Middle English Dictionary Entry
alēthen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | alēthen v. |
| Etymology |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. lethen relax, loosen, etc.
1.
To alleviate, lessen.
Associated quotations
- ?a1425 *Antidot.Nicol.(Frg 147)f.47r : Theodoricon anacardium yt reperayleþ muynde, yt asetteþ [?read: aletteþ] þe swonynge of þe hed, yt aletteþ [?recte; Carillo-Linares reads: asetteþ; L: aufert] & mostwhat on þe after syde, yt takeþ a wey þe flewm & purgeþ, yt doþ goode to alle causes of þe matrice.
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)11.434 : Leef a litel hole out at to brethe, Their hetes estuant forto alethe.
- ?a1450 Macer (Stockh Med.10.91)85/18 : Leek or þe iuus of leek is gode .. for to alette [L relaxat] and mollifie þe hardenesse of a bocche or of a postome.