vəut n. & v. --n. 1 a
formal expression of
choice or
opinion by
means of a
ballot,
show of hands,
etc.,
concerning a choice of
candidate,
approval of a
motion or
resolution, etc. (let us
take a vote on
it;
gave my vote to
the independent candidate). 2 (usu. prec. by the) the
right to vote,
esp. in a
State election. 3 a an opinion expressed by a
majority of votes. b
Brit.
money granted by a majority of votes. 4 the
collective votes
that are or
may be
given by or
for a
particular group (will
lose the
Welsh vote; the
Conservative vote increased). 5 a
ticket etc. used for
recording a vote. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by for,
against, or to + infin.)
give a vote. 2 tr. a (often foll. by that + clause)
enact or
resolve by a majority of votes. b
grant (a
sum of money) by a majority of votes. c
cause to be in a specified
position by a majority of votes (was voted
off the committee). 3 tr. colloq.
pronounce or
declare by
general consent (was voted a failure). 4 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) colloq.
announce one's
proposal (I vote that we
all go home). øput to a (or the) vote
submit to a
decision by voting. vote down
defeat (a proposal etc.) in a vote. vote in
elect by votes. vote of
censure = vote of no
confidence. vote of confidence (or no confidence) a vote
showing that the majority
support (or do
not support) the policy of the governing
body etc. vote
with one's
feet colloq.
indicate an opinion by one's
presence or
absence. voting-machine (esp. in the US) a
machine for the
automatic registering of votes. voting-paper a
paper used in voting by ballot. voting
stock stock entitling the
holder to a vote. øøvotable adj. voteless adj. [ME f.
past part. stem votof L vovere vow]
