(a) To introduce (sb. or sth.) formally or ceremonially; present (a soul to God); also, induct (sb.) into office; ~ biforen (to), present (sb.) to (sb.); also refl. present oneself; (b) to dedicate (a child to God); dedicate (an infant, a young child) in the presence of God or a pagan deity by bringing him ceremonially into the place of worship; ~ in (in-to) the tempel; (c) to come forward as a candidate, present oneself.

(a) To exhibit (sth.), offer for inspection, display; reveal (sth.); (b) to transmit (a stimulus or an impression) to the senses, sensory organs, etc., for interpretation; -- with to (unto)- phrase; (c) to present (sth.) to the mind, intelligence, etc., for reflection or consideration; -- with to- phrase.

(a) To represent (sth.), portray (a likeness); also, counterfeit (sth.); (b) to represent (sth.) to be (sth.); (c) to prefigure (sth.), suggest, represent symbolically.

(a) To proffer (sth.), present, make a formal presentation of; give (sth.) as a present or an award; bestow (a spiritual gift or favor); (b) to give (sb.) a present, offer (sb.) a gift; (c) ~ with, to present (sb.) with (sth.); (d) to hand (sb.) over as a prisoner or hostage, deliver up; ~ biforen, bring (a prisoner) before (sb.); ~ of (with), present (sb.) with (sb., a prisoner); ~ to (unto), deliver (sb.) to (sb.); ~ to, restore (sb.) to (sb.) [quot.: a1500]; (e) to present (sth.) as an offering to God or a pagan deity; ~ biforen, offer up (one's good deeds) before (the Trinity); ~ with, present (God) with (sth.); (f) to present (a letter, petition, etc.), deliver (a message); report (an event).

Misc. senses: (a) to compound (an elixir), produce; (b) to call upon (sb. to do sth.), summon; (c) translating L applicare: to draw near, approach; place or set (sb. or sth.) near, cause to draw near.

Eccl. (a) To recommend someone for appointment to a benefice; recommend (sb.) for a benefice; also, have the privilege of recommending a clergyman for a certain benefice [quot.: (c1422)]; ~ to, recommend someone for (a benefice), recommend (sb.) for (a benefice), recommend (sb.) to (a bishop, the people) for appointment to a benefice; ~ chirche, nominate a clergyman for appointment to (one's) church; (b) to introduce (a nominee to a benefice) to the owner of the land on which the church is situated.

Law (a) To make a formal declaration or deposition in court or before the authorities; submit (a statement or petition); presentinge up, offering up (bills); (b) to present (a formal complaint or charge of wrongdoing); bring (an offence) to the attention of the proper authorities; ~ up, present (the names of malefactors) to the authorities; presented gilti, named defendant; (c) to bring (sb.) to trial.