The AI-powered English dictionary
not comparable
(idiomatic) Used to add emphasis to a question or statement. quotations examples
VVhat is he an honeſt man? the deuill he is, he is the Parſon of the Towne,You thinke ther’s no knauerie hid vnder a black gowne,Find him in a pulpit but twiſe in the yeare,And Ile find him fortie times in the ale-houſe taſting ſtrong beare.
1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], Act I
“Brother,” said she, “whatever message Mr Blifil thinks proper to send to my niece shall be delivered to her; and I suppose she will want no instructions to make a proper answer. I am convinced she will not refuse to see Mr Blifil at a proper time.”—“The devil she won’t!” answered the squire.
1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
uncountable
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see the, devil. examples