make one

English

Verb

make one (third-person singular simple present makes one, present participle making one, simple past and past participle made one)

1. (now rare) To take part in, to be present at (a group, social event, etc.; later especially a criminal undertaking). [from 16th c.]
   • 1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter DV”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson;  […], →OCLC:

     I accompany the afflicted mourners back to their uncomfortable mansion; and make one in the general concert of unavailing woe […] .

   • 1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 206:

     Mr. Steele was prevailed on to stay and make one at a cricket match with some British gentlemen and their footmen, who were at that time at Rome.

   • 1808–10, William Hickey, Memoirs of a Georgian Rake, Folio Society 1995, p. 292:

     I had scarcely been once at it, my whole time being given up to my new favourite, Charlotte, in attending her to masquerades, theatres, the Pantheon, and every other public place that was open, to no one of which would she ever consent to go unless I made one […] .

   • 1828, JT Smith, Nollekens and His Times, Century Hutchinson, published 1986, page 142:

     He for many years made one at the table of what was at this time called the Royal Academy Club […] .

   • 1843 December 19, Charles Dickens, “(please specify the page number)”, in A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC:

     I don't mind going if a lunch is provided,’ observed the gentleman […] . ‘But I must be fed, if I make one.’