Definition of "fellow"
fellow1
noun
plural fellows
(chiefly in the plural, also figuratively) A companion; a comrade.
Quotations
But now vnderſtand you, that the kingdome of God is communicated vntoo you by our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, bycauſe he hath purchaced it for you, and made you his brethren and fellowes.
1577, Iohn Calvin, “The .XXXIIII. Sermon, which is the Second vppon the Fifth Chapter”, in Arthur Golding, transl., The Sermons of M. Iohn Calvin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the Ephesians. […], London: […] Lucas Harison, and George Byshop, folio 245, verso
[W]e are Fellovves ſtill, / Seruing alike in ſorrovv: […]
c. 1605–1608, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Tymon of Athens”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene ii], page 90, column 1
Rich-men adore their Gold: whoſo aſpires / To lift to Heav'n his ſight and Soules Deſires, / He muſt be Poor (at leaſt-vviſe like the Poor). / Riches and Fear are fellovvs euer-more.
1608, [Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas], “[Du Bartas His Second VVeeke, […].David. […].] The Magnificence. The Second Booke of the Fourth Day of the Second Week, of Bartas.”, in Josuah Sylvester, transl., Du Bartas His Deuine Weekes and Workes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Humfrey Lownes [and are to be sold by Arthur Iohnson […]], published 1611, pages 559–560
The kings daughter is all glorious vvithin: her clothing is of vvrought gold. She ſhall be brought unto the king in raiment of needle-vvork: the virgins that be her fellovvs ſhall bear her company, and ſhall be brought unto thee.
1662, Thomas Cranmer [et al.], compilers, “The Psalmes of DAVID, of the Old Translation, Pointed as They Shall be Said or Sung in Churches. [Psal[m] 45.]”, in The Book of Common-Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, […], London: […] John Bill, and Christopher Barker, […], column 1
[T]he Natives quarrelling vvith their Men, upon ſome Rudeneſs offer'd to their VVomen; and they being ſeparated from their Fellovvs, vvere oblig'd to fly, […]
1725, [Daniel Defoe], “Part I”, in A New Voyage Round the World, by a Course Never Sailed before. […], London: […] A[rthur] Bettesworth, […]; and W. Mears, […], page 70
[T]his dead fellow had been misused by Rothsay and his fellows, who were in the street in mask and revel, stopping men and women, compelling them to dance, or to drink huge quantities of wine, with other follies needless to recount; […]
1828 May 15, [Walter Scott], chapter IX, in Chronicles of the Canongate. Second Series. […] (The Fair Maid of Perth), volume II, Edinburgh: […] [Ballantyne and Co.] for Cadell and Co.; London: Simpkin and Marshall, page 253
When you style them, you of the little wit, / Old Master this and Early the other, / Not dreaming that Old and New are fellows, / That a younger succeeds to an elder brother, / Da Vincis derive in good time from Dellos.
1855, Robert Browning, “Old Pictures in Florence”, in Men and Women […], volume II, London: Chapman and Hall, […], stanza 8, page 34
Carried somehow, somewhither, for some reason, on these surging floods, were these travelers, of errand not wholly obvious to their fellows, yet of such sort as to call into query alike the nature of their errand and their own relations.
1910, Emerson Hough, “The Gateway, and Some Who Passed”, in The Purchase Price: Or The Cause of Compromise, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, page 29
(chiefly in the plural) An animal which is a member of a breed or species, or a flock, herd, etc.
Quotations
But as ſome of the Oxen in driving, miſſed their fellovvs behind and honing after them, bellovved as their nature is: Hercules chanced to heare them lovv again, and anſvver from out of the cave vvherein they had been beſtovved: vvhereat he turned back, and made haſte thither.
1659, T[itus] Livius [i.e., Livy], “[Book I]”, in Philemon Holland, transl., The Romane Historie […], London: […] W. Hunt, for George Sawbridge, […], page 6
A Certain Shepherd had One Favourite-Dog, that he had a Particular Confidence in above all the reſt. He fed him vvith his Ovvn hand, and took more Care of him, in ſhort, then of any of his Fellovvs.
1692, Roger L’Estrange, “[The Fables of Abstemius, &c.] Fab[le] CCCXXX. A Sheep-biter Hang’d.”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], page 287
(chiefly in the plural) An object which is associated with another object; especially, as part of a set.
