Take post
verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see take, post. To travel (typically rapidly) by posthorse or post chaise; to arrive and assume a military post. archaic, intransitive
"[…] I had my Health and Limbs […] and might, with Ease, travel a Day or two on foot, and having a good Certificate of being in perfect Health, might either hire a Horse, or take Post on the Road, as I thought fit."
- 2 To travel as quickly as possible by whatever means. archaic, figuratively, intransitive
"I saw her laid low in her kindred’s vault, And presently took post to tell it you:"
- 3 To begin to serve any position, particularly (UK military, historical) to be named a post-captain. archaic, figuratively, intransitive
- 4 To establish oneself in a defensive or offensive position. archaic, figuratively, intransitive
"The besieged sprung a Mine under the Assailants first line, which buried Captain Kalkreiter, and some Souldiers. But seeing they could not take post for want of Earth […] it was thought expedient to make a retreat..."
Example
More examples"[…] I had my Health and Limbs […] and might, with Ease, travel a Day or two on foot, and having a good Certificate of being in perfect Health, might either hire a Horse, or take Post on the Road, as I thought fit."