to wind up

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To close up; to give the quietus to an antagonist in a debate; to effectually demolish.


John Bell, of Tennessee, that unmistakable Whig, has rung out a clear and far-sounding note of alarm concerning this Mexican war. He is as serious as a preacher, and as downright as a sailor in the delivery of his sentiments. A lively dialogue, constituting a kind of interlude to his speech, sprang up between him and Mr. Cass, in which he pretty effectually 'wound up' the Senator from Michigan.--N. Y. Com. Adv.

Related Words