Quotations
The great cannon of Mahomet has been ſeparately noticed; an important and viſible object in the hiſtory of the times: but that enormous engine was flanked by two fellows [i.e., cannons] almoſt of equal magnitude: […]
1788, Edward Gibbon, chapter LXVII, in The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, volume VI, London: […] W[illiam] Strahan; and T[homas] Cadell, […], page 485
(also attributively) A person or thing comparable in characteristics with another person or thing; especially, as belonging to the same class or group.
Quotations
He that ſhall die there, although his death will be unnatural, and his pain perhaps great, he will yet have the better of his fellow; not only becauſe he will be arrived at the Cœleſtial City ſooneſt, but becauſe he will eſcape many miſeries that the other will meet with in the reſt of his journey.
1680, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: , pages 85–86
It is now some five years since I conceived the idea of writing a history of my fellow-countrymen in Australasia, but it was only within the last year or two that I could find sufficient time to make any material progress with the undertaking, although I had been collecting the materials for some period in advance.
1887, James Francis Hogan, “Preface”, in The Irish in Australia, London: Ward & Downey, […]
There are journalists who work for a low rate of pay, just as there are poor women who take in needlework at a cheaper rate than their fellows, and they are alike making life more difficult for other women.
1901 July, Mrs. Arthur Lyttelton [i.e., Kathleen Lyttelton], “Professions”, in Women and Their Work, London: Methuen & Co. […], page 112
An important part of treating others as independent persons involves respecting them as autonomous deliberators, who can reason for themselves how to act. Yet our imagined neighbor is insensitive to the need to engage her fellows in this way. She does not offer them any reasons that might lead them to share her point of view about what justice requires, nor does she inquire into, or respond to, their reasons for not sharing it.
2019, Anna Stilz, “Legitimacy and Self-determination”, in Territorial Sovereignty: A Philosophical Exploration, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, part II (Self-determination), page 99
(chiefly in the negative) A person with abilities, achievements, skills, etc., equal to those of another person; a thing with characteristics, worth, etc., equal to those of another thing.
Quotations
[I]n reaſonynge, and debatynge of matters what by his naturall witte, & what by daylye exerciſe, ſuerlye he hadde fewe fellowes.
1551, Thomas More, “The Fyrste Boke of the Communycacion of Raphaell Hythlodaye Concernynge the Best State of a Commen Wealthe”, in Raphe Robynson [i.e., Ralph Robinson], transl., A Fruteful, and Pleasaunt Worke of the Best State of a Publyque Weale, and of the Newe Yle Called Utopia: […], London: […] [Steven Mierdman for] Abraham Vele, […], signatures B.i., verso – B.ii., recto
But I am conſtant as the Northerne Starre, / Of vvhoſe true fixt, and reſting quality, / There is no fellovv in the Firmament.
1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene i], page 119, column 1
Macb[eth]. 'Tvvas a rough Night. / Len[n]ox. My young remembrance cannot paralell / A fellovv to it.
c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene iii], page 137, column 2
There happen'd lately ſo terrible an Uproar, and Diſorder in Hell, that (though it be a place of perpetual Outrage, and Confuſion) the oldeſt Devil there never knevv the Fellovv of it; and the Inhabitants expected nothing leſs then an abſolute Topſy-Turvy, and Diſſolution of their Empire.
1667, Francisco de Quevedo Villegas, “The Seventh Vision of Hell Reform’d”, in R[oger] L[’Estrange], transl., The Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo Villegas, […], London: […] H[enry] Herringman […], page 258
Put your finger into every bottle to feel whether it be full, which is the surest way, for feeling has no fellow.
1731 (date written, published 1745), Jonathan Swift, “[Directions to Servants.] Chapter I (Directions to the Butler).”, in Thomas Sheridan and John Nichols, editors, The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, […], new edition, volume XVI, London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], published 1801, page 122
And here are four other Shifts, one the Fellovv to that I have on; another pretty good one, and the other tvvo old fine ones, that vvill ſerve me to turn and vvind vvith at home, for they are not vvorth leaving behind me; […]
1741, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter XXVIII”, in Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded. […], 3rd edition, volume I, London: […] C[harles] Rivington, […]; and J. Osborn, […], page 96
[T]his ſerves to inform you, that Mr. Jennings is gone, and Mr. Keypſtick will never meet with his fellow.
