Hold (hōld), n. [D. hol hole, hollow. See Hole.] (Naut.) The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
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Hold, v. i. In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
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1. Not to move; to halt; to stop; -- mostly in the imperative.
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And damned be him that first cries, “Hold, enough!” Shak.
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2. Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
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Our force by land hath nobly held. Shak.
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3. Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.
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While our obedience holds. Milton.
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The rule holds in land as all other commodities. Locke.
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4. Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave; -- often with with, to, or for.
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He will hold to the one and despise the other. Matt. vi. 24
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5. To restrain one's self; to refrain.
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His dauntless heart would fain have held
From weeping, but his eyes rebelled. Dryden.
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6. To derive right or title; -- generally with of.
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My crown is absolute, and holds of none. Dryden.
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His imagination holds immediately from nature. Hazlitt.
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Hold on! Hold up! wait; stop; forbear. [Collog] -- To hold forth, to speak in public; to harangue; to preach. L'Estrange. -- To hold in, to restrain one's self; as, he wanted to laugh and could hardly hold in. -- To hold off, to keep at a distance. -- To hold on, to keep fast hold; to continue; to go on. “The trade held on for many years,” Swift. -- To hold out, to last; to endure; to continue; to maintain one's self; not to yield or give way. -- To hold over, to remain in office, possession, etc., beyond a certain date. -- To hold to or To hold with, to take sides with, as a person or opinion. -- To hold together, to be joined; not to separate; to remain in union. Dryden. Locke. -- To hold up. (a) To support one's self; to remain unbent or unbroken; as, to hold up under misfortunes. (b) To cease raining; to cease to stop; as, it holds up. Hudibras. (c) To keep up; not to fall behind; not to lose ground. Collier.
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