(b) see Angelot.
(b) see Angelot.
Angelot(R216,d). Mr. Magnus in his note (E.E.T.S. ed., p. 67, line 768) seems to identify this coin with the angel. He may be right; but on the other hand, it is not out of place to point out that in numismatics an angelot is generally regarded as an ancient French coin first struck at Paris when that capital was in English occupation (1420). It bore on it the figure of an angel supporting the escutcheon of England and France. The angel of Edward VI.was a gold coin, named from the fact that on one side of it was a representation of the Archangel Michael in conflict with the Dragon (Rev. xii. 7). The reverse had a ship with a large cross for the mast, the letter E on the right side and a rose on the left; whilst against the ship was a shield with the usual arms. Angels were first struck in France in 1340, and were introduced into England by Edward IV. in 1465. Between his reign and that of Charles I. it varied in value from 6s.8d. to 10s. The last struck in England were in the reign of Charles I.—H. Noel Humphreys,Coins of England, 5th ed., 1848; and other authorities.Angelots(i.e.half the value of an angel), were also struck by Edward VI. in 1550: see Edwards.Annexion, "the soul hath hisannexion" (M38,c), conjunction: Shakespeare inThe Lover's Complaintemploys it in the sense ofaddition.Anointed, "two knavesanointed" (N113,d), thorough-paced, "out-and-out"; a double pun is intended the references being toanointed= beaten, with an eye onanointed= consecrated by the pouring on of oil. "Then thay put hym hout, the kyng away fly, Which so well wasanoyntedindede, That no sleue ne pane had he hoe of brede."—The Romans of Partenay(ed. Skeat), 5652-4.Apaid, "very wellapaid" (WH280,c), glad, satisfied, pleased, paid. "They buy thy help: but sin ne'er gives a fee, He gratis comes; and thou art wellappay'd, As well to hear as grant what he hath said."—Shakespeare,Rape of Lucrece(1594), l. 913.Appair, "I say his wealth doth mend, he saith it dothappair" (R226,b), becomes worse, degenerates. "All that livethappairethfast."—Everyman, Anon. Pl. 1 S. (E.E.D.S.), 94,d.Apple(19,d), in originala nappyl.Applied, "to Him should beapplied" (M3,b), given, rendered, one's heart or mind fixed upon: the only sense ofapplyin the English Bible.Apply, see Aged.Apprehensible, "was notapprehensible" (M33,a), competent.Appropriations, "bare parsonages ofappropriations" (R218,d), technically, at law (according to Blackstone,I.11) anappropriationis the transference to a religious house, or spiritual corporation, of the tithes and other endowments designed for the support of religious ordinances in a parish; also these when transferred. When the monastic bodies were in their glory in the Middle Ages they begged, or bought for masses and obits, or in some cases even for actual money, all the advowsons which they could get into their hands. In obtaining these they came under the obligation either to present a clergyman to the church, or minister there in holy things themselves. They generally did the latter, and applied the surplus to the support and aggrandisement of their order. On the suppression of the monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII. the appropriated advowsons were transferred to the king, and were ultimately sold or granted out to laymen, since calledimpropriators. See Respublica.Array, (a) "arraytoward" (R258,d),i.e.preparations in progress. (b) "nice in theirarray" (M14,b), dress, equipment, outward appearance. "But for to telle you of hisaray, His hors was good, but he ne was nought gay."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), Prologue, 73-4.Ascite, "Iasciteyou ... to appear" (IP342,c), summons, call. "Hun answered that the infant had no propertie in the shet, wherupon the priestascitedhim in the spiritual courte."—Hall,HenryVIII., f. 50.Aspen-leaf, "tir-tremmeleth as theaspen-leaf" (M32,c), an early example of a common simile. The text, "tir-trimmeleth," etc., is as in original.Assay,subs.andverb, "assayhim I will" (M11,a),—"atall assays" (M7,c), asverb= try, tempt, essay; assubs.= at all points, in every respect. "I willassayere long."—Jacob and Esau, Anon. Pl. 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 15d; "at allassays" (Ibid.53b).Assemble, "Iassemblethe life" (N89,b), compare, liken: cf. Shakespeare's use ofassemblance.—"Care I for the limb, the thewes, the stature, bulk, and bigassemblanceof a man!"—Shakespeare,2 HenryIV.(1598), iii. 2.Assiege(N89,b), siege: see Halliwell,s.v.Assege.Atame, "almsdeed I canatame" (N86,d), commence, begin: Fr.entamer. "Yes, hoste, quod he, so mote I ride or go, But I be mery, y-wis I wol be blamed; And right anon his tale he hathattamed."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 14824.Attempt, "Ye mustattemptthe world" (N59,d), try, "sample," experience: cf. Shakespeare,Lear, ii. 2.Attemptates, "immoderateattemptates" (R266,a), attempts, endeavours: specifically to commit a crime. Puttenham, in 1589, said this word was a recent importation, but it had already been in use half a century at least. "To forbear thatattemptate."—Sadler (A.D.1543), in Froude,Hist. Eng., vol. iv. p. 241.Avent, "aventthee! Nature compels" (M25,b),i.e.relieve the bowels.Avoid, "Avoid, good brother!" (M5,d)—"avoid!I charge thee" (R254,d), begone, make room, depart, "get out." "I shall make youavoidsoon."—Youth, Anon. Pl. 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 94,b.Avoidance, "as for mineavoidance" (N52,a), departure: see Avoid.Avore, "I chil waitavoryou" (R.passim), afore: there are numerous examples ofvforfin this play: also ofzfors.Avoutry, "taken inavoutry" (passim), adultery: see other volumes of this series.Ayenst, "ayenstthy sores" (N121,d), against. " ... whan he wente in batayleayenstthem...."