Middle English Dictionary Entry
distraught ppl.
Entry Info
| Forms | distraught ppl. Also destrauht, distraght, distraut. |
| Etymology | Anglicized form of distract, ppl. of distracten. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Disturbed, perturbed; upset, distressed; (b) deranged, insane.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.1745 : The lond was torned up so doun: Wherof his herte is so distraght, That he for pure sorwe hath caght The maladie.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.6 : That I the Scole schal declare Of Aristotle..I am somdel therof destrauht.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)3382 : With the noyse and lamentacioun, The qwen distrauht [vr. distracte] is descendid.
- (a1438) MKempe A (Add 61823)153/13 : At þe request of a preyste, þat he xulde not be turbelyd ne distrawt in hys Messe wyth hir wepyng & hir sobbyng, [she] went owt at þe chirche-dor.
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)9067 : Her hert so gretely was of the syght Of hym dystraught, that as a lefe..quoke her breth.
b
- (1451) Capgr.St.Gilb.(Add 36704)131/13 : Þis myracle fel on-to a-noþer woman þat too monthis and a half was distraut.
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.Prayer Leonard (LdMisc 683)28 : Suych as be..Distraut in thouht, reforme hem to resoun.