Middle English Dictionary Entry
dǒmbenesse n.
Entry Info
| Forms | dǒmbenesse n. Also do(u)mpnesse, doumbenes, dumnesse. |
| Etymology | From dǒmb ; also cp. OE dumbnes. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Inability to speak; (b) failure to speak out or preach, reticence.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1456) Pecock Faith (Trin-C B.14.45)153 : Zacharie the fadir of John Baptist was punyschid bi doumbenes.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)116/35 : The plage of dompnesse hise lippis lappyd lo.
b
- c1400 Wycl.DSins (Bod 647)141 : Clerkes consenten in prechyng and mayntenyng of þis cause, and in cowarde dombenesse for a foule luf.
- ?a1425 Wycl.CGosp.Luke (Cmb Kk.2.9:Hudson)23/107 : Preie ȝee for vs..lest þe tunge be slowe fro prechyng, lest after þat we han take þe place of preching our doumpnesse make vs gulty.
- ?c1430(c1400) Wycl.Possessioners (Corp-C 296)126 : To displese god bi suffrynge of opyn synne & doumpnesse.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)135 : Dumnesse: Mutitas, taciturnitas.