ways and means
plural noun
legislation, methods, and means of raising revenue for the use of the government.
methods and means of accomplishing or paying for something.
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Origin of ways and means
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
Words nearby ways and means
Waynesboro, way of the cross, way out, way point, ways, ways and means, Ways and Means Committee, wayside, way station, way the wind blows, which, way to go
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for ways and means
I'm going to be chairman, speaker, program, and ways-and-means committee of this meeting.
Roast Beef, Medium|Edna FerberShe simply sat and looked at poor Kate like the chairman of a ways-and-means committee who is waiting to hear all the reports.
The Lookout Man|B. M. Bower
British Dictionary definitions for ways and means
ways and means
pl n
the revenues and methods of raising the revenues needed for the functioning of a state or other political unit
(usually capital) a standing committee of the US House of Representatives that supervises all financial legislation
the methods and resources for accomplishing some purpose
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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