Revised 2018
† zeal-blindadjective
Factsheet
What does the adjective zeal-blind mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective zeal-blind. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is last recorded around the 1890s.
Where does the adjective zeal-blind come from?
Earliest known use
early 1600s
The earliest known use of the adjective zeal-blind is in the early 1600s.
OED's earliest evidence for zeal-blind is from 1615, in a text by Thomas Overbury, courtier and author, et al.
Nearby entries
- ze, pron.1864–
- zea, n.1562–
- zeagonite, n.1823–
- zeal, n.a1382–
- zeal, v.1542–1687
- Zealander, n.¹1663–
- Zealander, n.²1773–
- Zealandic, adj.1807–
- Zealandish, adj.1684–
- zealator, n.a1464–
- zeal-blind, adj.1615–1898
- zeal-consuming, adj.1629–1882
- zealed, adj.1679–1903
- zealer, n.?a1450–1673
- zealful, adj.1602–
- zeal-inflamed, adj.1648–
- zealing, adj.1459–1602
- zealist, n.1614–
- zealless, adj.a1594–
- zealot, n. & adj.a1400–
- zealotic, adj.1657–
Meaning & use
Obsolete.
- 1615–1898That has been deprived of discernment or mental perception as a result of (excessive) enthusiasm or zeal; (also) characterized by this.
- 1615
The hooke and crooke of his zeale-blind Shepheard.
T. Overbury et al., New & Choise Characters with Wife (6th impr.) sig. I3 - 1764
Then rais'd almost to wrath, condemns the crimes Of Cromwell's zeal-blind days, and Charles's giddy times.
B. Martin, Miscellaneous Correspondence vol. IV. 901/2 - 1898
Across the desert in the broiling sun a zeal-blind pénitente is dragging a cross.
C. Warman, Story of Railroad viii. 91
the world action or operation manner of action carelessness incautiousness [adjectives] rash or reckless- recklessOld English–Heedless of or indifferent to the consequences of one's actions; lacking in prudence or caution; willing or liable to take risks; rash…
- redmodOld English–1225Rash, quick to anger.
- unreckless?c1225Reckless, heedless. Cf. un-, prefix¹ affix 10a. Obsolete.
- hastivec1300–1525Characterized by excessive speed or urgency; rash; = hasty, adj. A.4.
- racklec1300–Of a person: rash, impetuous, reckless; rough, crude. Also: sturdy in old age.
- testyc1374–1658Of headstrong courage; impetuous; precipitate, rash; in later use (passing into the next sense), Aggressive, contentious. Obsolete.
- rabbisha1387–1513Unruly; inconsiderate, rash or impetuous.
- temeraryc1410–1650Rash, reckless; = temerarious, adj. 1.
- temerous1461–Rash, foolhardy; = temerarious, adj. 1.
- rash1509Hasty, impetuous; acting or speaking without due consideration or regard for consequences; reckless, thoughtless, foolhardy.
- temerarious1532–Characterized by temerity; unreasonably adventurous; reckless, heedless, rash.
- hare-brained1548–Having or showing no more ‘brains’ or sense than a hare; heedless, reckless; rash, wild, mad. Of persons, their actions, etc.
- temerarec1550–81= temerarious, adj. 1.
- hare-brain1566–attributive or adj.= hare-brained, adj.
- hot-spurred1573–= hotspur, adj.
- overrash1577–Too rash; excessively rash.
- hotspur1586–Of a fiery temperament; hasty, rash.
- madcap1591–Mad, crazy; idiotic, wildly impulsive or extravagant; bizarre, zany.
- wretchless1598–Of persons: Heedless, careless, imprudent; = reckless, adj.
- Phaetontic1608–1853Of or relating to Phaethon; = Phaetonic, adj.
- zeal-blind1615–1898That has been deprived of discernment or mental perception as a result of (excessive) enthusiasm or zeal; (also) characterized by this.
- Phaetontal1617Of or relating to Phaethon; = Phaetonic, adj.
- unresponsable1619–72= unresponsible, adj. (in various senses).
- Phaetontical1630–94= Phaetonic, adj.
- phaetonicala1640
- Phaetonic1708–
- hell-bent1731–Usually in predicative use, with on, upon, or infinitive. Determined to achieve something at all costs; passionately or recklessly intent. Cf. bend…
- harum-scarum1751–Reckless, careless, heedless in action; wild rash. (Of persons and their actions.)
- unresponsible1764–Originally: that cannot be relied on; unreliable. Later more usually: reckless, imprudent, irresponsible.
- suicidal1768–Esp. of a course of action: disastrously damaging to oneself or one's interests; dangerous and ill-advised.
- rumgumptious1781–Strong-willed, headstrong; quarrelsome.
- shy1787–dialect. Of a horse: Skittish, unmanageable; high-mettled. Hence (?) of persons (see quot. 1852).
- devil-may-care1799–Cheerfully reckless; carefree.
- bullheaded1818–Having a massive head, broadheaded; figurative blindly impetuous, blockheaded.
- devil-may-carish1825–Characterized by a devil-may-care attitude; cheerfully reckless.
- temeritous1892–Full of temerity; rash.
- kamikaze1952–figurative and in extended use. Reckless, dangerous; hazardous and potentially self-destructive.
- bombs away1957–Of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to act in a brusque or forthright manner without much thought; impulsive, reckless, hot-headed…