Middle English Dictionary Entry
dressen v.
Entry Info
Forms | dressen v. Also drescen, drissen, drē̆s(e. Forms: p. dressede, drissede & drest(e, drist; ppl. i)dressed, dris(s)ed & drest. |
Etymology | OF drecier |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To place (sth.), lay, put, set; seat (sb.); ~ up heved, raise (one's) head; (b) fig. to put (sb. in doubt or danger); (c) refl. to place oneself, take up a position; of juice: appear or be (in fruit); (d) ~ in peces, cut (sb.) in pieces; (e) ~ on, to put on (one's shield); put (a crown) on (sb., one's head); ~ upon, put on (clothing), put (a garment) on (oneself); (f) ~ to, to fasten (sth.) to (sth.); ~ togeder, fasten (things) together.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)1939 : Vp he dresseþ heued and swire.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1399 : Non watz dressed upon dece bot þe dere selven And his clere concubynes.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)75 : Guenore ful gay, grayþed in þe myddes, Dressed on þe dere des.
- a1425 LFMass Bk.(Cmb Gg.5.31)240 : Þe prest..wyll sprede his armes obrade, Seyen [read: seþen] dresse þaim in þaiere friste stede.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2026 : Theis valyante knyghtez Dresses vp dredfully the dragone of golde.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)5835 : [He] for ded of þe dynt was drest on his shild.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1935 : To þe kiddest kyng..Sire Dari..drised on þi trone.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)3 : J seih seint Beneyt, That on hy ayenst the walles hadde a gret ladder dressed.
- (a1460) Vegetius(2) (Pmb-C 243)224 : The semelyest..The first arayes of the legyoun..it is in to dresse.
- a1475(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Vit C.13)4910 : Ye shal a squyre take..off a carpenter..The Ton ende vp-ward to dresse..The tother ende lower doun.
- a1500(?a1400) Firumb.(2) (Fil)214 : Dame florype..feld down to grownd..whanne gye that sey..he toke her in hys armys an dressyd her vpRygȝt.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)58 : Merlin badde they sholde be dressed vp-right for thei sholde seme feyrer so than liggynge.
b
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)1821 : Now I am dressyd in gret dowte.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)441 : Hit is wonder..this wise kyng Wold assent..his doughter to dresse in daunger of loue.
c
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.2594 : In two renges faire they hem dresse.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)7.71 : Gerebertus..dressed hym under a treen brugge.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mil.(Manly-Rickert)A.3358 : He cam to the carpenteres hous..And dressed hym vp by a shot wyndowe.
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)3.874 : Plucke of the febul fruit..Hem to discharge, and Iuce ek then wol dresse Hit into theym that ar of gentilesse.
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)1003 : Lecherye..ȝe dresse ȝou so dyngne on desse.
d
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)12112 : Neuer þo lordis to hor londis..shuld wyn Till ho duly were ded & dressit in pesis.
e
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.381 : A corone on hir heed they han ydressed.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1055 : He dressede one his schelde.
- c1450(?a1400) Siege Milan (Add 31042)835 : Thay dressede on hym a dyademe.
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)14/7 : She called Elious to se that all hir aray wer wele dressed vpon.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.A.244 : The Monke dressed vppon hym his habitte.
f
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)1.396 : Bordis of cipresse..vpsette..and hem to gedir dresse Wit iunipur, box, [etc.].
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)3.207 : The vyne ek to the tre with bondes dresse [L alliganda].
2.
(a) To arrange (sth.), put in order, adjust; straighten; put (a shield, spear, armor) in position; make (a bed); order (one's words); ~ her, arrange or tidy up the hair; (b) to ornament (sth.), garnish; adorn (sb.); (c) refl. to take a (certain) bodily position; adjust oneself (in one's clothing, saddle, etc.); ~ doun (adoun), lie or sit down; fig. kneel, submit; ~ up (upward), raise oneself, get up; (d) refl. to stand up; ~ sitting, ~ to sitten, rise to a sitting position, sit up; (e) cook. to arrange (sth.) for serving, divide into portions; serve (a dish); also fig.
Associated quotations
a
- c1330(?a1300) Rich.(Auch)123 : Drisses now ȝour mangunel & kestes to her tre castel!
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Luke 3.5 : Ech valey schal be fulfillid..and schrewide thingis schulen be in to dressid thingis [L erunt prava in directa].
