Middle English Dictionary Entry

dōl n.(1)
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Entry Info

Forms dōl n.(1) Also dal(e, dail, doil, dwel & idol. Pl. dōles, dāles & dōle(n, dāle(n.
Etymology OE dāl, gedāl. Form dwel is due to confusion with dōl n.(2).

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. del n.(2).
1.
(a) A part or subdivision; a period (of time); a branch (of a vice); to)delen on doles, to divide (sth.) into parts; maken ~, divide (sth.); (b) ferthen dol [cp. ferthen-del], a quarter; halven ~, a half; nieðe ~, nine tenths; tenth (tende, tithe) ~, a tenth; (c) tithen dol, to pay one tenth (of one's earnings), pay tithes.
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2.
(a) A share (as given, received, or owned); (one's) due share; also, (one's) lot, (one's) place (in heaven); even ~, fair share or sharing; two doles, a double share; (b) nimen (taken) dol, to have a share (in sth.), do one's part; haven ~, be part (of sth.), share (in sth.); dighten ~, yeven ~, allot a share.
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3.
(a) A share in the use of land held in common; a share or lot of common land; land ~, medwe ~, turve ~; (b) in field and place names [see Smith PNElem. 1.126].
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4.
(a) Distribution of alms or gifts; maken ~, to give alms or gifts; (b) an occasion on which alms or gifts are distributed; (c) alms; delen dol(es, yeven ~, to give alms; also, make a contribution to the Church.
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5.
Bestowal of grace; charity, grace; fongen ~, to receive grace; maken ~, bestow grace; yeven of ~, bestow or present (sth.).
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6.
(a) Parting, separation; separateness, distinctness; (b) in dole, separately; in detail.
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