Meaning of chivvy in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈtʃɪvi/

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  1. Verb

    chivvy

    Etymology

    late 18th century: probably from the ballad Chevy Chase, celebrating a skirmish (probably the battle of Otterburn, 1388) on the Scottish border. Originally a noun denoting a hunting cry, the term later meant ‘a pursuit’, hence the verb ‘to chase, worry’ (mid 19th century)

    Definitions

    1. annoy continually or chronically

    Examples

    • « He is known to harry his staff when he is overworked »
    • « This man harasses his female co-workers »

    Derived terms

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