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))John 1.23 : Dresse ȝe the wey of the Lord!
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.106 : Wel koude he dresse his takel yemanly: His arwes drouped noght with fetheres lowe.
- c1390 Talking LGod (Vrn)48/17 : Þei beoten doun þe coroune vppon þin hed and dresseden hit..so þat þe scharpe þornes wente in to þe brayn.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mil.(Manly-Rickert)A.3635 : He..dressed alle thyng as it sholde be.
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)4294 : When he cumþ vnto þe messe, Þere behoueþ hym hys here dresse.
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)2264 : Tauryn..Bigan to dresse vp his hatt.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1477 : Upon þat auter watz al aliche dresset.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)4.1182 : He gan hire lymes dresse in swich manere As men don hem that shal ben layd on beere.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2473 : Than withdrawes oure men and drisses them bettyre.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)10870 : Frolle vp stirte..His scheld dressed, his launce vp hent.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.121 : Vnnethe I can my wordes dresse In open sentence for to make it clere.
- c1450 Myght wisdom (Add 31042)29 : Blissed be thyn here wich fro thyn hede schede..To dresse thyn here..who couthe demyne So plesande a wighte als þi babe..His fingers smale dide kembe it well and fyne.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)21/6-7 : Two of them dressed their sperys unto Ulphuns and Brastias and they dressed their sperys and ran togydir with grete random.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)30/19 : Kynge Ban and Bors made hem redy and dressed theire shyldis and harneysse.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)41 : Groomes..to help dresse the beddes of sylke and arras.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)569 : Segramor drough his suerde and dressed his shelde.
- a1500(a1470) Brut-1461(1) (Add 10099)511/2 : Þe listes wer made & þe feeld dressed.
b
- 1381 Pegge Cook.Recipes (Dc 257)p.105 : Dresse yt wyth graynis of Poungarnetts other with reysens.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)218 : And the conquerour..so clenly arayede In colours of clene golde cleede..Drissid with his dyademe.
- (1445) ?Bokenham Claudian CS (Add 11814)271/149 : Her heerys blake arn dressid aboute with precious shynyng golde.
c
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)417 : The grene knyȝt vpon grounde grayþely hym dresses.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.71 : 'Allas, I may nought rise To knele and do yow honour in som wyse.' And dressed him upward.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)804 : By the welle adoun she gan hyre dresse.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)15.468-9 : Thanne vp sche hire dressid As sche Mowht, And On hire knees sche dressid hire down To-forn hire bed.
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)3921 : In hys sadyll he gan hym dresse.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)37/52 : Ya! daunce in þe devilway! dresse þe downe! For I wille wyrke euen as I will.
- c1450(?a1400) Roland & O.(Add 31042)845 : He..drissede hym in his worthy wede.
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)51/8 : Then Ponthus dressed hym wele in his styrropes.
- a1475(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Vit C.13)13971 : Vp on my ffeet I gan me for to dresse.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)255 : Margoundres..dressed hym vpon his feet.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)482 : The Queene..dressed hir vp-stondinge.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)541 : Than Gawein dressed hym in his sadell and ficched hym in his stiropes.
d
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)3369 : Archilaus hym dresseþ [F se dresce] and askeþ paise.
- a1400 Pep.Gosp.(Pep 2498)42/19 : Jesus..heled a womman þat was..croked..sche ne myȝth nouȝth dressen hire to sytten vp.
- 1451 Tundale (Roy 17.B.43)539 : He lay a whyle..And sythen sette hym in þat stede. As he hym dressed so syttand, He se þe angelle.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)581 : As soone as the kynge looth hym [Arthur] saugh, he lepe on his feet..and a-noon the princes hem dressed in honour and reuerence to hym.
e
- 1381 Pegge Cook.Recipes (Dc 257)p.101 : Wan yt ys dressyd in dysches..blank de sure, straw upon clowys of gelofre..and serve yt forthe.
- (a1399) Form Cury (Add 5016)p.14 : Dresse it forth and cast þer to powdour douce.
- (a1399) Form Cury (Add 5016)p.23 : Boyle the sawse and dresse þe Gees in disshes and lay þe sowe onoward.
- ?c1425 Arun.Cook.Recipes (Arun 334)467 : When hit is sothen and dressed up in dissches, then cast suger above, and serve hit forthe.
