Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Simple past tense and past participle of chivvy.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • I fancy he has himself been 'chivvied' by the hawk, as the gypsies would say. "

    The Romany Rye a sequel to "Lavengro" George Henry Borrow 1842

  • Yet the German and French governments, chivvied by the European Central Bank, do not insist that Greece service its debts at all costs as a favor to the banks.

    Why We Aren't Bashing Banks Jr. Holman W. Jenkins 2011

  • In another slight change in proceedings, last week's audition rounds showed more actual singers and far less emotionally adrift "local eccentrics" chivvied on to be heckled by 4,000 friends.

    The X Factor: Grace Dent's TV OD 2011

  • Yet the German and French governments, chivvied by the European Central Bank, do not insist that Greece service its debts at all costs as a favor to the banks.

    Why We Aren't Bashing Banks Jr. Holman W. Jenkins 2011

  • But all of that stuff has to happen in the back of my brain, which can be encouraged but will not be chivvied along.

    life was easy when it was boring matociquala 2010

  • It's all part of Nige the showman's lumpy mix of music hall, jazz club Dvorák on harmonica, anyone? and rock concert, all chivvied along with lashings of bonhomie but set within the context of fiercely disciplined music-making.

    Nigel Kennedy/ Orchestra of Life; Sir Charles Mackerras Memorial Concert; Jonas Kaufmann Stephen Pritchard 2010

  • The men's dinner came over at midday; she served them out, made sure that it was eaten, and afterwards gently chivvied the men to their beds for their rest period.

    You Don't Take Names Ajay Nair 2010

  • "And we, you," the nurse replied, and with a friendly nod, turned and chivvied her charge away to his supper and bed.

    Tran Siberian Michael J. Solender 2010

  • He disliked his schooldays, although he was a useful rugby player and remembered with deep gratitude "Joe" Craddock, a master who proved kindly under his gruff exterior, and who chivvied the boys in his German class to such effect that Judt still commanded the language more than 40 years on.

    Tony Judt obituary 2010

  • Polly tossed her head as she chivvied Ellen up the steps.

    The Dressmaker Posie Graeme-Evans 2010

Comments

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  • "...Stephen and the parson were chivvied off the poop to the quarterdeck. Five minutes later the tide of powerful cleaners dislodged them once again and they moved on to the gangway..."

    --Patrick O'Brian, The Ionian Mission, 90

    A Sea of Words: chivvy To harry, harass, trouble, worry. (143)

    February 13, 2008

  • 1 : tease or annoy with persistent petty attacks

    2 : to move or obtain by small maneuvers

    February 19, 2010