1751, [Tobias] Smollett, “Peregrine is Sent to a Boarding-school, Becomes Remarkable for His Genius and Ambition”, in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], page 36
(chiefly in the plural) One in the same condition, or situation of need, as another.
Quotations
[I]rrationall creatures cannot diſtinguiſh betvveene Injury, and Dammage; and therefore as long as they be at eaſe, they are not offended vvith their fellovves: […]
1651, Thomas Hobbes, “Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a Common-wealth”, in Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civill, London: […] [William Wilson] for Andrew Crooke, […], 2nd part (Of Common-wealth), page 87
And oft I wiſh, amidſt the ſcene, to find / Some ſpot to real happineſs conſign'd, / Where my worn ſoul, each wand'ring hope at reſt, / May gather bliſs to ſee my fellows bleſt.
1764 December 19 (indicated as 1765), Oliver Goldsmith, The Traveller, or A Prospect of Society. A Poem. […], London: […] J[ohn] Newbery, […], page 4
(archaic, chiefly in the plural)
An equal in character, power, rank, etc.; a peer.
Quotations
Are yet tvvo Romans liuing ſuch as theſe? / The laſt of all the Romans, far thee vvell: / It is impoſſible, that euer Rome / Should breed thy fellovv.
1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene iii], page 129, column 1
[C]hieftaine of the reſt / I choſe him heere, the earth ſhall him allovv, / His fellovves late, ſhall be his ſubiects novv.
1600, [Torquato Tasso], “The First Booke of Godfrey of Bulloigne”, in Edward Fairefax [i.e., Edward Fairfax], transl., Godfrey of Bulloigne, or The Recouerie of Ierusalem. […], London: […] Ar[nold] Hatfield, for I[saac] Iaggard and M[atthew] Lownes, stanza 12, page 3
Often in the form Fellow: academic senses.
Originally, one of a group of academics who make up a college or similar educational institution; now, a senior member of a college or similar educational institution involved in teaching, research, and management of the institution.
Quotations
In the Parliament now sitting at Westminster, (in whose parallel Convocation nothing of consequence,) the most remarkable thing enacted was the Act made to enable the Provost and Fellows of Chelsea College to dig a trench out of the river Lea; […]The spelling has been modernized.
1655, Thomas Fuller, “Section II. To Matthew Gillye, Esquire.”, in James Nichols, editor, The Church History of Britain, […], new edition, volume III, London: […] [James Nichols] for Thomas Tegg and Son, […], published 1837, book X, subsection 19–24 (An Act for Chelsea College. […]), page 235
The fellows [of Magdalene College, Cambridge] were, by the statutes which their founder had drawn up, empowered to select their own president from among persons who were, or had been, fellows either of their society or of New College.
1849, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter VIII, in The History of England from the Accession of James II, volume II, London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, page 289
A (senior) member of a learned or professional society.
Quotations
I was now chosen (and nominated by his Majestie for one of ye Council) by suffrage of the rest of ye Members, a Fellow of ye Philosophic Society now meeting at Gresham College, where was an assembly of divers learning gentlemen.
1661 January 16 (Gregorian calendar), John Evelyn, “”, in William Bray, editor, Memoirs, Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, […], 2nd edition, volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […]; and sold by John and Arthur Arch, […], published 1819, page 329
(Canada, US) A physician undergoing a fellowship (supervised subspecialty medical training) after having completed a residency (specialty training program).
(informal) A male person; a bloke, a chap, a guy, a man; also, preceded by a modifying word, sometimes with a sense of mild reproach: used as a familiar term of address to a man.
Quotations
Looke in thy laſt vvorke, vvhere thou haſt fegin'd[sic – meaning feign'd] him a vvorthy Fellovv.
c. 1605–1608, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Tymon of Athens”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene i], page 82, column 1
[H]ovv happy ſhall vve be, if each of vs ſhal haue God to go vvith him! Certainely (my deare fellovves) vve ſhall neuer complaine of the vvant of Maiſters, of friends, vvhile vve finde our ſelues ſure of him; nothing can make vs miſerable vvhile vve are furniſhed vvith him.
