n.
- a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.
▸a main division of a literary work or of the Bible.
- a bound set of blank sheets for writing in:
an accounts book.
▸
(books)
a set of records or accounts.
▸a bookmaker's record of bets accepted and money paid out.
- a set of tickets, stamps, matches, etc., bound together.
-
(the book)
the first six tricks taken by the declarer in a hand of bridge.
v.
- reserve (accommodation, a ticket, etc.).
▸
(book in)
register one's arrival at a hotel.
▸engage (a performer or guest) for an event.
▸
(be booked up)
have all places reserved.
- make an official note of the details of (someone who has broken a law or rule).
▸Soccer (of a referee) note down the name of (a player) cautioned for foul play.
Phrase
- bring someone to book
chiefly Brit. officially call someone to account for their behaviour. - by the book
strictly according to the rules. - in someone's bad
(or good)
books
in disfavour (or favour) with someone. - in my book
in my opinion. - make
(or open)
a book
(N. Amer. make book)
take bets and pay out winnings on the outcome of a contest or other event.
- on the books
contained in a list of members, employees, or clients. - People of the Book
Jews and Christians as regarded by Muslims. - suit one's book
Brit. dated be convenient to one. - take a leaf out of someone's book
imitate or emulate someone in a particular way. - throw the book at
informal charge or punish (someone) as severely as possible.
Derivative
Etymology
OE bōc, bōcian ‘to grant by charter’, of Gmc origin.