Middle English Dictionary Entry
dēmūr adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | dēmūr adj. Also demeur(e, demeuer, demuer, dimuir. |
| Etymology | Prob. AF; cp. OF mëur ripe, mature (from L matūr-us). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. mur(e adj.
1.
Quiet, well-mannered, poised, dignified, grave, sedate; of the sea: calm; benigne and ~, kind and gentle; ~ of age, mature; also as AF surname.
Associated quotations
- [ (1312) Pat.R.Edw.II494 : Richard le Demur. ]
- [ (1327) Sub.R.Stf.in WSAS 7202 : Thomas le Demor. ]
- c1390(1377) Death Edw.III (Vrn)37 : Þouȝ þe see were rouh or elles dimuir [vr. dimuuir], Gode hauenes þat Schip wolde gete.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.1320 : Ȝong of age and of good stature, Of countenaunce sad and ful demwre.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.1324 : This Trojan knyȝt, astonyed neuer-adel, But ful demvr and avised wel..Seide in effect..as ȝe schal here.
- a1425 Templ.Dom.(Add 32578)721 : Hym most be demure and mylde also.
- a1450(c1433) Lydg.St.Edm.(Hrl 2278)383/344 : So he alwey encreced in vertu..Demeur of port, angelik of visage.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)3.3120 : Thei shulde be sad & demeur off age.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)9.1692 : And of his port verray demuer & stable.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)445 : Sodeynly his eye On hyr he kest, of contenaunce demure.
- (1449) Metham AC (Gar 141)2165 : Sche was..In alle her behauyngys, ireprehensybyl and demure And most to commende.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)1844 : He benyng is and demeur To sue vnto.
- ?c1450 Knt.Tour-L.(Hrl 1764)17/9 : But y will haue her that is of demure manere, ferme in estat and countenaunce, and of goodly behauing.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)854/19 : Sir Launcelot behylde thys yonge squyer and saw hym semely and demure as a dove.
- a1475 Russell Bk.Nurt.(Hrl 4011)1175 : These þow may take in cure..in kervynge a-fore a sovereyne demewre [rime: sewre].
- c1475 Guy(1) (Cai 107/176)75 : Gentil she was and as demure As girfauk, or fawkon to lure.
- a1500(a1450) Gener.(2) (Trin-C O.5.2)4995 : And she is callid in euery place, Of hir maners soft and eke demure [rime: ensure, creature].
- a1500 Rule Minoresses (Bod 585)90/21 : Þe Abbesse may speke wiþ him..wiþ ii of moste demures & wise sustris.