—Inventionof the Holy Cross(ed. Morris), p. 159.Ba, "bame" (M19,d), kiss: cf.basseorbuss.Badge, "bear on my bryst thebadgeof mine arms" (M15,b), badge. Princes, noblemen, and othergentlemen of rank had formerly, and still retain, distinctive badges, and servants and dependants wore these cognisances on their liveries. Douce, in hisIllustrations of Shakespeare(1839), pp. 205-7, says: "The history of the changes which badges have undergone is interesting. In the time of Henry IV. the termsliveryandbadgeseem to have been synonymous. A badge consisted of the master's device, crest, or arms on a separate piece of cloth, or sometimes on silver in the form of a shield fastened to the left sleeve. In Queen Elizabeth's reign the nobility placed silver badges on their servants. The sleeve badge was left off in the reign of James I., but its remains are still preserved in the dresses of porters, firemen, and water-men, and possibly in the shoulder-knots of footmen. During the period when badges were worn the coat to which they were affixed was, as a rule, blue, and the blue coat and badge still may be seen on parish and hospital boys."Baggage, "thebaggage, the trash," etc. (R183,c), rubbish, refuse, trumpery, scum. "Fill an egg-shell newly emptied with the juice of singreen, and set it in hot embers; scum off the greenbaggagefrom it, and it will be a water."—Lupton,ThousandNotable Things(1579).Bags, "the names of mybags" (R221,a), purses: those carried by Avarice were probably, for the sake of "business," more like small sacks; he is represented as hugging them (216,a), as hauling them (215,d), and as dragging them out (225,d). " ... see thou shake thebagsOf hoarding abbots; imprison'd angels Set at liberty."—Shakespeare,King John(1596), iii. 3.Bale blisses(JE355,c), probably blisses which are evil, and the reverse of blisses; with an eye on A.S.bale= "fiery"; as inbale-fire, etc. "... bring me forth towardblissewith sebalehere."—MS. Cott.,Titus, D. xviii., f. 146b.Bales, "lay on with yourbales" (M6,a). "Scared us with abales" (M35,d), in the first example the manuscript hasballys, in the secondbales, but I think the context in each case shows the meaningto be the same.Bales= a rod or scourge, and specifically a bow: at 6,ait is the minstrels who are charged to "lay on."Ball, "to it Boy, box himBall" (R194,c), a dog: cf. 195,d. Halliwell says the name was given to various animals: "it is mentioned as the name of a horse in Chaucer and Tusser, of a sheep in thePromptorium, and of a dog in the Privy Purse Expenses of Henry VIII., p. 43."Banket, see Junkery.Baudery, "sorcery, witchery,baudery" (R263,d), the manuscript hasbandery, but?bauderyas in present text. Ifbandery, plotting is doubtless meant.Bash, "look thou notbash" (JE354,a),i.e.timidly, or with too much inattention. "No, Leonato, I never tempted her with word too large, But, as a brother to his sister, shew'dBashfulsincerity and comely love."—Shakespeare,Much Ado(1600), iv.I.Bast, "begat the whoreson inbast" (N68,b), fornication, adultery. "For he was bigeten obaste, God it wot."—Artour & Merlin, 7643.Be(passim), been.Bedlams, "starkbedlams" (R233,c), madmen: see other volumes of this series.Bees, "hive of humblebeesswarming in my brain" (R182,c), proverbial: cf. modern "bee in the bonnet." Here = restless, whimsical, full of projects: see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.385;s.v.Head.Beforn,Beforne(passim), before.Bells, "one would think 'twere brass, most part on't was made of our oldbells" (R232,b). People states an historical fact, and refers to the reformation of the coinage which occurred in the previous reign. Under Edward VI. (1547-53) the Protector Somerset reduced the coinage to its true value and the export of bell-metal was forbidden (2 & 3 Edw.VI., c. 37). The pence of the coinage of 1552 (the fourth of the reign, other issues having been made in 1546-47, 1548, and 1550: see Respublica) was both of fine and base metal. Thefinepenny has (on the obverse) the king seated, with arms and cross on the reverse. Thebasepenny has a full-blown rose (the Tudor rose) instead of the enthroned king. Half-pence are nearly the same as the pence.Belly, "when thebellyis full the bones would be at rest" (R216,b), proverbial: see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.55,b.Benefices, "the fifth I have by selling ofbenefices" (R221,b). "I have a goodbeneficeof a hundred marks" (R225,b)—"they will take nobenefice, but they must have all" (R225,b), references apparently to the prevalence of simony. Although a bill had been passed by a parliament of Edward VI., it did not receive the royal assent; and it was not until 1588-89, under Elizabeth, that any serious attempt was made to remedy the evil.Berwick(R254,a), in originalBarwicke, to rhyme with "Warwicke."Besene, "so wellbesene" (N117,b), good appearance, comely. "And sad habiliments rightwell beseene."—Spencer,Fairy Queen(1590),I.xii. 5.Besirance, "chwasbesiranceyour ladydom to zee" (R213,c), desirant.Bet, "could not a counselled usbet" (M35,c), better. "Perhaps he shall bebetadvisde within a weeke or twayne."—"Romeus and Juliet,"Supp. to Sh., i. 292 (Nares).Bezeivers, "valsebezeivers" (R230,a), deceivers.Bide, "hadbidene'er so little longer" (R257,b) bided.Bird's arse, "clean as abird's arse" (M22,b), a proverbial simile not uncommon in old writers: Heywood varies it—"as bare," etc. (Works, E.E.D.S.,II., 89,a).Blane, "withoutblane" (WH294,b), ceasing.Blench, "toblenchhis sight" (M23,d), deceive, hinder, obstruct. "The rebels besieged them, winning the even ground on the top, by carrying up great trusses of hay before them, toblenchthedefendants' sight, and dead their shot."—Carew,Survey of Cornwall(1602).Blest, "God's dearblest" (IP316,c),i.e.happy or blessed, "people" being understood. Also bliss, happiness.Blin, "of thy prayerblin" (M25,b), cease, stop. "How so her fansies stop—Her tears did neverblin." "Romeus and Juliet,"Supp. to Sh., i. 287 (Nares).Bloodings(R221,a), black (or blood) puddings.Blottibus, etc. (M30,b), kitchen Latin.Board,Bourd, "I willboardher" (R195,b)—"tobourdRespublica" (R200,b). Mr. Magnus says "to engage in tilting," but is not the sense that of Fr.aborder= to accost, address, woo. The spelling in the present text should, of course, have been uniform. "I am sure he is in the fleet; I would he hadboardedme."—Shakespeare,Much Ado, ii.I." ... for, sure, unless he knew some strain in me, that I know not myself, he would never haveboardedme in this fury."—Shakespeare,Merry Wives ofWindsor, ii.I.Boat, "an oar in everybody'sboat" (R235,c): see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II., 24,b; 207,a; 417,c.Bolt, "myboltis shot" (M34,d), an arrow: for examples of the proverb, see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.58,d; 91,a; 205,d; 332,d; 370,c.Bolt, "sift andbolt" (R207,d), the legal sense is probably intended rather than redundancy for the rhyming's sake. Oppression means that matters must be gifted and discussed privately in order to improve their opportunities for rascality. "And having performed the exercises of their own houses calledboltes,mootes, and putting of cases, they proceed to be admitted and become students, in some of these four houses or innes of court, where continuing by the space of seven yeares (or there-aboutes) they frequent readings, meetings,boltinges, and other learned exercises."