Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
ride the circuit en · VERB
Pronunciation
Meanings
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To travel between small towns on horseback, usually to preach or preside over courts of law.
"Although commissioned, Hale J did not ride the circuit, his place being taken by Francis Swanton, the clerk of assize."
1972, J. S. Cockburn, A History of English Assizes, 1558-1714, page 284:Dr. Strang was the superintendent of the Home Missionary Work. He took a liking to Stanley and told him that they would give him work in the ministry, if he would ride the circuit.
2011, Keith Earnest Andersen, The Last of the Pioneers, page 92:"Likewise, other local lawyers would ride the circuit for a session or two, briefly joining the core group as it traveled the circuit, and return home."
1999, Timothy R. Mahoney, Provincial Lives: Middle-Class Experience in the Antebellum Middle West, page 184:Usually Methodists dealt with this problem by having their ministers "ride the circuit" by periodically visiting homes and class meetings.
2001, Catherine L. Albanese, American Spiritualities: A Reader, page 191:
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(slang) To move someone who has been arrested from police station to police station, thereby hindering release.
“But we don't have to. We can ride the circuit with you. It might take days."
1949, Raymond Chandler, The Little Sister, page 197:
Forms
Relateds
circuit rider