'To be on edge' definitions:

Definition of 'To be on edge'

From: GCIDE
  • Edge \Edge\ ([e^]j), n. [OE. eg, egge, AS. ecg; akin to OHG. ekka, G. ecke, Icel. & Sw. egg, Dan. eg, and to L. acies, Gr. 'akh` point, Skr. a[,c]ri edge. [root]1. Cf. Egg, v. t., Eager, Ear spike of corn, Acute.]
  • 1. The thin cutting side of the blade of an instrument; as, the edge of an ax, knife, sword, or scythe. Hence, (figuratively), That which cuts as an edge does, or wounds deeply, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • He which hath the sharp sword with two edges. --Rev. ii. 12. [1913 Webster]
  • Slander, Whose edge is sharper than the sword. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any sharp terminating border; a margin; a brink; extreme verge; as, the edge of a table, a precipice. [1913 Webster]
  • Upon the edge of yonder coppice. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge Of battle. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Pursue even to the very edge of destruction. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Sharpness; readiness or fitness to cut; keenness; intenseness of desire. [1913 Webster]
  • The full edge of our indignation. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • Death and persecution lose all the ill that they can have, if we do not set an edge upon them by our fears and by our vices. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The border or part adjacent to the line of division; the beginning or early part; as, in the edge of evening. "On the edge of winter." --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Edge joint (Carp.), a joint formed by two edges making a corner.
  • Edge mill, a crushing or grinding mill in which stones roll around on their edges, on a level circular bed; -- used for ore, and as an oil mill. Called also Chilian mill.
  • Edge molding (Arch.), a molding whose section is made up of two curves meeting in an angle.
  • Edge plane. (a) (Carp.) A plane for edging boards. (b) (Shoemaking) A plane for edging soles.
  • Edge play, a kind of swordplay in which backswords or cutlasses are used, and the edge, rather than the point, is employed.
  • Edge rail. (Railroad) (a) A rail set on edge; -- applied to a rail of more depth than width. (b) A guard rail by the side of the main rail at a switch. --Knight.
  • Edge railway, a railway having the rails set on edge.
  • Edge stone, a curbstone.
  • Edge tool. (a) Any tool or instrument having a sharp edge intended for cutting. (b) A tool for forming or dressing an edge; an edging tool.
  • To be on edge, (a) to be eager, impatient, or anxious. (b) to be irritable or nervous.
  • on edge, (a) See to be on edge. (b) See to set the teeth on edge.
  • To set the teeth on edge, (a) to cause a disagreeable tingling sensation in the teeth, as by bringing acids into contact with them. [archaic] --Bacon. (b) to produce a disagreeable or unpleasant sensation; to annoy or repel; -- often used of sounds; as, the screeching of of the subway train wheels sets my teeth on edge. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Words containing 'To be on edge'