Middle English Dictionary Entry
dī̆minūen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | dī̆minūen v. Also dimineuen. |
| Etymology | OF diminüer |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To reduce or lessen (sth.); (b) math. to subtract; (c) to speak disparagingly, utter detraction.
Associated quotations
a
- (1427) Proc.Privy C.3.237 : In no wyse..to dymynue or withdrawe..eny worship or estat..but raþer..to encresce and augmente your said worship and estate.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.91 : A voys all hoole and no-þing diminude.
b
- c1475 Court Sap.(Trin-C R.3.21)1966 : She [Arsmetryk] tolde the craft of Computacion, To adde, dymynew, and to multiply.
c
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Ezek.35.13 : And ȝe han rise vpon me with ȝour mouth, and han dymynued, or spoken yuel [WB(2): deprauyd; L derogastis], aȝeins me.