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draw up

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draw (oneself) up (to something)

to stand up straight to one's full height. (Fixed order.) Walter drew himself up to his six-foot height and walked away. She drew herself up and walked away.

See also: draw, up

draw something up

 

1. . Lit. to pull something close by, such as a chair, stool, etc. Draw a chair up and sit down. She drew up a pillow and sat on the floor.

2. Fig. to draft a document; to prepare a document. Who will draw a contract up? I will draw up a contract for the work.

See also: draw, up

draw up

to pull up more tightly; to shrink up. When they got wet, his trunks drew up and became very tight. This cheap underwear has a tendency to draw up.

See also: draw, up

draw yourself up

to make yourself stand straight He drew himself up and stood by the window, thinking over what I had just said.

Usage notes: sometimes draw yourself up to your full height: She drew herself up to her full height and told me why I was wrong.

See also: draw, up

draw up something

also draw something up

to prepare an agreement or other document in writing The lawyers drew up a contract over the weekend. After they draw everything up we'll have a chance to read and correct it.

See also: draw, up

draw up

1. Compose or write out in a set form, as in The lawyer drew up the contract. [First half of 1600s]

2. Arrange in order or formation, put in position, as in The band-leader drew up his players, or The officer drew up the troops. [c. 1600]

3. Bring or come to a halt, as in The car drew up to the curb. [Early 1800s]

4. draw oneself up. Assume an erect posture to express dignity or indignation. For example, She drew herself up and protested. [Mid-1800s]

See also: draw, up

draw up

v.

1. To compose or write something in a set form: My lawyer will draw up a contract. The committee drew the list of nominees up.

2. To pull something close by: Draw up a chair and join us!

3. To bring oneself to an erect posture, often as an expression of dignity or indignation: She drew up to her full height. He drew up out of his chair in protest.

4. To come to a halt, as a vehicle: The truck drew up at the curb.

5. To bring something to a halt, as a vehicle: I drew the car up in front of the house. We drew up the van to the curb.

6. To bring troops into order: The prince drew up the soldiers and praised their courage.

See also: draw, up