1612 (date written), Jos[eph] Hall, “A Farewell Sermon, Preacht to the Family of Prince Henry, upon the Day of Their Dissolution at St. Iames”, in A Recollection of Such Treatises as Haue Bene heretofore Seuerally Published and are Nowe Reuised, Corrected, Augmented. […], London: […] [Humfrey Lownes] for Arthur Iohnson, Samuel Macham and Laurence Lisle, published 1615, page 687
He is the Son of one Sayvvell, he dvvelt in Prating-rovv; and he is knovvn of all that are acquainted with him, by the name of Talkative in Prating-rovv; and notvvithſtanding his fine tongue, he is but a ſorry fellovv.
1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: […], London: […] Nath[aniel] Ponder […]; reprinted in The Pilgrim’s Progress (The Noel Douglas Replicas), London: Noel Douglas, […], 1928, page 105
He is the Son of one Sayvvell, he dvvelt in Prating-rovv; and he is knovvn of all that are acquainted with him, by the name of Talkative in Prating-rovv; and notvvithſtanding his fine tongue, he is but a ſorry fellovv.
1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: […], London: […] Nath[aniel] Ponder […]; reprinted in The Pilgrim’s Progress (The Noel Douglas Replicas), London: Noel Douglas, […], 1928, page 105
I am an old fellow, and extremely troubled with the gout; but having always a strong vanity towards being pleasing in the eyes of women, I never have a moment's ease, but I am mounted in high-heeled shoes, with a glazed wax-leather instep.
1711 May 6 (Gregorian calendar), [Richard Steele], “WEDNESDAY, April 25, 1711”, in The Spectator, number 48; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, page 312
[Y]ou don't knovv vvhat a Devil of a Fellovv he is. He can take me up vvith one Hand, and throvv me out at VVindow, […]
1749, Henry Fielding, “Containing a Remark or Two of Our Own, and Many More of the Good Company Assembled in the Kitchin”, in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume IV, London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], book XII, page 240
Thus, I have obſerv'd, that, amongſt the French, the firſt Queſtions, with regard to a Stranger, are, Is he polite? Has he Wit? In our own Country, the chief Praiſe beſtow'd is always that of a good-natur'd, ſenſible Fellow.
1751, David Hume, “Section VIII. Of Qualities Immediately Agreeable to Others.”, in An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […], page 163
"A merry Christmas, Bob!" said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. "A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you, for many a year! […]"
1843 December 19, Charles Dickens, “(please specify the page number)”, in A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, London: Chapman & Hall, […], pages 163–164
["For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"] For he's a jolly good fellow! / For he's a jolly good fellow!! / For he's a jolly good f-e-e-ell-ow!!! / Which nobody can deny!
1853, Cuthbert Bede [pseudonym; Edward Bradley], “Mr. Verdant Green’s Morning Reflections are Not so Pleasant as His Evening Diversions”, in The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green, an Oxford Freshman, London: Nathaniel Cooke, (late Ingram, Cooke, and Co.) […], page 70
"Don't think about it, old fellow; that's your best plan." / "But I can't think of any thing else," said Tom. "What the deuce is the good of telling a fellow not to think about it?"
1859–1861, [Thomas Hughes], “The First Bump”, in Tom Brown at Oxford: […], (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Ticknor and Fields, published 1861, page 207
"There'll be about ten girls," speculated Rollo, as he drove to the function, "and I suppose four fellows, unless the Wrotsleys bring their cousin, which Heaven forbid. That would mean Jack and me agains three of them."
1910, Saki [pseudonym; Hector Hugh Munro], “The Strategist”, in Reginald in Russia and Other Sketches, London: Methuen & Co. […], page 85
By the way, Hopkins, let this go no further. We don't want the tale running round that a rich person has arrived. Churchill, my dear fellow, we have such greedy sharks, and wolves in lamb's clothing.
1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter XII, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, page 85
(rare) Usually qualified by an adjective or used in the plural: an individual or person regardless of gender.
Quotations
[H]e would sometimes reward her with a hearty slap on the back, and protest that she was a devilish good fellow, a jolly dog, and so forth; all of which compliments Miss Sally would receive in entire good part and with perfect satisfaction.
1840 April – 1841 November, Charles Dickens, “Chapter the Thirty-fifth”, in The Old Curiosity Shop. A Tale. […], volume I, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1841, page 298
The cut of her dress from the waist upward, both before and behind, made her figure very like a boy's kite; and I might have pronounced her gown a little too decidedly-orange, and her gloves a little too intensely green. But she seemed to be a good sort of fellow, and showed a high regard for the Aged.
