Middle English Dictionary Entry
decrẹ̄tiste n.
Entry Info
| Forms | decrẹ̄tiste n. Also decretistre, decretestre & (error) decristre, discrefistere. |
| Etymology | ML dēcrētista & OF decrestiste, -istre. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
An expert in canon law; -- used contemptuously.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?a1387) PPl.C (Hnt HM 137)16.85 : Ac thes doctor and diuinour and decretestre [vrr. decretistre, decristre, discrefistere] of canon, And al-so a gnedy gloton with to grete chekes, Hath no pite on vs poure.
- c1425(?c1400) Wycl.Apol.(Dub 245)73 : Þat law canoun is contrary to Goddis lawe; and þat decretistis, as to þat part of wysdam þat þei haue of þe worldis wisdam, are Egipciens.
- c1425(?c1400) Wycl.Apol.(Dub 245)75 : Þe decretistis, þat are Israelitis in party, os to þe part of sciens þat þey han tane of Godis lawe, and Egipcians, as to þe part þat þey haue of worldly wysdam.