Middle English Dictionary Entry
dē̆fāmǒus adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | dē̆fāmǒus adj. Also diffamose. |
| Etymology | From dēfāme & dēfāmen. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of ill repute, infamous; (b) defamatory.
Associated quotations
a
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)3.2747 : Thus euer moordre requereth for his wages Sclaundre inportable, odious for to heere, A woord diffamous, most foul in al languages.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)32 : Thilke tere is so riht strong that ther is no sinne so fowl, so defamowse [F diffame] that is put ther inne, that it ne is wasshe.
b
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)361 : Þerfore alle suche vndiscreete, diffamose wittis, lord, for þi goodnes þou stoppe.
- (c1454) Pecock Fol.(Roy 17.D.9)61/1 : Þei schulden haue remorce..þat þei euer spake þilk speche, beyng..a speche so diffamose to her neiȝboris.