Win

[imp. & p. p. WON (WAN, obs.); p. pr. & vb. n. WINNING.] [A-S. winnan, to strive, labor, fight, gain; Goth. vinnan, to suffer; O. Sax. winnan, to labor, obtain; O. Fries. winna, Icel. & Sw. vinna, Dan. vinde, O. H. Ger. winan, M. H. Ger., L. Ger., & D. winnen, N. H. Ger. gewinnen.]

1Sense 1. To gain by success in competition or contest; to obtain by victory over competitors or rivals; as, to win the prize in a game; to win money; to win a battle, or to win a country. “Who thus shall Canaan win.” Milton.

Thy well-breathed horse Impels the flying car, and wins the course. Dryden.

2Sense 2. To allure to kindness; to bring to compliance; to gain; to obtain.

Thy virtue won me; with virtue preserve me. Sidney.

She is a woman; therefore to be won. Shak.

3Sense 3. To gain over to one’s side or party; to obtain the favor, friendship, or support of; to render friendly or approving; as, to win an enemy; to win a jury.

4Sense 4. To come to by toil or effort; to reach; to overtake. [Obs. or local.]

Even in the porch he him did win. Spenser.

And when the stony path began, By which the naked peak they won, Up flew the snowy ptarmigan. W. Scott.

5Sense 5. To arrive; to come. [Rare.]

Without your help, I would ne’er have won near her. W. Scott.

Synonyms—To gain; get; procure; earn. See GAIN.

v. i. To gain the victory; to be successful.

*Nor is it aught but just That he, who in debate of truth hath won, Should win in arms. Milton.*

To win of, to be conqueror over. [Obs.] Shak. — To win on or upon. (a.) To gain favor or influence. “You have a softness and beneficence winning on the hearts of others.” Dryden. (b.) To gain ground. “The rabble will in time win upon power.” Shak.