—Stowe,Survey ofLondon, p. 59. "The judge, or jury, or parties, or the counsel, or attornies, propounding questions, beats andboltsout the truth much betterthan when the witness delivers only a formal series."—Sir M. Hale (d.1676).Bones, see Belly.Boot, "he will be myboot" (M11,a), help, remedy, cure. "Ich haueboteof mi-bale."—William ofPalerne(c.1300), 627. "God send every trewe manbooteof his bale."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 13,409.Bord, "we did butbord" (WH298,a), jest: see other volumes of this series.Borrow, (a) "I shall be yourborrow" (M ), security, pledge, surety, protector. "Theirborrowis God Almighty."—Piers Plowman (1363), 37,b. (b) see St. George.Bourd, see Board.Boy, see Ball.Boys, "shallboys... of such high matters play" (R180,d). Mr. Magnus asks whether this reference to "boy-chorister-actors" may not "have some special reference to EdwardVI.'Stheological precocity."Brast, "the halterbrastasunder" (M27,c; also 28,d), burst. "But with that percing noise flew open quite, orbrast."—Spenser,Fairy Queen(1590),I. viii. 4.Brat, "a wholebratto his back" (IP338,d), cloak, mantle. "Ne had they but a shete Which that they might wrappen hem in a-night, And abrattto walken in by day-light."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 16,347.Breadibus, "breadibus ... horsibus ... firibusque" (M5,b), for bread, for horses, and for fires: a form, of dog-Latin which has always been, and still is, popular: see Misericordia.Brethel, "and thy own wifebrethel, and take thee a leman" (M27,a),brethellin original: the E.E. text editors suggest [be]brethell, that is, "if thy own wife be adulterous." This, however, seems beside the mark of the context, as why should Mankind be counselled to take a whore because hiswife is unchaste? Maybrethelnot be a mis-script for A.S.betelle(Halliwell)=to deceive? The meaning is then clear enough and the reading sound. On the other hand, I fail to find any authority for Halliwell's suggestionbetelle=deceive, mislead, in either Anglo-Saxon or M.E. dictionaries, and therin the word brethel, perhaps precludes the adoption of betelle,rbeing a highly characteristic letter. An alternative suggestion is that brethel is meant forbrechell, frombreken, to break, to injure, to vex, harass, torment, or destroy. "Breken" has among its derivatives "brac," "brake," "brek," "breche," "briche," "bruche," "bruchel."Brenning, "hot andbrenning" (N122,a), burning: alsobrent=burnt: see other volumes of this series.Brest, "till his bellybrest" (M6,a), burst.Briars, "all inbriars" (JE364,a), in trouble, misfortune, difficulty, doubt: seeAnon. Plays, 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 341,a.Brim, "brimand hot" (R241,d). Magnus glosses this "brimhot": but cf.brim=well-known, spoken of, public. "That thou dost hold me in disdain, Isbrimabroad, and made a gibe to all that keep this plain." Warner,Albion's England(1586-1606).Broklets(R183,d), crumbs; of Scotsbrock.Bront, "Titivilly would assay you abront" (M39,b), brunt, charge.Brothern, "yebrothern" (M4,b), an old plural: cf.childernstill in dialect use.Bum vay(R211,d), by my faith: original spellingvei: cf. Fr.foi.Bunting, "how think you by thisbunting" (R216,d), Mr. Magnus glosses this "swelling"; but is it not a term of endearment, perhaps with an eye on the diminutive form ofbunt="a swelling part, an increasing cavity, the bagging of a fishing net or the like" (Ency. Dict.).Burrs, "cleave together likeburrs" (M193,a), proverbial.By and by(passim), immediately.Cailes, "play not atcailes, cards, nor dice" (IP320,b), ninepins (Minshew).Calais,arms of Calais(R217,c), a common oath of the period. The French citadel was lost to the English in 1558, after an occupation lasting for upwards of two centuries: see other volumes of this series.
Angelot(R216,d). Mr. Magnus in his note (E.E.T.S. ed., p. 67, line 768) seems to identify this coin with the angel. He may be right; but on the other hand, it is not out of place to point out that in numismatics an angelot is generally regarded as an ancient French coin first struck at Paris when that capital was in English occupation (1420). It bore on it the figure of an angel supporting the escutcheon of England and France. The angel of Edward VI.was a gold coin, named from the fact that on one side of it was a representation of the Archangel Michael in conflict with the Dragon (Rev. xii. 7). The reverse had a ship with a large cross for the mast, the letter E on the right side and a rose on the left; whilst against the ship was a shield with the usual arms. Angels were first struck in France in 1340, and were introduced into England by Edward IV. in 1465. Between his reign and that of Charles I. it varied in value from 6s.8d. to 10s. The last struck in England were in the reign of Charles I.—H. Noel Humphreys,Coins of England, 5th ed., 1848; and other authorities.Angelots(i.e.half the value of an angel), were also struck by Edward VI. in 1550: see Edwards.
Annexion, "the soul hath hisannexion" (M38,c), conjunction: Shakespeare inThe Lover's Complaintemploys it in the sense ofaddition.
Anointed, "two knavesanointed" (N113,d), thorough-paced, "out-and-out"; a double pun is intended the references being toanointed= beaten, with an eye onanointed= consecrated by the pouring on of oil. "Then thay put hym hout, the kyng away fly, Which so well wasanoyntedindede, That no sleue ne pane had he hoe of brede."—The Romans of Partenay(ed. Skeat), 5652-4.
Apaid, "very wellapaid" (WH280,c), glad, satisfied, pleased, paid. "They buy thy help: but sin ne'er gives a fee, He gratis comes; and thou art wellappay'd, As well to hear as grant what he hath said."—Shakespeare,Rape of Lucrece(1594), l. 913.
Appair, "I say his wealth doth mend, he saith it dothappair" (R226,b), becomes worse, degenerates. "All that livethappairethfast."—Everyman, Anon. Pl. 1 S. (E.E.D.S.), 94,d.
Apple(19,d), in originala nappyl.
Applied, "to Him should beapplied" (M3,b), given, rendered, one's heart or mind fixed upon: the only sense ofapplyin the English Bible.
Apply, see Aged.
Apprehensible, "was notapprehensible" (M33,a), competent.
