Middle English Dictionary Entry
dēfēren v.
Entry Info
| Forms | dēfēren v. Also differ(r)en, differrin. |
| Etymology | L deferre & OF deferer |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. differen v., from differre, often confused already in Latin with deferre.
1.
To refer a matter to (sb.) for decision; defer to (sb.), show deference to; ~ to, refer (a case, question) to (a higher authority or court).
Associated quotations
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)287/6 : Þe iustis..said: 'Owder is þis gude apostell Petur passand mercefull, or els he differs [L defert] þis martyr.'
- (1451) Capgr.St.Gilb.(Add 36704)94/26 : Letteris wer sent fro him ouyr þe se to þe iuges of þis lond, þat þis cause whech touched Gilbert & his bretherin schuld be differred fro hem to þe kyngis audiens.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)85.22 (v.2:p.100) : This elder fadir Petir .. differrith [L defert] this mater to his yunger.
- a1475(a1447) Bokenham MAngl.(Hrl 4011)14/21 : Euery secte & dyuersite of namys & mannys lyf schulde alle-wey dyfferryn & reuerencyne god-heed & honowryne & worschipyne hit with sum righte or synguler cerymonye.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)93/11 : He willyng..to deferre hit to hym þat was bisshop of the place, therfor..he comaunded to his brotherhede that he wold yeve to them licence I-axed.