works
pl n
1 often functioning as sing a place where a number of people are employed, such as a factory
2 the sum total of a writer's or artist's achievements, esp. when considered together
the works of Shakespeare
3 the deeds of a person, esp. virtuous or moral deeds performed as religious acts
works of charity
4 the interior parts of the mechanism of a machine, etc.
the works of a clock
5 ♦
in the works
Informal in preparation
6 ♦
spanner in the works See →
spanner →
2
a full or extreme treatment
b a very violent physical beating
to give someone the works
9 modifier of or denoting a racing car, etc., that is officially entered by a manufacturer in an event a works entry
clerk of works
n an employee who supervises building work in progress or the upkeep of existing buildings
ex works
adv
adj ex-works when prenominal (Brit) (of a price, value, etc.) excluding the cost of delivery from the factory and sometimes excluding the commission or profit of the distributor or retailer
the price is £500 ex works
freezing works
n (Austral. and N.Z) a slaughterhouse at which animal carcasses are frozen for export
See also →
chamber →
10
public works
pl n engineering projects and other constructions, financed and undertaken by a government for the community
upper works
pl n (Nautical) the parts of a vessel above the waterline when fully laden
works council
n (Chiefly Brit)
1 a council composed of both employer and employees convened to discuss matters of common interest concerning a factory, plant, business policy, etc., not covered by regular trade union agreements
2 a body representing the workers of a plant, factory, etc., elected to negotiate with the management about working conditions, wages, etc., (Also called)
works committee