It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in 'want' of a wife. (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
The disposition, the manners, and the thoughts are all before it; where any of those are wanting or imperfect, so much wants or is imperfect in the imitation of human life.
puhekieltä To lack, not to have (something). (defdate)
(RQ:RBrtn AntmyMlncl), II.3.7:
he that hath skill to be a pilot wants a ship; and he that could govern a commonwealth(..)wants means to exercise his worth, hath not a poor office to manage.
James Merrick
Not what we wish, but what we want, / Oh, let thy grace supply!
Addison
I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it.
puhekieltä To be in need of; to require (something). (defdate)
1866, (w), (w), s:Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1866)/Chapter 7|Chapter 7:
“Your hair wants cutting,” said the Hatter. He had been looking at Alice for some time with great curiosity, and this was his first speech.
1922, (w), (w), Chapter 2:
The mowing-machine always wanted oiling. Barnet turned it under Jacob's window, and it creaked—creaked, and rattled across the lawn and creaked again.
puhekieltä To be in a state of destitution; to be needy; to lack.
Ben Jonson
You have a gift, sir (thank your education), / Will never let you want.
Alexander Pope
For as in bodies, thus in souls, we find / What wants in blood and spirits, swelled with wind.