Meaning of let drive | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To aim a blow; to strike with force; to attack; to shoot (an arrow or firearm).
   idiomatic, obsolete
2. To allow (a vessel) to be propelled by the wind, current or tide.
   obsolete

Examples

“Four rogues in buckram let⟳ drive⟳ at me—”

“[…] if ever love⟳ had any cause to revenge the wrongs which are done unto him, it is against them they ought to let⟳ drive⟳ all the arrows of his justice, and make⟳ them exemplary unto all such as abuse the name⟳ of Lovers.”

“While he was drinking, one of our men snatcht up his Gun, and let⟳ drive⟳ at him, and kill’d his Horse”

“1720, William Rufus Chetwood, The Voyages, Dangerous Adventures and Imminent Escapes of Captain Richard Falconer, London: for the author et al., Book III, p. 155, They turn’d immediately upon me, and let⟳ drive⟳ at me several Blows, which had the good Fortune not to hit me […]”

“And when the ship was caught, and could not bear⟳ up into the wind, we let⟳ her drive⟳.”

“1625, Nicholas Downton, “Extracts of the Journall of Captaine NICHOLAS DOWNTON” in Samuel Purchas, Purchas His Pilgrimes, London: Henry Fetherstone, Book 4, Chapter 11, Section 3, p. , The Nabob sent Lacandas to informe me, that these supplyes were not for warre, but fild full of combustible matter⟳ to fire, and so to be let⟳ driue with the tyde vpon our ships in the night […]”

“Finding that they left us we consulted which way to steer⟳, and resolved to let⟳ drive⟳ before the Wind.”

“[…] he ordered our Boats to be heaved overboard and let⟳ drive⟳ with the Wind.”

“Before Lefty Bill could drop his hammer⟳, the spiggoty had turned around, drawed and let⟳ drive⟳.”

CEFR level