Thus, a real man and a figure in a picture can both
lay claim to the name 'animal'; yet these are equivocally so named, for, though they have a common name, the definition corresponding with the name differs for each.
We therefore, who are the registers of that lottery, shall imitate those sagacious persons who deal in that which is drawn at Guildhall, and who never trouble the public with the many blanks they dispose of; but when a great prize happens to be drawn, the newspapers are presently filled with it, and the world is sure to be informed at whose office it was sold: indeed, commonly two or three different offices
lay claim to the honour of having disposed of it; by which, I suppose, the adventurers are given to understand that certain brokers are in the secrets of Fortune, and indeed of her cabinet council.
I don't
lay claim to anything else than having used some opportunities which have not come within everybody's reach; but there is no stifling the offence of being young, and a new-comer, and happening to know something more than the old inhabitants.
As a whole, I had scarcely ever seen a young creature that could
lay claim to more of the loveliness of her sex.
Archer's generation) were aware that, in the eyes of the professional genealogist, only a still smaller number of families could
lay claim to that eminence.
Just as you have got a thing done, if they see it likely to be successful, they are always for interfering; and then it’s tea to one but they
lay claim to half, or even all of the credit.
I cannot
lay claim to the honour of forming an item in the population of Muggleton; nor, Sir, I will frankly admit, do I covet that honour: and I will tell you why, Sir
Many might take for their device the epithet STRONG, which formed the second part of his motto, but very few gentlemen could
lay claim to the FAITHFUL, which constituted the first.
"I will go and get the draft cashed," she said, "and pay a visit afterwards to poor little Emmy." If this is a novel without a hero, at least let us
lay claim to a heroine.
Should my opinion be asked, thus far will I give it in your favour; that is to say, it is my belief your life has been innocent enough, touching any great offences that you may have committed, though honesty compels me to add, that I think all you can
lay claim to, on the score of activity in deeds, will not amount to any thing worth naming in the great account."
I
lay claim to no higher gift than a small insight into the glorious art of petitioning and thanksgiving, as practiced in psalmody."
The king had ordered him to
lay claim to a fixed salary; but the representatives of the people insisted upon paying him only such sums from year to year as they saw fit."
lay claim - demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to; "He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter"; "Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident"