Middle English Dictionary Entry
dēcān n.
Entry Info
| Forms | dēcān n. |
| Etymology | L decānus |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A nun in charge of ten nuns; (b) the dean of a cathedral church.
Associated quotations
a
- a1225 Wint.Ben.Rule (Cld D.3)135/28 : Gyf hit beon mæȝ, swilc notu þurh decanas, þat synd teoðinȝealdras, on mynstre ȝefadod & ȝeendebyrd beo on þa wise, þe þeo abbodesse diht.
b
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)7.477 : Symon, þe sonne of Robert bischop of Lincoln, and decan [L decanus; Trev.: deen] in the same churche, flowrede moche in this tyme.