- ?c1425 Arun.Cook.Recipes (Arun 334)468 : Make it stondynge with floure of rys and dresse hit up on leches..Dresse the fish in disshes and do the syrip above and serve hit forth.
- ?c1425 Arun.Cook.Recipes (Arun 334)469 : Dresse up six leches in a dysshe, and strawe theron pouder of ginger, and serve it forthe.
- c1430(c1380) Chaucer PF (Benson-Robinson)665 : This entremes is dressed for yow alle.
- a1450(?1400) In blossemed buske (Dgb 102)55 : When thou art old..Who wole the fynde fode or wede? Lete moche thonk than thy mete dresse!
- a1450 Hrl.Cook.Bk.(1) (Hrl 279)13 : Þen put yn þe Oystrys þer-to, and dresse it forth.
- a1450 Hrl.Cook.Bk.(1) (Hrl 279)19 : Þan take Maces..& caste þer-to, whan that þou schalt dresse it yn.
- a1450 Hrl.Cook.Bk.(1) (Hrl 279)21 : Whan þow dressist þi mete, leche it & caste þin Syryppe abouyn vppe-on, & serue forth.
- c1425 Wycl.Antichr.(2) (Dub 245)p.cxxix : But Crist dressid brede & fische wiþ hise owne handes & sawe himsilf hou it was deled to þe hungry folk.
3.
(a) To dress or arm (sb., oneself); (b) to get dressed or armed.
Associated quotations
a
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)2.635 : To seen hym in his gere hym dresse..It was an heven upon hym for to see.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)129/91 : Dresse vs in riche array.
- c1450(?a1400) Roland & O.(Add 31042)362 : Eleuen duspers..dressede hym in his armours, Alle redy to the felde.
- c1450(?a1400) Roland & O.(Add 31042)878 : Rowlande nad Olyuere Dressede þam in armes clere, Alle redy to þe fyghte.
b
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2052 : He drissede in a derfe schelde endenttyd with sable.
- c1440 Degrev.(Thrn)1233 : Þe knyghte was dressed sa free..Sum luked on his stede And sum on his riche wede.
- c1475 Guy(1) (Cai 107/176)119/1986 : Ayenst theim they dressed in their gere: Hastely to armes they bee goo.
4.
To mend or repair (sth.); tune (the strings of a harp); adjust (a scale); correct (a fault, obscure writing); redress (an injury or injustice).
Associated quotations
- a1400 Pep.Gosp.(Pep 2498)19/21 : He seiȝ James & John his broþer wiþ Zebede, her fader, dressande [L reficientes] her nettes.
- c1410(c1350) Gamelyn (Hrl 7334)848 : Thow hast ȝeuen domes þat ben yuel dight; I wil sitten in þy sete and dressen hem aright.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)1190 : This amerous queene chargeth hire meyne The nettes dresse, and speres brode and kene.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)73 : God wolde not..sende him [Scriptures] to resoun for to be interpretid..and dressid into trewe and dewe sense and vndirstonding.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Merlin (Corp-C 80)10438 : There rested they hem two dayes be-dene, here harneis to dressen and maken clene.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)158/59 : If we defaute myght feele, Dewly we schall gar dresse Be dome euery ilk a dele.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.207 : The poet Orpheus..faste his strenges þere dressed he, And sowned out þe swete songes all.
- (a1460) DSPhilos.(Helm)251/24 : The besynesses of this worlde bene dressed by two thinges..by science, whiche the soulle is ruled by [etc.].
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)13b : I..that owith to dresse the balaunce in wich alle meriteis owe to be peised..be dreed of veray rightwisnesse.
- a1500(?a1475) Guy(4) (Cmb Ff.2.38)3189 : What thynge..That hath þe greuyd..Hyt schall be dressyd thys ylke day.
5.
(a) To get ready, make preparations; prepare (for sth., to do sth.); (b) refl.
Associated quotations
a
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2042 : Do dresse we tharefore, and byde we no langere, Fore dredlesse..the daye shall be ourez!
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)5195 : Þes drest for þe dede and droghen to ship.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)5559 : Dresse will I duly to dem of my werkes, How thai wenton to werre.
b
- c1390(?c1350) SVrn.Leg.(Vrn)89/1645 : He dressed him to seye his preyere.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.ML.(Manly-Rickert)B.265 : Custaunce..Ful pale arist and dresseth hire to wende.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)725 : Iosepe dreste hym, home to wende.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)2.71 : He gan awake..and dresse hym, up to ryse.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)5.279 : Phebus with his rosy carte soone Gan..to dresse hym, up to fare.
