First published 1921; not fully revised
† Z'lifenoun
Factsheet
What does the noun Z'life mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun Z'life. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the late 1600s.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
Where does the noun Z'life come from?
Earliest known use
late 1600s
The only known use of the noun Z'life is in the late 1600s.
OED's only evidence for Z'life is from 1689, in the writing of Nathaniel Lee, playwright and poet.
Nearby entries
- zizany, n.a1400–1803
- zizel, n.1775–
- zizypha, n.1546–1775
- zizyphus, n.?1440–
- zizz, v.1883–
- zizz, int. & n.1824–
- zizzing, n.1884–
- zizzing, adj.1919–
- zizzy, adj.1843–
- Zlid, n.1616–1785
- Z'life, n.1689
- Z line, n.1916–
- Z-list, n. & adj.1979–
- Z-lister, n.1999–
- zloty, n.1915–
- Zn, n.1814–
- -zoa, comb. form
- -zoan, comb. form
- zoantharian, adj. & n.1887–
- zoanthid, n.1870–
- zoanthidan, adj.1888–
Etymology
Euphemistic alteration of God's life (see god n. & int. Phrases P.3b.i, and compare Uds n.).Compare 'Z adj.
Meaning & use
Obsolete.
- 1689= God's life.
- 1689
Z'life I am as weary of mine, as a Modish Lady of her old Cloaths.
N. Lee, Princess of Cleve ii. ii. 19
- (God's) my lifekins1600–68(God's) my lifekins: (in oaths and asseverations) = by my life at life, n. phrases P.7a. See also Cod, n.⁴
- Od's lifelingsa1616–1893Od's lifelings: (in oaths and asseverations) = (God's) lifelikins at lifelikins, n.
- 'Slife1654–= God's life at life, n. phrases P.7b, used as a petty oath or exclamation.
- od's life1681–
- Gads my life1689–With contraction of save (cf. save, v. phrases P.2c), as Gads me (also Gads my life): ‘(may) God save me’, ‘(may) God save my life’. Used to affirm…
- Z'life1689= God's life.