Appropriations, "bare parsonages ofappropriations" (R218,d), technically, at law (according to Blackstone,I.11) anappropriationis the transference to a religious house, or spiritual corporation, of the tithes and other endowments designed for the support of religious ordinances in a parish; also these when transferred. When the monastic bodies were in their glory in the Middle Ages they begged, or bought for masses and obits, or in some cases even for actual money, all the advowsons which they could get into their hands. In obtaining these they came under the obligation either to present a clergyman to the church, or minister there in holy things themselves. They generally did the latter, and applied the surplus to the support and aggrandisement of their order. On the suppression of the monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII. the appropriated advowsons were transferred to the king, and were ultimately sold or granted out to laymen, since calledimpropriators. See Respublica.
Array, (a) "arraytoward" (R258,d),i.e.preparations in progress. (b) "nice in theirarray" (M14,b), dress, equipment, outward appearance. "But for to telle you of hisaray, His hors was good, but he ne was nought gay."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), Prologue, 73-4.
Ascite, "Iasciteyou ... to appear" (IP342,c), summons, call. "Hun answered that the infant had no propertie in the shet, wherupon the priestascitedhim in the spiritual courte."—Hall,HenryVIII., f. 50.
Aspen-leaf, "tir-tremmeleth as theaspen-leaf" (M32,c), an early example of a common simile. The text, "tir-trimmeleth," etc., is as in original.
Assay,subs.andverb, "assayhim I will" (M11,a),—"atall assays" (M7,c), asverb= try, tempt, essay; assubs.= at all points, in every respect. "I willassayere long."—Jacob and Esau, Anon. Pl. 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 15d; "at allassays" (Ibid.53b).
Assemble, "Iassemblethe life" (N89,b), compare, liken: cf. Shakespeare's use ofassemblance.—"Care I for the limb, the thewes, the stature, bulk, and bigassemblanceof a man!"—Shakespeare,2 HenryIV.(1598), iii. 2.
Assiege(N89,b), siege: see Halliwell,s.v.Assege.
Atame, "almsdeed I canatame" (N86,d), commence, begin: Fr.entamer. "Yes, hoste, quod he, so mote I ride or go, But I be mery, y-wis I wol be blamed; And right anon his tale he hathattamed."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 14824.
Attempt, "Ye mustattemptthe world" (N59,d), try, "sample," experience: cf. Shakespeare,Lear, ii. 2.
Attemptates, "immoderateattemptates" (R266,a), attempts, endeavours: specifically to commit a crime. Puttenham, in 1589, said this word was a recent importation, but it had already been in use half a century at least. "To forbear thatattemptate."—Sadler (A.D.1543), in Froude,Hist. Eng., vol. iv. p. 241.
Avent, "aventthee! Nature compels" (M25,b),i.e.relieve the bowels.
Avoid, "Avoid, good brother!" (M5,d)—"avoid!I charge thee" (R254,d), begone, make room, depart, "get out." "I shall make youavoidsoon."—Youth, Anon. Pl. 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 94,b.
Avoidance, "as for mineavoidance" (N52,a), departure: see Avoid.
Avore, "I chil waitavoryou" (R.passim), afore: there are numerous examples ofvforfin this play: also ofzfors.
Avoutry, "taken inavoutry" (passim), adultery: see other volumes of this series.
Ayenst, "ayenstthy sores" (N121,d), against. " ... whan he wente in batayleayenstthem...."—Inventionof the Holy Cross(ed. Morris), p. 159.
Ba, "bame" (M19,d), kiss: cf.basseorbuss.
Badge, "bear on my bryst thebadgeof mine arms" (M15,b), badge. Princes, noblemen, and othergentlemen of rank had formerly, and still retain, distinctive badges, and servants and dependants wore these cognisances on their liveries. Douce, in hisIllustrations of Shakespeare(1839), pp. 205-7, says: "The history of the changes which badges have undergone is interesting. In the time of Henry IV. the termsliveryandbadgeseem to have been synonymous. A badge consisted of the master's device, crest, or arms on a separate piece of cloth, or sometimes on silver in the form of a shield fastened to the left sleeve. In Queen Elizabeth's reign the nobility placed silver badges on their servants. The sleeve badge was left off in the reign of James I., but its remains are still preserved in the dresses of porters, firemen, and water-men, and possibly in the shoulder-knots of footmen. During the period when badges were worn the coat to which they were affixed was, as a rule, blue, and the blue coat and badge still may be seen on parish and hospital boys."
Baggage, "thebaggage, the trash," etc. (R183,c), rubbish, refuse, trumpery, scum. "Fill an egg-shell newly emptied with the juice of singreen, and set it in hot embers; scum off the greenbaggagefrom it, and it will be a water."—Lupton,ThousandNotable Things(1579).
Bags, "the names of mybags" (R221,a), purses: those carried by Avarice were probably, for the sake of "business," more like small sacks; he is represented as hugging them (216,a), as hauling them (215,d), and as dragging them out (225,d). " ... see thou shake thebagsOf hoarding abbots; imprison'd angels Set at liberty."—Shakespeare,King John(1596), iii. 3.
Bale blisses(JE355,c), probably blisses which are evil, and the reverse of blisses; with an eye on A.S.bale= "fiery"; as inbale-fire, etc. "... bring me forth towardblissewith sebalehere."—MS. Cott.,Titus, D. xviii., f. 146b.
Bales, "lay on with yourbales" (M6,a). "Scared us with abales" (M35,d), in the first example the manuscript hasballys, in the secondbales, but I think the context in each case shows the meaningto be the same.Bales= a rod or scourge, and specifically a bow: at 6,ait is the minstrels who are charged to "lay on."
Ball, "to it Boy, box himBall" (R194,c), a dog: cf. 195,d. Halliwell says the name was given to various animals: "it is mentioned as the name of a horse in Chaucer and Tusser, of a sheep in thePromptorium, and of a dog in the Privy Purse Expenses of Henry VIII., p. 43."
Banket, see Junkery.
Baudery, "sorcery, witchery,baudery" (R263,d), the manuscript hasbandery, but?bauderyas in present text. Ifbandery, plotting is doubtless meant.
Bash, "look thou notbash" (JE354,a),i.e.timidly, or with too much inattention. "No, Leonato, I never tempted her with word too large, But, as a brother to his sister, shew'dBashfulsincerity and comely love."—Shakespeare,Much Ado(1600), iv.I.
Bast, "begat the whoreson inbast" (N68,b), fornication, adultery. "For he was bigeten obaste, God it wot."—Artour & Merlin, 7643.
Be(passim), been.
Bedlams, "starkbedlams" (R233,c), madmen: see other volumes of this series.
Bees, "hive of humblebeesswarming in my brain" (R182,c), proverbial: cf. modern "bee in the bonnet." Here = restless, whimsical, full of projects: see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.385;s.v.Head.