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)1 Cor.14.8 : Who schal dresse hym [L parabit se] to þe batayle?
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)579 : For drede of his daungere they dresside þem sone..the honourable kyngys Come at his commandmente.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1072 : Dresse the now, dogge-sone..For þow sall dye this day thurghe dynt of my handez!
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3182 : Ser Dary with his dukis eft drisis him to fiȝt.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)35/22 : Who that seeth any man dresse hym to fle, lyghtly that he be slayne.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)240/260 : Dresse ȝow with all dew dylygens To honowre hym as ȝour makere!
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)2860 : Latt on dryfe to sir Dary; latt drysse hym to feght, Or put hym to my power.
6.
(a) To make (sth.), build; form (a phalanx, line of battle); (b) to ordain (sth.), cause, bring about; deliver (a false judgment); cause (sth.) to be (in a certain place); arrange (death for sb.); cause (sb. to die); (c) ~ of, to derive (sth.) from (sth.).
Associated quotations
a
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1112 : On þat same hay he layd þat childe, Whils þat he dryst for mary mylde A stra couche.
- a1425(a1382) WBible(1) (Corp-O 4)Gen.14.8 : Thei dressiden aȝens hem sheltrun [L direxerunt aciem contra eos] in the wodi valey.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Josh.8.13 : Al the tothir oost dresside scheltroun [L aciem dirigebat] to the north.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)1.1284 : Ye all proude..Dressith up..your touris..Beeldith your castellis!
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)310/93 : He schall caste doune oure tempill..And dresse it vppe dewly within thre daies.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)27/21 : Whan hit ys daylyght, dresse youre batayle evyn before them.
b
- a1400(?a1325) Bonav.Medit.(1) (Hrl 1701)158 : O Iudas..Þyn herte ys harder þan any hardnesse, Aȝens swyche mekenes deþ for to dresse.
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)495 : Al is trawþe þat he con dresse, And he may do noþynk bot ryȝt.
- c1400 Who-so loueth endeles (Sim)83 : When grete god þat doom schal dresse, But þou sey soth, þou schalt be schent.
- (1421) Let.War France in Bk.Lond.E.(Gldh LetBk I & K)85/21 : Blessed be god..which of his..habundaunt grace alwey dresse and continue your spede.
- a1425 Nicod.(1) (Add 32578)1336 : I procurde alle þe Iuwes full fast, Þat þai suld dresse hym [Jesus] forto dye [vr. ger hym dye].
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)3066 : I am ordeynyd to peynys stronge; In wo is dressyd myn wonnynge; In helle on hokys I schal honge.
- a1500(c1386) St.Erk.(Hrl 2250)236 : I remewit never fro þe riȝt..For to dresse a wrange dome.
- a1500(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Dub 213)29/801* : I beseke þe..þat þou my sete dresse In a chosyn chariott as a chefe maister.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)245/65 : To sir pylate..this man will we dryfe, his dede for to dres and refe hym his lyfe.
- a1500 Listyns lordingus to (Cmb Ff.5.48)6 : Ȝe shall here of on story..How iewys demyd my son to dye; ychan a deth to hym þei drest.
c
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)860 : Of on dethe ful oure hope is drest.
7.
(a) To turn (sth. in a direction), direct (the eyes), turn (the back, face); ~ ayenes, turn towards; (b) to direct (one's mind or soul to sth.), apply (one's wits, heart, actions, etc., to doing sth.); use (sth. for a purpose); (c) to turn one's attention (to sth.), apply oneself (to a task), devote oneself (to sth.); ~ to mete, eat food, begin eating; -- usually refl.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)445 : To-ward þe derrest on þe dece he dressez þe face.
- a1425(a1382) WBible(1) (Corp-O 4)Gen.18.16 : Thei dressiden her eyen [L direxerunt oculos] aȝens Sodom; and Abraham ȝede with, ledynge forth hem.
- a1425(a1382) WBible(1) (Corp-O 4)Num.24.1 : Dressynge his chere aȝens the deseert.
- a1450-1509 Rich.(Brunner)2568 : He dressyd [vr. drissed] hys bak vnto [vr. towarde] þe maste.
- a1500 Rolle Mend.L.(Wor F.172)30 : Al the while we dresse and sette vnto hym the spiritual eye of oure mynde.
