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ERRAND
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("errand" is a kind of...):
trip (a journey for some purpose (usually including the return))
Context examples:
I was chilled and unnerved, and angry with the Professor for taking me on such an errand and with myself for coming.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
At first I thought of knocking, then I remembered my ostensible errand and resolved to carry it out.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
If you had looked at it, sir, you would have seen at a glance what the errand is on which I have come to you this morning.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
If the errand were not a pleasure to me, it could be done, as it always is when I am not here, by my grandmama's.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Edmund got up and walked about the room, saying, “And could nobody be employed on such an errand but Fanny? Upon my word, ma'am, it has been a very ill-managed business.”
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Only a week or so ago we had a man here upon the same errand.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
There are many who wish to advance themselves, and who bide their turn, for I refuse no man who comes on such an errand.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I ask your pardon, Roddy. I was a fool to bring you on such an errand. But I never believed in such things. I know better now.”
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
His errand at Barton, in fact, was a simple one.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Edith sent Hans to their cabins to get them to take Dennin down the coast in a canoe to the nearest white settlement or trading post, but the errand was fruitless.
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