Beforn,Beforne(passim), before.
Bells, "one would think 'twere brass, most part on't was made of our oldbells" (R232,b). People states an historical fact, and refers to the reformation of the coinage which occurred in the previous reign. Under Edward VI. (1547-53) the Protector Somerset reduced the coinage to its true value and the export of bell-metal was forbidden (2 & 3 Edw.VI., c. 37). The pence of the coinage of 1552 (the fourth of the reign, other issues having been made in 1546-47, 1548, and 1550: see Respublica) was both of fine and base metal. Thefinepenny has (on the obverse) the king seated, with arms and cross on the reverse. Thebasepenny has a full-blown rose (the Tudor rose) instead of the enthroned king. Half-pence are nearly the same as the pence.
Belly, "when thebellyis full the bones would be at rest" (R216,b), proverbial: see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.55,b.
Benefices, "the fifth I have by selling ofbenefices" (R221,b). "I have a goodbeneficeof a hundred marks" (R225,b)—"they will take nobenefice, but they must have all" (R225,b), references apparently to the prevalence of simony. Although a bill had been passed by a parliament of Edward VI., it did not receive the royal assent; and it was not until 1588-89, under Elizabeth, that any serious attempt was made to remedy the evil.
Berwick(R254,a), in originalBarwicke, to rhyme with "Warwicke."
Besene, "so wellbesene" (N117,b), good appearance, comely. "And sad habiliments rightwell beseene."—Spencer,Fairy Queen(1590),I.xii. 5.
Besirance, "chwasbesiranceyour ladydom to zee" (R213,c), desirant.
Bet, "could not a counselled usbet" (M35,c), better. "Perhaps he shall bebetadvisde within a weeke or twayne."—"Romeus and Juliet,"Supp. to Sh., i. 292 (Nares).
Bezeivers, "valsebezeivers" (R230,a), deceivers.
Bide, "hadbidene'er so little longer" (R257,b) bided.
Bird's arse, "clean as abird's arse" (M22,b), a proverbial simile not uncommon in old writers: Heywood varies it—"as bare," etc. (Works, E.E.D.S.,II., 89,a).
Blane, "withoutblane" (WH294,b), ceasing.
Blench, "toblenchhis sight" (M23,d), deceive, hinder, obstruct. "The rebels besieged them, winning the even ground on the top, by carrying up great trusses of hay before them, toblenchthedefendants' sight, and dead their shot."—Carew,Survey of Cornwall(1602).
Blest, "God's dearblest" (IP316,c),i.e.happy or blessed, "people" being understood. Also bliss, happiness.
Blin, "of thy prayerblin" (M25,b), cease, stop. "How so her fansies stop—Her tears did neverblin." "Romeus and Juliet,"Supp. to Sh., i. 287 (Nares).
Bloodings(R221,a), black (or blood) puddings.
Blottibus, etc. (M30,b), kitchen Latin.
Board,Bourd, "I willboardher" (R195,b)—"tobourdRespublica" (R200,b). Mr. Magnus says "to engage in tilting," but is not the sense that of Fr.aborder= to accost, address, woo. The spelling in the present text should, of course, have been uniform. "I am sure he is in the fleet; I would he hadboardedme."—Shakespeare,Much Ado, ii.I." ... for, sure, unless he knew some strain in me, that I know not myself, he would never haveboardedme in this fury."—Shakespeare,Merry Wives ofWindsor, ii.I.
Boat, "an oar in everybody'sboat" (R235,c): see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II., 24,b; 207,a; 417,c.
Bolt, "myboltis shot" (M34,d), an arrow: for examples of the proverb, see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II.58,d; 91,a; 205,d; 332,d; 370,c.
Bolt, "sift andbolt" (R207,d), the legal sense is probably intended rather than redundancy for the rhyming's sake. Oppression means that matters must be gifted and discussed privately in order to improve their opportunities for rascality. "And having performed the exercises of their own houses calledboltes,mootes, and putting of cases, they proceed to be admitted and become students, in some of these four houses or innes of court, where continuing by the space of seven yeares (or there-aboutes) they frequent readings, meetings,boltinges, and other learned exercises."—Stowe,Survey ofLondon, p. 59. "The judge, or jury, or parties, or the counsel, or attornies, propounding questions, beats andboltsout the truth much betterthan when the witness delivers only a formal series."—Sir M. Hale (d.1676).
Bones, see Belly.
Boot, "he will be myboot" (M11,a), help, remedy, cure. "Ich haueboteof mi-bale."—William ofPalerne(c.1300), 627. "God send every trewe manbooteof his bale."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 13,409.
Bord, "we did butbord" (WH298,a), jest: see other volumes of this series.
Borrow, (a) "I shall be yourborrow" (M ), security, pledge, surety, protector. "Theirborrowis God Almighty."—Piers Plowman (1363), 37,b. (b) see St. George.
Bourd, see Board.
Boy, see Ball.
Boys, "shallboys... of such high matters play" (R180,d). Mr. Magnus asks whether this reference to "boy-chorister-actors" may not "have some special reference to EdwardVI.'Stheological precocity."
Brast, "the halterbrastasunder" (M27,c; also 28,d), burst. "But with that percing noise flew open quite, orbrast."—Spenser,Fairy Queen(1590),I. viii. 4.
Brat, "a wholebratto his back" (IP338,d), cloak, mantle. "Ne had they but a shete Which that they might wrappen hem in a-night, And abrattto walken in by day-light."—Chaucer,Cant. Tales(1383), 16,347.
Breadibus, "breadibus ... horsibus ... firibusque" (M5,b), for bread, for horses, and for fires: a form, of dog-Latin which has always been, and still is, popular: see Misericordia.
Brethel, "and thy own wifebrethel, and take thee a leman" (M27,a),brethellin original: the E.E. text editors suggest [be]brethell, that is, "if thy own wife be adulterous." This, however, seems beside the mark of the context, as why should Mankind be counselled to take a whore because hiswife is unchaste? Maybrethelnot be a mis-script for A.S.betelle(Halliwell)=to deceive? The meaning is then clear enough and the reading sound. On the other hand, I fail to find any authority for Halliwell's suggestionbetelle=deceive, mislead, in either Anglo-Saxon or M.E. dictionaries, and therin the word brethel, perhaps precludes the adoption of betelle,rbeing a highly characteristic letter. An alternative suggestion is that brethel is meant forbrechell, frombreken, to break, to injure, to vex, harass, torment, or destroy. "Breken" has among its derivatives "brac," "brake," "brek," "breche," "briche," "bruche," "bruchel."
