Middle English Dictionary Entry
allē̆viāten v.
Entry Info
| Forms | allē̆viāten v. |
| Etymology | From L ppl. alleviāt-um. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To mitigate, relieve (suffering, etc.); (b) reduce (weight); (c) confused with elevaten: levy (a tax).
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.229 : Tubal exercisede firste musike to alleuiate [L ad alleviandum] the tediosenes pastoralle.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)7.195 : I pray you nowe that ye wolde alleviate my tormentes.
b
- a1550 *Ripley CAlch.(BodeMus 63)54a : Esing them..of the ponderositye Of theyr pursis with poundes so agravate, Which by philosophye be now alleuiate.
c
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) Ctn.(Hrl 2261)455 : The seide tallage was not truly alleviate to the utilite of þe kynge.