- c1500(?a1475) Ass.Gods (Trin-C R.3.19)1512 : Abowte the walles myn ey gan I dresse.
b
- a1450(?c1430) Lydg.DM(1) (Hnt EL 26.A.13)626 : Thus shulde euery wight..al his wittes dresse To loue and drede hym.
- (1434) Misyn ML (Corp-O 236)106/18 : Turnynge also to goyd is doyne, þe scharpnes of owr myndys qwhils we in-to hym drees.
- (1435) Misyn FL (Corp-O 236)43/14 : Þe saule fro..vnclene þoghtis is restrenyd, & only to goddis lufe it is dressyd.
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)244 : Ful wel seruen vsis of signes and tokenes, if þei be vsid not as for hem silf, but if þei be dressid to remembre vs of þo þingis whiche þei ben ordeyned to signifie.
- a1450 Ben.Rule(2) (Vsp A.25)219 : Þat we here dresse Our hartes..For to fulfill..Godes bidinges.
- a1450 Ben.Rule(2) (Vsp A.25)793 : If we our dedes wil duly drese [rime: bisines] To..win vnto þe hight of heuyn.
- ?a1450(c1380) Chaucer Gent.(Benson-Robinson)3 : What man that claymeth gentil for to be Must..alle his wittes dresse, Vertu to sewe.
c
- (c1380) Chaucer CT.SN.(Manly-Rickert)G.77 : O hauene o refut..Now help, for to my work I wol me dresse.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mil.(Manly-Rickert)A.3468 : To the chambre dore he gan hym dresse.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Sq.(Manly-Rickert)F.290 : In this iolynesse I lete hem, til men to the soper dresse.
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)19863 : Lorde ihesus..forbede..I shulde me dres To mete þei ete in heþenes.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)474 : To my mete I may me wel dres.
- a1425(?a1400) RRose (Htrn 409)6535 : If a riche man hym dresse, To thenke to myche on richesse [etc.].
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)204/16 : Fewe folk assayen for to passen þat passage, all be it þat men myghte don it wel þat myght ben of power to dresse him þereto.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)2800 : Behold..your god..Lo, where he lyth..to reysyn hym up ye yow now drese; And yf ye ne moun [etc.].
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)274 : Sone he dressit to his dede & no dyn made.
- c1450(?a1405) Lydg.CBK (Frf 16)203 : For to reherse anon I wol me dresse.
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)2.70 : We wil now streit dresse vs to þat werk.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)30/237 : To spyn will I dres me.
- a1500 Methodius(3) (Stw 953)252 : Of hys vengeauns he a-bode, To loke yf man ȝyt wold hym dresse To mend þat he so forfete hadde.
8.
(a) To guide (a horse), steer (a ship), direct (a besom); control (sth.), govern (oneself); (b) to guide (sb.) spiritually; guide or direct (the heart, thoughts, actions); (c) to teach (sb.); instruct; bring up (a child); (d) ~ to (til, unto), to make (sth.) conform with (sth.); ~ into, reduce (sth.) to (servitude); (e) to bring (a city, country) under control, subdue; (f) ~ wei(es, ~ fet, ~ goinges, ~ steppes, to direct or guide (one's) way or course, direct aright; ~ pas, make (one's) way; ~ cours, pursue (one's) course; ~ wei thider, make (one's) way thither.
Associated quotations
a
- c1330(?a1300) Arth.& M.(Auch)8855 : Aiþer gan his stede dresse Oȝain oþer in þat presse.
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Roy 1.B.6)Jas.3.4 : Shippes..ben born aboute..where the bire of a man dressinge [L dirigentis] shal wole.
- a1475(1450) Scrope DSP (Bod 943)40/28,29 : It behoueþe to a lord first to dres him-silfe and after othir, or els he farith as he þat wold dresse his shadowe a-fore hym-silf.
- a1475(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Vit C.13)4332 : Who that euere shal casten oute Any felthe..he most dresse the bysme wysly to and fro, that he nat be-syde go.
- a1500(1422) Yonge SSecr.(Rwl B.490)156/29 : Aftyr that the tyme and the thyngis wolde aske, thow howeste the dresse and a-wyse.
b
- c1350 MPPsalter (Add 17376)7.10 : Þou shal drescen þe riȝtful [L diriges iustum].