Brenning, "hot andbrenning" (N122,a), burning: alsobrent=burnt: see other volumes of this series.
Brest, "till his bellybrest" (M6,a), burst.
Briars, "all inbriars" (JE364,a), in trouble, misfortune, difficulty, doubt: seeAnon. Plays, 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 341,a.
Brim, "brimand hot" (R241,d). Magnus glosses this "brimhot": but cf.brim=well-known, spoken of, public. "That thou dost hold me in disdain, Isbrimabroad, and made a gibe to all that keep this plain." Warner,Albion's England(1586-1606).
Broklets(R183,d), crumbs; of Scotsbrock.
Bront, "Titivilly would assay you abront" (M39,b), brunt, charge.
Brothern, "yebrothern" (M4,b), an old plural: cf.childernstill in dialect use.
Bum vay(R211,d), by my faith: original spellingvei: cf. Fr.foi.
Bunting, "how think you by thisbunting" (R216,d), Mr. Magnus glosses this "swelling"; but is it not a term of endearment, perhaps with an eye on the diminutive form ofbunt="a swelling part, an increasing cavity, the bagging of a fishing net or the like" (Ency. Dict.).
Burrs, "cleave together likeburrs" (M193,a), proverbial.
By and by(passim), immediately.
Cailes, "play not atcailes, cards, nor dice" (IP320,b), ninepins (Minshew).
Calais,arms of Calais(R217,c), a common oath of the period. The French citadel was lost to the English in 1558, after an occupation lasting for upwards of two centuries: see other volumes of this series.
(b) "hangman of Calais" (JE359,a), this mention (see supra) may have some bearing on the date of the play. Halliwell inOld Playsgives 1566 as the date of printing, but does not state how he arrives at the figures: see John the Evangelist.
(b) "hangman of Calais" (JE359,a), this mention (see supra) may have some bearing on the date of the play. Halliwell inOld Playsgives 1566 as the date of printing, but does not state how he arrives at the figures: see John the Evangelist.
Can(passim), able to do; does.Capax, "tractable andcapax" (WS137,d), capable, sharp, knowing: Latin. "I am a trew flie; sure I can no false knackes; Alas! master spyder, ye be tocapackes." Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),III.,Spider and Flie, 1556.Capper, "the scaldcapper" (N67,c), a cap-maker. "Cappar, bonnettier."—Palsgrave,Lang. Franc.Captivity, "passeth our captivity" (R211,b), capacity: part of People's mumble-jumble.Careful, "acarefulcarriage" (WS173,a), full of care: cf. Painful, Hateful. "By him that raised me to thiscarefulheight."—Shakespeare,Rich.III.(1597), i. 3.Caren, "ascarene" (M32,d), carrion. "I felte the stench ofcarenhere present."—Wisdom(E.E.T.S.), 71, 1103.Caronous, "caronousbody" (N89,c), rotten: of Shakespeare (Julius Cæsar, iii. 1), "That this foul deed shall smell above the earth Withcarrionmen, groaning for burial."Casse, "I hung upon thecasse" (M27,d), apparently a frame of some sort.Cat, "acat... may look on a king" (R236,b); see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II., 340,s.v.Cata.Catch, "Catch thatcatchmay" (R187,b). An early example of this proverbial saying.Caton(JE352,c), Cato, the Roman Censor: the pattern of sternness and austere manner, he stabbed himself at Utica 46 B.C. because, considering freedom as alone sustaining the dignity of man, he felt himself unable to survive the independence of his country. He was frequently quoted by writers of this period—"Caton, the grete clerke "—Cast. Persev.(E.E.T.S., 103, 868).Caveatis, "I sayCaveatis" (M21,d; 22,b), Beware!Cavillation, "make thiscavillation" (WH281,d), frivolous objections, cavilling. "I might add so much concerning the large odds between the case of the eldest churches in regard of heathens, and ours in respect of the Church of Rome, that verycavillationitself should be satisfied."—Hook.Cayme, "in thatcaymehe was like to" (JE366,c), in originalCayme. I can make nothing of it except that it is a misprint for Cain.Cepe, "speak to the sheriff for acepecoppus" (M34,d),i.e.cape corpusforcapias corpus, a writ of attachment.'Ch(passim) = I:e.g.cha = I have (ich 'a'); chad = I had; cham = I am, etc.; see Dialect.Cha, che, "Chewa'r't" (R210,c),—"Chewas vair" (R232,b),—"Chanot be haled up" (R267,c). I.Chad(passim), I had—'ch 'ad.Cham(passim) I am—'ch am.Champion, "now is achampionfield" (R200,d),i.e.champagne = flat open country. "Fra the thine thay went fourty dayes, and come intille achampaynecuntree that was alle barayne, and na hye place, ne na hilles mighte be sene on na syde."—MS. Lincoln, A. i. 17, f. 31. "... the Canaanites, which dwell in thechampaignover against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?"—Bible, Auth. Ver. (1611),Deut.xi. 30. "The verdant meads are drest in green, Thechampionfields with corn are seen."—Poor Robin(1694).Charity, see St. Charity.Chave(passim), I have—[i]ch 'ave.Check, "let us con well our neck-verse that we have not acheck" (M23,c),i.e.be hung.Chery-time, "but achery-time" (M12,a), a short time, "like cherry blossoms" (Furnivall and Pollard).Che[vi]sance, "the newche[vi]sance" (M29,a),chesancein original: usuallychevisance= treaty, agreement, bargain; but here, as Mischief is speaking of the food and other cheer he has stolen, the meaning may be gain, booty, plunder, spoil. "Eschaunges andchevysaunces, with swich chaffare I dele."—Langland,P. Plowman(1363), 2969.Chill(passim), I will—'ch 'ill.Chive, "I warrant him achive" (R185,d), a chip, fragment: a small standard of value. "If anychive, chip, or dust skip into the eye, ... then can you not cure the eye but by removing and drawing the saidchive."—Barrough,Method of Physick(1624.)Chop, Chope(a) "in nomine Patris,chope... Ye shall notchopmy jewels" (M20,a), in both cases the original haschoppe; but as Nought and New Guise were funning and punning, I have preserved the play on the words which I think was intended—chope= ch'ope (I hope) andchop= cut off; but the student can choose, and regard the firstchopalso to mean "cut!" "strike!" "Chopeyou'll consider my pain."—Misogonus, Anon. Plays, 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 210b.
Can(passim), able to do; does.
Capax, "tractable andcapax" (WS137,d), capable, sharp, knowing: Latin. "I am a trew flie; sure I can no false knackes; Alas! master spyder, ye be tocapackes." Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),III.,Spider and Flie, 1556.