1860 December – 1861 August, Charles Dickens, chapter XVII, in Great Expectations […], volume II, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published October 1861, page 287
Lucy, you are an honest-hearted girl, I know. I should not be here speaking to you as I am now if I did not believe you clean grit, right through to the very depths of your soul. Tell me, like one good fellow to another, is there any one else that you care for?
1897, Bram Stoker, chapter V, in Dracula, New York, N.Y.: Modern Library, page 64
Not that the girl on the couch, with closed eyes, was unrefined. But there was a wholesome air of good health about her that caused one to think of a "jolly good fellow," rather than a girl who needed to be helped on and off trolley cars.
1915, Laura Lee Hope [pseudonym], “The Great Marine Film”, in The Moving Picture Girls at Sea: Or A Pictured Shipwreck that Became Real, Cleveland, Oh., New York, N.Y.: The World Syndicate Publishing Co., page 3
I had been studying the strange girl. […] / "What kind fellow this Mary?" I asked him. / Johnny Gorai shook his beflowered head vigorously. At the same time a crafty gleam crept into his faded eyes. / "What for Johnny Gorai know 'em good fellow Mary?" he asked in the bêche de mer which passed with him for English. / "Don't lie to me," I said. "You know 'em this fellow woman—or you've heard of her. Who is she?"
1919 February 10, H[arold] A[lbert] Lamb, “Call of the Caribbean”, in People’s Favorite Magazine, volume XXIX, number 4, New York, N.Y.: Street & Smith Corporation, chapter VI, page 97, column 2
(by extension, often humorous or ironic) An animal or object.
Quotations
In short, this fellow (laying his hand on his purse) who, thou knowest, father, was somewhat lank and low in condition when I set out four months since, is now as round and full as a six-weeks' porker.
1828 May 15, [Walter Scott], chapter II, in Chronicles of the Canongate. Second Series. […] (The Fair Maid of Perth), volume I, Edinburgh: […] [Ballantyne and Co.] for Cadell and Co.; London: Simpkin and Marshall, page 55
So I took the gun and went up a piece into the woods and was hunting around for some birds, when I see a wild pig; hogs soon went wild in them bottoms after they had got away from the prairie farms. I shot this fellow and took him into camp.
1884 December 10, Mark Twain [pseudonym; Samuel Langhorne Clemens], chapter VII, in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade) […], London: Chatto & Windus, […], pages 51–52
(archaic)
One of a pair of things suited to each other or used together; a counterpart, a mate.
Quotations
I vvalk'd about on the Shore, […] reflecting upon all my Comrades that vvere drovvn'd, […] I never ſavv them aftervvards, or any Sign of them, except three of their Hats, one Cap, and tvvo Shoes that vvere not Fellovvs.
1719 May 6 (Gregorian calendar), [Daniel Defoe], The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, […], 3rd edition, London: […] W[illiam] Taylor […], published 1719, page 53
(obsolete) , a person's partner (of either sex) in life or marriage; a spouse; also, the mate of an animal; now (dated), a person's male lover or partner; a boyfriend; a husband.
Quotations
[N]ovv vvhen they be but heyfers of one year, or tvvo years at the moſt (vvhich is more tollerable) they are let goe to the fellovv and breed.
1601, C[aius] Plinius Secundus [i.e., Pliny the Elder], “[Book VIII.] Of Buls, Kine, and Oxen.”, in Philemon Holland, transl., The Historie of the World. Commonly Called, The Naturall Historie of C. Plinius Secundus. […], 1st tome, London: […] Adam Islip, published 1635, page 224
I am your vvife, if you vvill marrie me; / If not, Ile die your maid: to be your fellovv / You may denie me, but Ile be your ſeruant / VVhether you vvill or no.
1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene i], page 11, column 2
(Australian Aboriginal) Alternative form of fella (“used as a general intensifier”)
(obsolete)
Quotations
Time, and Heat, are Fellovves in many Effects. Heat drieth Bodies, that doe eaſily expire; As Parchment, Leaues, Roots, Clay, &c. And, ſo doth Time or Age arefie; […]
1631, Francis [Bacon], “III. Century. [Experiment Solitary Touching the Like Operations of Heat, and Time.]”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], paragraph 294, page 76
(specifically, also figuratively) An associate in the commission of a crime or other wrongful act; an accomplice.
