Middle English Dictionary Entry
dī̆rect adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | dī̆rect adj. |
| Etymology | L & OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of an instrument: straight; (b) of a belief: straightforward; (c) astron. proceeding in the order of the zodiacal signs, in the same direction as the sun in its annual motion in the ecliptic, i.e. from west to east.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)53b/b : 5a. [instrument] beþ directe [*Ch.(2): riȝte; L directa] persours for to large þe bonez.
b
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)4.1341 : I haue a lesson [Christianity] moche truere to sustene And more directe [than pagan philosophy] to knowe creature.
c
- c1400 *Chaucer Astr.(Brussels 4869)[2.35] 93a : This is the wirkynge of the conclusioun to knowe ȝif that eny planete be direct or retrograd.
- c1400 *Chaucer Astr.(Brussels 4869)[2.35] 93b : Ȝif so be that the planete be on the riȝt syde of the meridional lyne..thanne is the planete direct. And ȝif he be on the west syde in that condicion, thanne is he retrograd.
- a1550 *Norton OAlch.(BodeMus 63)2946 : The elementes of our stone..haue moste obedience to constellacion, wherof concorde moste kyndely conveniente is a dyrecte and a fyry ascendent.