have up

transitive verb

chiefly British

: to bring before an authority (as a court) to answer a charge

the man had the writer up for libel

the room where new boys were examined and old ones had up for rebuke or chastisement

—Samuel Butler †1902

the man swore he would have them up for defamation of character

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now