Quotations
For certaine / Either ſome one like us night founder'd here, / Or elſe ſome neighbour vvood man, or at worſt / Some roaving robber calling to his fellovvs.
1634 October 9 (first performance), [John Milton], edited by H[enry] Lawes, A Maske Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634: […], London: […] [Augustine Matthews] for Hvmphrey Robinson, […], published 1637; reprinted as Comus: […] (Dodd, Mead & Company’s Facsimile Reprints of Rare Books; Literature Series; no. I), New York, N.Y.: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1903, page 17
A close companion or friend; also, a companion or friend whom one eats or drinks with.
Quotations
If thou be for his profit, he vſeth the: but yf thou haue nothinge, he ſhal forſake the. As longe as thou haſt eny thinge of thine owne, he ſhal be a good felowe with the: Yee he ſhal make the a bare man, and not be ſory for it.
1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg: Eucharius Cervicornus and J. Soter?], xiij:[4–5], folio xliij, recto, column 2
[T]ruly for the Engliſheman to bee offended with the admixtion of Latine, or the Latine manne to miſlike the poutheryng of Greke, appereth vnto me a moche like thing, as […] one that drinketh ſingle Beere, ſhould be greued with his next feloe, for drinking ale or wine.
1564 February, Nicolas Udall [i.e., Nicholas Udall], “Nicolas Vdall vnto the Gentle and Honeste Harted Readers Well to Fare”, in Erasmus, translated by Nicolas Udall, Apophthegmes, that is to Saie, Prompte, Quicke, Wittie and Sentẽcious Saiynges, […], London: […] Ihon Kingston
Followed by of: one who participates in an activity; a participant.
Quotations
For behold me, / A Fellovv of the Royall Bed, vvhich ovve / A Moitie of the Throne: […]
c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene ii], page 286, column 2
A man without good breeding or of lower social status; a common or ignoble man; also, used as a polite term of address to such a person.
Quotations
Gramercie fellovv: there, drinke that for me. Throvves him his Purſe.
c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene ii], page 188, column 2
Thou fellovv, a vvorde. / VVho gaue thee this letter?
c. 1595–1596 (date written), W. Shakespere [i.e., William Shakespeare], A Pleasant Conceited Comedie Called, Loues Labors Lost. […] (First Quarto), London: […] W[illiam] W[hite] for Cut[h]bert Burby, published 1598; republished as Shakspere’s Loves Labours Lost (Shakspere-Quarto Facsimiles; no. 5), London: W[illiam] Griggs, […], [Act IV, scene i]
Quotations
But before al of them were assembled to begin their sports, there came a fellow, who being out of breath (or seeming so to be for haste) with humble hastines told Basilius, that his Mistres, the Lady Cecropia, had sent him to excuse the mischance of her beastes ranging in that dãgerous sort, being happened by the folly of the keeper; […]
c. 1580 (date written), Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “[The First Booke] Chapter 19”, in Fulke Greville, Matthew Gwinne, and John Florio, editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590; republished in Albert Feuillerat, editor, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia (Cambridge English Classics: The Complete Works of Sir Philip Sidney; I), Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: University Press, 1912, page 125
(derogatory) A worthless person; a churl, a knave; also, used as a term of address to a person regarded as such.
Quotations
Iff I were a fleſhly felowe, and a preacher of lyes and tolde them that they might ſyt bebbinge and bollynge, and be droncken: O that were a prophet for this people.
1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg: Eucharius Cervicornus and J. Soter?], Micheas [Micah] ij:, folio xcij, verso, column 2
And vvho doth lead them but a paltrey fellovv? / Long kept in Brittaine at our mothers coſt, / A milkeſopt, one that neuer in his life / Felt ſo much colde as ouer ſhooes in ſnovv: […]
c. 1593 (date written), [William Shakespeare], The Tragedy of King Richard the Third. […] (First Quarto), London: […] Valentine Sims [and Peter Short] for Andrew Wise, […], published 1597, [Act V, scene vi]
Fellovvs that ſet up for Meſſias's, only upon their ovvn Heads, vvithout pretending to any Thing ſingular or miraculous, but Impudence, and Impoſture.
