have

I. verb (had; having; has) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English habban; akin to Old High German habēn to have, and perhaps to hevan to lift — more at heave Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. a. to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement <

they have a new car

> <

I have my rights

> b. to hold in one's use, service, regard, or at one's disposal <

the group will have enough tickets for everyone

> <

we don't have time to stay

> c. to hold, include, or contain as a part or whole <

the car has power brakes

> <

April has 30 days

> 2. to feel obligation in regard to — usually used with an infinitive with to <

we have things to do

> <

have a deadline to meet

> 3. to stand in a certain relationship to <

has three fine children

> <

we will have the wind at our backs

> 4. a. to acquire or get possession of ; obtain <

these shoes are the best to be had

> b. receive <

had news

> c. accept; specifically to accept in marriage d. to copulate with 5. a. to be marked or characterized by (a quality, attribute, or faculty) <

both have red hair

> <

has a way with words

> b. exhibit, show <

had the gall to refuse

> c. use, exercise <

have mercy on us

> 6. a. to experience especially by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering <

I have a cold

> b. to make the effort to perform (an action) or engage in (an activity) <

have a look at that cut

> c. to entertain in the mind <

have an opinion

> 7. a. to cause or command to do something — used with the infinitive without to <

have the children stay

> b. to cause to be in a certain place or state <

has people around at all times

> 8. allow <

we'll have no more of that

> 9. to be competent in <

has only a little French

> 10. a. to hold in a position of disadvantage or certain defeat <

we have him now

> b. to take advantage of ; trick, fool <

been had by a partner

> 11. bear 2a <

have a baby

> 12. to partake of <

have dinner

> <

have a piece

> 13. bribe, suborn <

can be had for a price

> verbal auxiliary 1. — used with the past participle to form the present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect <

has gone home

> <

had already eaten

> <

will have finished dinner by then

> 2. to be compelled, obliged, or required — used with an infinitive with to or to alone <

we had to go

> <

do what you have to

> <

it has to be said

> II. noun Date: 1836 one that is well-endowed especially in material wealth