Middle English Dictionary Entry
slant(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | slant(e n. Also slont(e. |
| Etymology | From ON: cp. Swed. slant smooth, slippery & Dan. dial. slante to stagger; cp. ME slent n.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
In phrase: on ~, at an angle, obliquely [cp. aslant(e adv.]; he shal on ~, he shall stagger or have a fall; -- ?used fig. he shall come to grief.
Associated quotations
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)6200 : God hem bad drawe Innermore Aȝein on slont [Göt: on-slent; Vsp: o-slant] þere þei were ore Into pharaones syde.
- c1440(a1400) Awntyrs Arth.(Thrn)617 : The swerde sleppis on slante [Ir: on slonte], and one the mayle slydys.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)173/237 : Nay, he shall on slant; I shall kyll hym downe stryght.