Capper, "the scaldcapper" (N67,c), a cap-maker. "Cappar, bonnettier."—Palsgrave,Lang. Franc.
Captivity, "passeth our captivity" (R211,b), capacity: part of People's mumble-jumble.
Careful, "acarefulcarriage" (WS173,a), full of care: cf. Painful, Hateful. "By him that raised me to thiscarefulheight."—Shakespeare,Rich.III.(1597), i. 3.
Caren, "ascarene" (M32,d), carrion. "I felte the stench ofcarenhere present."—Wisdom(E.E.T.S.), 71, 1103.
Caronous, "caronousbody" (N89,c), rotten: of Shakespeare (Julius Cæsar, iii. 1), "That this foul deed shall smell above the earth Withcarrionmen, groaning for burial."
Casse, "I hung upon thecasse" (M27,d), apparently a frame of some sort.
Cat, "acat... may look on a king" (R236,b); see Heywood,Works(E.E.D.S.),II., 340,s.v.Cata.
Catch, "Catch thatcatchmay" (R187,b). An early example of this proverbial saying.
Caton(JE352,c), Cato, the Roman Censor: the pattern of sternness and austere manner, he stabbed himself at Utica 46 B.C. because, considering freedom as alone sustaining the dignity of man, he felt himself unable to survive the independence of his country. He was frequently quoted by writers of this period—"Caton, the grete clerke "—Cast. Persev.(E.E.T.S., 103, 868).
Caveatis, "I sayCaveatis" (M21,d; 22,b), Beware!
Cavillation, "make thiscavillation" (WH281,d), frivolous objections, cavilling. "I might add so much concerning the large odds between the case of the eldest churches in regard of heathens, and ours in respect of the Church of Rome, that verycavillationitself should be satisfied."—Hook.
Cayme, "in thatcaymehe was like to" (JE366,c), in originalCayme. I can make nothing of it except that it is a misprint for Cain.
Cepe, "speak to the sheriff for acepecoppus" (M34,d),i.e.cape corpusforcapias corpus, a writ of attachment.
'Ch(passim) = I:e.g.cha = I have (ich 'a'); chad = I had; cham = I am, etc.; see Dialect.
Cha, che, "Chewa'r't" (R210,c),—"Chewas vair" (R232,b),—"Chanot be haled up" (R267,c). I.
Chad(passim), I had—'ch 'ad.
Cham(passim) I am—'ch am.
Champion, "now is achampionfield" (R200,d),i.e.champagne = flat open country. "Fra the thine thay went fourty dayes, and come intille achampaynecuntree that was alle barayne, and na hye place, ne na hilles mighte be sene on na syde."—MS. Lincoln, A. i. 17, f. 31. "... the Canaanites, which dwell in thechampaignover against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?"—Bible, Auth. Ver. (1611),Deut.xi. 30. "The verdant meads are drest in green, Thechampionfields with corn are seen."—Poor Robin(1694).
Charity, see St. Charity.
Chave(passim), I have—[i]ch 'ave.
Check, "let us con well our neck-verse that we have not acheck" (M23,c),i.e.be hung.
Chery-time, "but achery-time" (M12,a), a short time, "like cherry blossoms" (Furnivall and Pollard).
Che[vi]sance, "the newche[vi]sance" (M29,a),chesancein original: usuallychevisance= treaty, agreement, bargain; but here, as Mischief is speaking of the food and other cheer he has stolen, the meaning may be gain, booty, plunder, spoil. "Eschaunges andchevysaunces, with swich chaffare I dele."—Langland,P. Plowman(1363), 2969.
Chill(passim), I will—'ch 'ill.
Chive, "I warrant him achive" (R185,d), a chip, fragment: a small standard of value. "If anychive, chip, or dust skip into the eye, ... then can you not cure the eye but by removing and drawing the saidchive."—Barrough,Method of Physick(1624.)
Chop, Chope(a) "in nomine Patris,chope... Ye shall notchopmy jewels" (M20,a), in both cases the original haschoppe; but as Nought and New Guise were funning and punning, I have preserved the play on the words which I think was intended—chope= ch'ope (I hope) andchop= cut off; but the student can choose, and regard the firstchopalso to mean "cut!" "strike!" "Chopeyou'll consider my pain."—Misogonus, Anon. Plays, 2 Ser. (E.E.D.S.), 210b.
(b) "Into a deanery ... tochop" (R223,d). Mr. Magnus glosses this as "snap"; but is it not used in the closer sense ofto pop? cf.chop-church= (1) one who exchanges livings, or (2) such an act of barter. "As flise at libertee in and out mightchop."—Heywood,Spider and Flie(1556),Works,III.(E.E.D.S.).
(b) "Into a deanery ... tochop" (R223,d). Mr. Magnus glosses this as "snap"; but is it not used in the closer sense ofto pop? cf.chop-church= (1) one who exchanges livings, or (2) such an act of barter. "As flise at libertee in and out mightchop."—Heywood,Spider and Flie(1556),Works,III.(E.E.D.S.).
