a-work,advb.phr.|əˈwɜːk|Also 4–5 awerke.[aprep.1 + work.]At work, in activity; esp.inphr.to set a work.c1375WyclifSerm.Sel.Wks.1871 II. 16Monkis and freris assenten to werris wiþouten cause and bringen þes lordis awerke, to make hem enemyes.
1483CaxtonGold.Leg.54/4Provostes and maystres..to sette them awerke.
1523Ld.Berners Froiss. I. ciii. 124They helde the Englysshe archers well aworke all the day.
1600RowlandsLet.Humours Bl. i. 47Setting his mynt aworke to coyne false tales.
1855BrowningSaul in Men & Women II. 121The throe That a-work in the rock, helps its labour.
