Middle English Dictionary Entry
a-last adv. (& phr.)
Entry Info
| Forms | a-last adv. (& phr.) Also o last. |
| Etymology | From on or of phrase. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. last.
1.
(a) Last in order, in the end, finally; (b) on the last occasion, lately.
Associated quotations
a
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Einenkel)41 : To..dreien cristene men..summe þurh fearlac of eisfule þreates, o least wið stronge tintreohen.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Juliana (Bod 34)57/606 : Þu healdest alle unhale..Aleast [vr. alast], as þe bi luuede, lettest an of þe tweolue þet tu hefdest icoren chapi þe & sullen.
- c1230 *Ancr.(Corp-C 402)16b : Aleast seggeð þis.
- a1250 Lofsong Lefdi (Nero A.14)207 : Erest in his one hond and seoððen in his oðer, olast in his side þurlunge.
- c1275 Ken.Serm.(LdMisc 471)221/236 : He alast of þis wordle naam fles and blod ine þe Maidene seinte Marie.
- c1350(a1333) Shoreham Poems (Add 17376)5/135 : Þat man ne falle ine wanhope A-last wiþ-oute bote.
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)118 : And þeruore comþ alast þis bene.
- c1390 Castle Love(1) (Vrn)457 : So þat Pees a last vp breek.
b
- a1350(1307) Execution Fraser (Hrl 2253)87 : Muche haþ scotlond forlore, whet alast, whet bifore, ant lutel pris wonne.