Chould(passim), I would—'ch 'ould.Christendom, "by mychristendom" (R196,d). See E.E.D.S.,Anon. Plays, Series 2 and 3, Note-Books,s.v.4.2]Christmas device(R179,b), Christmas was better kept as a festival in olden times than in modern days, lasting at this period from Christmas Eve to Old Christmas Day or Twelfth night. At Court, and in the Inns of Court, high revel was kept; from references such as the above it is clear that many a play was specially written for, and first presented at, these festivals. The sources of detailed descriptions are too well known to need particular reference.Christmas song(M15,d; 16,atoc). Prof. Manly omits this precious production; perhaps rightly in view of his text being prepared for class-room use; the E.E.T. Society's issue gives it as a matter of course, as do I.Church, "achurchhere beside," etc. (M28,b),i.e.the abbey larder should provide the requisite cheer.Church-stile, "on thechurch stile" (M26,a), a stile in, or leading to, the precincts of the church.Chwas(passim), I was—'ch was.Clarify, "This question toclarify" (M5,a), make clear or intelligible, answer, clear up. "A word to you I woldclaryfy."—Towneley Myst., p. 67.Clash, "atclashand cards" (IP338,b), bawdy talk, gossiping, tittle-tattle, quarrelling. "Good Lord! what fieryclashingswe have had lately for a cap and a surplice!"—Howell,Lett.(1644-45), iv. 29.Clawback, "you flearingclawbackyou" (R188,a), lickspittle, flatterer. The whole passage is a striking early instance of sarcastic vituperation, and the gradual piling up of the weight of abuse.Clean, "a clean gentleman" (M22,a), fair, comely, noble: a general appreciative. "With theclennestcumpanyethat euer king ladde."—Will. of Paleren(c.1360), 1609.Clepe, "if I shouldclepeto memory" (N45,a), call. "I shall inwardlyclepethe Lord."—Wycliffe,Psalmxvii. 4.Clerical, "clericalmanner" (M8,b),—"aclericalmatter" (M26,a), clerk-like, scholarly, abstruse, learned.Clothes, "theclothesof thyshoon" (M35,b), generic for fabric and material as well as for dress and apparel.Cloutery, (R263,d). Mr. Magnus glosses this as "mending," and probably he is right. On the other hand, a glance may be given to the Northernclouter= to do dirty work.Cobs, "the greatcobs" (R232,d), a rich but grasping person, a person of superior rank and power. "Susteynid is not by personis lowe, Butcobbisgrete this riote sustene."—Occleve, MS. Soc. Antiq.134, f. 267. "But, at leisure, ther must be some of the gretcobbesserved likewise, and the king to have ther landes likewise, as, God willing, he shall have th' erle of Kildares in possession, or somer passe."—StatePapers, ii. 228 (Nares).Cock's(passim), God's. HenceCock's body sacred= God's consecrated body.Commediens, "ascommediensvor us" (R212,a), commodious.Commodity(passim), advantage and many allied senses: see other volumes of this series.Companable, "such as becompanable" (N62,a), affable, sociable, companionable. "Frendly to ben andcompaygnableat al."MS. Fairfax 16.Conformed, see Respublica.Congy, "a little prettycongy" (N60,d), bow of salutation.Convert, "thine eyes to meconvert" (R238,c), turn, move.Convertible(M33,b), unstedfast, changeable.Convict, "convictthem" (M19,a)—"Mercy shall never beconvictof his uncurtess condition" (M34,a), conquer, persuade.Convinced, "they shall beconvinced" (R246,b), convicted: cf. convict. "Which of youconvincethme of sin?"—Bible, Auth. Vers. (1611),Johnviii. 46.Coped, (a) "Christ'scopedcurse" (M36,a); in originalcoppyde: cf.copie,copy= abundance, plenty (Trevisa, i. 301), andcopped,coppyd= rising to a point, heaped-up as a measure; hence "Christ'scopious, abundant, overflowing malediction." "This Spayne ... hath gretecopy, and plente of castelles."—Trevisa, i. 301.
Chould(passim), I would—'ch 'ould.
Christendom, "by mychristendom" (R196,d). See E.E.D.S.,Anon. Plays, Series 2 and 3, Note-Books,s.v.4.2]
Christmas device(R179,b), Christmas was better kept as a festival in olden times than in modern days, lasting at this period from Christmas Eve to Old Christmas Day or Twelfth night. At Court, and in the Inns of Court, high revel was kept; from references such as the above it is clear that many a play was specially written for, and first presented at, these festivals. The sources of detailed descriptions are too well known to need particular reference.
Christmas song(M15,d; 16,atoc). Prof. Manly omits this precious production; perhaps rightly in view of his text being prepared for class-room use; the E.E.T. Society's issue gives it as a matter of course, as do I.
Church, "achurchhere beside," etc. (M28,b),i.e.the abbey larder should provide the requisite cheer.
Church-stile, "on thechurch stile" (M26,a), a stile in, or leading to, the precincts of the church.
Chwas(passim), I was—'ch was.
Clarify, "This question toclarify" (M5,a), make clear or intelligible, answer, clear up. "A word to you I woldclaryfy."—Towneley Myst., p. 67.
Clash, "atclashand cards" (IP338,b), bawdy talk, gossiping, tittle-tattle, quarrelling. "Good Lord! what fieryclashingswe have had lately for a cap and a surplice!"—Howell,Lett.(1644-45), iv. 29.
Clawback, "you flearingclawbackyou" (R188,a), lickspittle, flatterer. The whole passage is a striking early instance of sarcastic vituperation, and the gradual piling up of the weight of abuse.
Clean, "a clean gentleman" (M22,a), fair, comely, noble: a general appreciative. "With theclennestcumpanyethat euer king ladde."—Will. of Paleren(c.1360), 1609.
Clepe, "if I shouldclepeto memory" (N45,a), call. "I shall inwardlyclepethe Lord."—Wycliffe,Psalmxvii. 4.
Clerical, "clericalmanner" (M8,b),—"aclericalmatter" (M26,a), clerk-like, scholarly, abstruse, learned.
Clothes, "theclothesof thyshoon" (M35,b), generic for fabric and material as well as for dress and apparel.
Cloutery, (R263,d). Mr. Magnus glosses this as "mending," and probably he is right. On the other hand, a glance may be given to the Northernclouter= to do dirty work.
Cobs, "the greatcobs" (R232,d), a rich but grasping person, a person of superior rank and power. "Susteynid is not by personis lowe, Butcobbisgrete this riote sustene."—Occleve, MS. Soc. Antiq.134, f. 267. "But, at leisure, ther must be some of the gretcobbesserved likewise, and the king to have ther landes likewise, as, God willing, he shall have th' erle of Kildares in possession, or somer passe."—StatePapers, ii. 228 (Nares).
Cock's(passim), God's. HenceCock's body sacred= God's consecrated body.
Commediens, "ascommediensvor us" (R212,a), commodious.
Commodity(passim), advantage and many allied senses: see other volumes of this series.
Companable, "such as becompanable" (N62,a), affable, sociable, companionable. "Frendly to ben andcompaygnableat al."MS. Fairfax 16.
Conformed, see Respublica.
Congy, "a little prettycongy" (N60,d), bow of salutation.
Convert, "thine eyes to meconvert" (R238,c), turn, move.
Convertible(M33,b), unstedfast, changeable.
Convict, "convictthem" (M19,a)—"Mercy shall never beconvictof his uncurtess condition" (M34,a), conquer, persuade.
Convinced, "they shall beconvinced" (R246,b), convicted: cf. convict. "Which of youconvincethme of sin?"—Bible, Auth. Vers. (1611),Johnviii. 46.
Coped, (a) "Christ'scopedcurse" (M36,a); in originalcoppyde: cf.copie,copy= abundance, plenty (Trevisa, i. 301), andcopped,coppyd= rising to a point, heaped-up as a measure; hence "Christ'scopious, abundant, overflowing malediction." "This Spayne ... hath gretecopy, and plente of castelles."—Trevisa, i. 301.