1679; first published 1692, Robert South, “A Sermon Preached upon John vii. 17.”, in Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, 6th edition, volume I, London: […] J[ames] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer, […], published 1727, page 230
[…] I knovv he hath, or you, vvhom I knovv to be all Goodneſs and Honour, vvould not, after the many kind and tender Things I have heard you ſay of this poor helpleſs Child, have ſo diſdainfully called him Fellovv.
1749, Henry Fielding, “The Generous and Grateful Behaviour of Mrs. Miller”, in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume VI, London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], book XVII, page 93
"Sir," replied Mr. Pickwick in the same tone, "It is not half the insult to you, that your appearance in my presence in a green velvet jacket, with a two-inch tail, would be to me." / "Sir," said Mr. Tupman, "you're a fellow." / "Sir," said Mr. Pickwick, "you're another!"
1836 March – 1837 October, Charles Dickens, “In which is Given a Faithful Portraiture of Two Distinguished Persons; […]”, in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1837, page 150
(UK, slang) Synonym of schoolmate (“a student at the same school”)
Quotations
Adrian thought it worth while to try out his new slang. ‘I say, you fellows, here's a rum go. Old Biffo was jolly odd this morning. He gave me a lot of pi-jaw about slacking and then invited me to tea. No rotting! He did really.’
1991, Stephen Fry, chapter III, in The Liar, London: William Heinemann, page 26
fellow2
verb
third-person singular simple present fellows, present participle fellowing, simple past and past participle fellowed
(transitive)
(archaic) To address (someone) as "fellow", especially in an insulting manner (see noun sense 10.6).
Quotations
'Don't Fellovv me,' ſaid the Bailiff, 'I am as good a Fellovv as yourſelf, I believe, tho' you have that Ribbond in your Hat there.'
1751 December (indicated as 1752), Henry Fielding, “Which Inclines Rather to Satir than Panegyric”, in Amelia, volume III, London: […] [William Strahan] for A[ndrew] Millar […], book VIII, page 161
(chiefly passive voice, poetic, archaic) To equal (someone or something); also, to cause or find someone or something to be equal to (some other person or thing).
Quotations
For my part, let me rather affect and applaud the harmleſs humor of that miſ-called Saint, vvho in an indiſcreet humility called every VVoolf his brother, and every Sheep, yea, every Ant his ſiſter, fellovving himſelf vvith every thing that had life in it, as vvell as himſelf; […]
1648, J[oseph] Hall, chapter C, in Select Thoughts: Or, Choice Helps for a Pious Spirit. […], London: […] Nath[aniel] Brooke, […], published 1654, pages 294–295
(obsolete)
(also reflexive) Followed by to or with: to associate or join (oneself, someone, or something) with some other person or thing in companionship or a partnership.
Quotations
[A] man by nature is rather deſirous to fellow him ſelfe to another and ſo to liue in couple, than to adherd[sic – meaning adhere?] himſelfe with many.
1562–1565 (date written), Thomas Smyth [i.e., Thomas Smith], “The First Sort or Beginning of an House or Familie Called οἰκονομία”, in De Republica Anglorum. The Maner of Gouernement or Policie of the Realme of England, […], London: […] Henrie Midleton for Gregorie Seton, published 1583, pages 12–13
(poetic) To associate or go together with (someone or something); to become a partner of (someone or something).
Quotations
Affection? thy Intention ſtabs the Center. / Thou do'ſt make poſſible things not ſo held, / Communicat'ſt vvith Dreames (hovv can this be?) / VVith vvhat's vnreall: thou coactiue art, / And fellow'ſt nothing.Affection! Your intention stabs the heart. / You do make possible things not so held, / Communicate with dreams (how can this be?). / You are coactive with what's unreal / And associate with nothing.
c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene ii], page 278, column 2
Some fevv there vvere left all to follovv Him: / Eſteeming all to baſe to fellovv Him: / And joyfully receiv'd Him as their Lord, / Deriving their ſalvation from his VVord, […]
1628, I[oseph] F[letcher], “The Blessed Man, Setting-forth Mans Felicitie, in that His Regeneration is Procured”, in The Historie of the Perfect-Cursed-Blessed Man: […], London: […] M[iles] Flesher, […], page 57