Middle English Dictionary Entry
disempāren v.
Entry Info
| Forms | disempāren v. |
| Etymology | AF; cp. F (16th cent.) desemparer. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To strip (a fortified place) of its fortifications; (b) to dispossess (sb.).
Associated quotations
a
- (1431) Proc.Privy C.4.97 : For asmuche as þere is greet multitude of walled tounes and castell..it semeth necessarie to be advised whiche shul be kept and whiche shul be disempared.
- (1431) RParl.5.417b : Hit is well agreed here that Fortresses and Places be dissempared, suche as shall be thoght..harmefull to be kept or to stande.
b
- c1500 Melusine (Roy 18.B.2)215/30 : My brother..thou wylt so dysempare & putte out fro his royaume.