WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : A*sleep"
Part of Speech : a. & adv.
Etymology : [Pref. a- + sleep.]
Definition : 1. In a state of sleep; in sleep; dormant. Fast asleep the giant lay supine. Dryden. By whispering winds soon lulled asleep. Milton.

2. In the sleep of the grave; dead. Concerning them which are asleep . . . sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thess. iv. 13.

3. Numbed, and, usually, tingling. Udall. Leaning long upon any part maketh it numb, and, as we call it, asleep. Bacon.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913