Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Kenneth went hot and cold; his brain seemed paralysed; and when the Uhlans reined up a few yards away he had cudgelled his wits in vain for something to say.

From A Hero of Li?ge by Strang, Herbert

It was said that one of the Duke of Buckingham's companions had insulted a stranger gentleman from the country, and that the stranger had cudgelled him soundly.

From The Fortunes of Nigel by Scott, Walter, Sir

Since the gun episode, resulting so signally in the biter being bit, and bit hard, Sonnenberg had cudgelled his crafty and scheming brain to hit upon a plan, but hitherto in vain.

From A Veldt Official A Novel of Circumstance by Mitford, Bertram

He had cudgelled his brain for days to find just the right subject.

From A Little Girl in Old Salem by Douglas, Amanda Minnie

Lancelot thanked him for us both in well-chosen words, such as I should never have found if I had cudgelled my brains for a fortnight.

From Marjorie by McCarthy, Justin H. (Justin Huntly)