from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Touch \Touch\, v. i.
1. To be in contact; to be in a state of junction, so that no
space is between; as, two spheres touch only at points.
--Johnson.
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2. To fasten; to take effect; to make impression. [R.]
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Strong waters pierce metals, and will touch upon
gold, that will not touch upon silver. --Bacon.
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3. To treat anything in discourse, especially in a slight or
casual manner; -- often with on or upon.
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If the antiquaries have touched upon it, they
immediately
quitted it. --Addison.
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4. (Naut) To be brought, as a sail, so close to the wind that
its weather leech shakes.
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{To touch and go} (Naut.), to touch bottom lightly and
without damage, as a vessel in motion.
{To touch at}, to come or go to, without tarrying; as, the
ship touched at Lisbon.
{To touch on} or {To touch upon},
(a) to come or go to for a short time. [R.]
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I made a little voyage round the lake, and
touched on the several towns that lie on its
coasts. --Addison.
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(b) to discuss briefly, as only a small part of a
discourse.
[PJC]