Middle English Dictionary Entry

dǒuten v.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To feel uncertain, be in doubt (about sth.); ~ in, ~ of; it is doute, it is doubted or doubtful; it is not to ~ of, there is no doubt about; doute ye not (no thing), have no doubt, never fear; -- intr. or refl.; (b) to doubt (sth.), be uncertain about; ~ is no nede, there is no reason to doubt; -- often with that, hou, what, or whether clause; (c) refl., to suspect (that sth. is the case), conjecture, suppose.
2.
(a) To be anxious, fearful, frightened; ~ for, ~ of, be afraid of (sb. or sth.); ~ of lif, to fear for (one's) life; -- intr. or refl.; (b) to be afraid (to do sth.), hesitate; also, be confused; ben doute of, ?be afraid (to do sth.); (c) to fear (sb. or sth.); also fig.; (d) to fear (that sth. will happen, that sb. will do sth.); ~ that..nought, fear lest (sth. happen); ~ for to fallen, fear lest one fall; (e) ?to frighten (sb.).
3.
To fear (God), honor, reverence; fear or respect (a king); respect (one's husband); fall under the influence of (one's wives and lovers).