Middle English Dictionary Entry
dē̆bīte n.
Entry Info
| Forms | dē̆bīte n. Also dubete. |
| Etymology | OF debit, debite. The Paston form perh. blended with deu a debt. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. dette.
1.
(a) That which is owed, a debt; (b) a sin.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1455) Paston2.76 : I perseeve by the tenor of the seid lettre your gode desire of certein dubete that I owe unto you..I sende you..an obligacion wherof..I have rescevid part of the dubete therinne comprisid.
b
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)2/44 : Eve toke Adam a mursel of þe same..Oure lord gan appose þem of þer gret debyte [rime: byte, ryte, dyspite].