(a) To reach out or move so as to make deliberate physical contact with (sb. or sth.); also fig. and in fig. context; —also used of a serpent [quot. a1398]; of a fly: light on (sb.) [quot. a1500]; ~ the bok, swear, avow; (b) to come into incidental physical contact with (sth.); also fig.; also, brush against (sb.); (c) to examine (sb. or sth.) by the sense of touch, palpate; feel (sth.); also fig.; (d) to handle (sth.); also in fig. context; (e) to apply pressure to (sth.); strike (sth.); also with prep.: ~ on; (f) of a natural phenomenon (fire, water, wind, etc.): to come into contact with (sb. or sth.), pass over, play over;—also used of acts of magic [quot. ?a1425]; also, come into contact with someone [quot. a1325]; of a scent: ?spread all over (a platform), pervade; (g) in prov. sayings; ~ tabarde, ?to repay (sb.).

To bring (sb. or sth.) into physical contact (with sth.); also fig.; also, with prep.: ~ on, bring something into physical contact (with sth.).

(a) To make physical contact with (sb., a part of the body) in such a way as to cause injury or pain; also fig.; (b) to harm (sb.); also, with prep. used postpositively: ~ until.

To use the sense of touch.

(a) To be in physical contact with (sth.); come into physical contact with (sb.); also, come to rest on (sth.); (b) to border (sth.), abut, be contiguous to; also with preps.: ~ on (to); ppl. touchinge, contiguous; (c) to extend to (sth.), reach, attain;—usu. fig.; also with prep.: ~ to.

To have sexual contact with (sb., someone's body); have sexual intercourse with (sb.); also, exchange kisses [quot. c1450]; of an elephant: mate with (another of the species); of hedgehogs: have sexual intercourse with (each other); also with prep.: ~ til; ppl. touched as adj., sexually experienced.

(a) To mention, describe;—used in as clauses; also, discuss (sth.); describe (sth., why sth. is so, etc.); with prep.: ~ of, treat of (sth., sb., oneself), discuss; ppl. touched as adj., discussed, mentioned; (b) to relate (sth. to sb.), mention; also with prep.: ~ to; ~ hem bitwene, converse on a matter.

(a) To pertain to (sth., a matter); also, apply to (sb.); also, be in accordance with (the law); also with preps.: ~ to (unto); (b) to be of concern to (sb.); be the proper business of (sb.); also, with prep.: ~ to; (c) to affect (sb., the mind, etc.); influence (sb.); also in proverb [quot. c1425]; (d) ~ to, to belong to (sb. or sth.); (e) ?to alter, improve, or paraphrase (a story), touch up.

To strike up (a tune), play (a melody on a stringed instrument); also, strike (a high or sharp note); ~ the notes, be on pitch.

To partake of (food); also with prep.: ~ of; ~ al-most (neigh), taste (sth.).

In misc. uses: (a) To test metal [1st quot.]; also, stamp (a coin or other metal object) as having passed such a test; (b) to dye (hair); (c) of a time: to approach; ben touched.

Prob. error through misreading of L contegere as contingere.

In surname.