Middle English Dictionary Entry
dē̆spect adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | dē̆spect adj. |
| Etymology | L dēspectus, ppl. of dēspicere. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Looked down upon; lowly, humble, shabby.
Associated quotations
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)9765 : Þe more despect thyng were..And þe more contemtyble..Of them euere she hadde þe more cherte.
- (c1450) Capgr.St.Aug.(Add 36704)4/9 : Of his progenitoures þus we rede þat þei were not of þe despect laboureres in þe puple, but born of good and rich kynrod.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)80 : He comaunded..þat þese persones schuld be lyft fro þat despect place..and bore on to þe cherch cleped syon.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)100 : All iii leued þus in good lif..with deuoute contemplacioun and in ful despect habite.
- a1500 Imit.Chr.(Dub 678)72/2 : Loue is..obedient to prelates, vile & despecte to hymself..hoping euere in god.