resort; a watering-place or spa.

d. Her. The representation of a stream, used as a bearing. Obs.

e. A fountain fed by a spring; a structure erected above a spring for convenience in obtaining the water; a drinking-fountain. Chiefly Sc.

• 2. transf. and fig. a. In allusive contexts directly suggestive of the nature (flowing, etc.) or uses (drinking, taking water) of a spring.

b. That from which something springs or arises; a source or origin.

c. Applied to persons regarded as a source or abundant manifestation of some quality or virtue.

d. A copious flow (of tears or blood). Also hyperbolically applied to a weeping person.

e. A whirlpool. Applied spec. to certain whirlpools in the Orkneys as a rendering of the native designation keld = ON. kelda spring. Tennyson's use may either be independent or derived from Scott.

• 3. a. A pit dug in the ground to obtain a supply of spring-water; spec. a vertical excavation, usually circular in form and lined with masonry, sunk to such a depth as to penetrate a water-bearing stratum.

b. Her. A bearing representing the stone curb or border of a well.

• 4. a. In various proverbial sayings or phrases. (See also PITCHER1 1b.)
  • b. to put (a person) in the well (see quot.). slang.

• 5. transf. a. = FONTANELLE 1a. Obs.

b. a well of a (place): like a well, as being damp and cold or deep and dark.

• 6. Naut. a. A vertical shaft protecting the pump below the lower (or upper) deck in a ship's hold. to sound the well, to ascertain, by means of a sounding-rod, the depth of water accumulated in the hold.

b. A cistern or tank in a fishing-boat, in which the catch of fish is preserved alive. Cf. WELL-BOAT 1

• 7. A shaft or pit bored or dug in the ground. In various specific applications. a. An excavation for the storage of ice.

a. A shaft sunk to obtain oil, brine, gas, etc.

b. A shaft to carry water through a retentive to a porous stratum or to a drain; a sink for sewage.

c. Engin. A hollow cylinder or shaft of masonry sunk and filled in solid to form a foundation.

• 8. a. The central open space, from roof to basement, of a winding, spiral, or elliptical staircase; the open space in which a lift operates.

b. The space on the floor of a law-court (between the Judge's bench and the last row of seats occupied by Counsel) where the solicitors sit.

c. A deep narrow space formed by the surrounding walls of a building or buildings, serving for the access of light and air.

d. = orchestra pit s.v. ORCHESTRA 4.

• 7. A shaft or pit bored or dug in the ground. In various specific applications. a. An excavation for the storage of ice.

b. Mil. = SHAFT n.3 2.

c. (See quot.)

d. A shaft sunk to obtain oil, brine, gas, etc.

e. A shaft to carry water through a retentive to a porous stratum or to a drain; a sink for sewage.

f. Engin. A hollow cylinder or shaft of masonry sunk and filled in solid to form a foundation.

• 8. a. The central open space, from roof to basement, of a winding, spiral, or elliptical staircase; the open space in which a lift operates.

b. The space on the floor of a law-court (between the Judge's bench and the last row of seats occupied by Counsel) where the solicitors sit.

c. A deep narrow space formed by the surrounding walls of a building or buildings, serving for the access of light and air.

d. = orchestra pit s.v. ORCHESTRA 4.

• 9. a. A space left, in stacking hay, to serve as a ventilating shaft. dial.

b. In Ship- and Boat-building applied to various vertical apertures: see quots.

• 10. a. A box-like receptacle in the body of a vehicle, for articles of luggage.

b. A comparatively deep receptacle at the bottom of a piece of furniture, esp. of one fitted with trays, drawers, compartments, etc.

• 11. A hole or cavity containing or to contain a liquid. In various applications. a. The water-tank at the base of a shot-tower, into which the drops of melted lead fall.

b. A cavity at the bottom of a furnace, into which the molten metal fall> A sunk receptacle for a liquid, as ink, etc.; also, an indentation or cavity in a dish, tray, etc.; spec. in Ceramics, the depressed central portion of a plate, saucer, or dish.

• 12. Physics. = potential well s.v. POTENTIAL n. 4c.