- c1350 MPPsalter (Add 17376)24.5 : Dresce [L dirige] me, Lord, in þy soþenesse and teche me.
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))2 Thes.3.5 : The Lord dresse [L dirigat] ȝoure hertis in the charite of God.
- c1390 Lord my God (Vrn)41 : Euere myn herte to þe þou dresse.
- c1390 Psalt.Mariae(1) (Vrn)342 : Þat al vr þouhtes in to him He dresse, I þe preye.
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)10336 : Þenne sent god him suche one þat..monkynde toward god dressed.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)1/8 : Vnto me send þi socore sone And dresce my dedes in þis dale.
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)340 : Bi þe keping of þo statutis þei schulde be..þe surelier dressid foorþ and, as it were, constreyned to kepe þi lawe of resoun and of feiþ.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)251 : In the bigynnyng of the chirche..writingis dressing men into holynes weren scant and fewe.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)157/12,13 : Þo comaundementis which dressen vs toward god..and..þo comaundementis which dressen vs toward oure neiȝbore.
- a1500(1422) Yonge SSecr.(Rwl B.490)121/20 : Whan..witte dressith Powere, in goodnys may the Prynce Play.
- a1500(?a1425) Lambeth SSecr.(Lamb 501)92/23 : God þe susteyne, þe dresse, and þe kepe!
c
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1869 : God wote wele þat I hym bar, Als oures we sall hym drysse.
- ?c1425 *Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)168b/a : Ypocras..dresseth a leche of the mesure of voydinge.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)138/35 : Þat a man ouȝte reule, dresse, and teche his childe.
d
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)348 : Þe bisshops..merualyd þat so ȝohng a thyng All hyr werkys to goddes plesyng So sone couth dresse & drawe.
- c1410 St.Anselm Medit.(UC 97)444 : It schal be dampned in þe what so euer may be founden..of alle þat þow hast i-lyued, ȝef if haue not be dressed to þe wil of god.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)4.pr.6.186 : Alle thingis semen to ben confus..to us men..Natheles the propre maner of every thing, dressynge hem to gode, disponith hem alle.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)4.pr.6.395 : God hymself..ordeineth and dresseth alle thingis to gode.
- (c1434) Drury Wks.(CmbAdd 2830)79/149 : Dresse þyn lyf to þe plesawns of god.
- a1450(?1348) Rolle FLiving (Cmb Dd.5.64)92/115 : If we dresse oure lyfe till his will.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.272 : All thing to good disposeþ he [God] or dresseth So ferforth, þat in euery creature þe liknesse of hym-selfe he enpressith.
- a1475 Rev.St.Bridget(3) (Gar 145)32/35 : Þat all his spekyng and wyrkynge be gouernede of God and dressed vn-to Gode.
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)67/9 : 'Castigo corpus meum et in seruitutem redigo.' That ys yn Englysche: 'I chast my body and dresse hit ynto seruage of þe soule.'
e
- a1425 KAlex.(LinI 150)1326 : Þider he wendiþ wiþ gret pres Þis stordy citeis for to dres.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)46 : Danmarke he dryssede all, by drede of hym seluyn, with his swerde kene.
- c1450(c1430) Brut-1430 (Glb E.8)429/32 : He ordeynyd..the Duke of Beedford..to byn there Regent Gouernoure of Fraunce..vnto the tyme the good Counseill of Engelond myght dresse it and amende it, to set it in pessabull poynte and reste.
- a1500 Partenay (Trin-C R.3.17)2179 : Sarisins strong Asseilede..The cite..And strongly gan thaim payn To..take by assaute that hour..trowed it to dresse.
f
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))1 Thes.3.11 : The Lord Jhesu Crist, dresse oure wey [L dirigat viam] to ȝou.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mel.(Manly-Rickert)B.2308 : Thow shalt blesse god and praye hym to dresse thy weyes.
- (c1422) Hoccl.JWife (Dur-U Cosin V.3.9)588 : To his lady dressith he his paas.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Gen.24.40 : The Lord..schal sende his aungel with thee, and he schal dresse thi weie.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Prov.3.6 : Thenke thou on hym, and he schal dresse [WB(1): reulen] thi goyngis.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Jer.18.11 : Ech man turne aȝen fro his yuel weie, and dresse ȝe [WB(1): right reulith; L dirigite] ȝoure weies and ȝoure studies.
- c1460(a1449) Lydg.Mutability MN (Hrl 2255)39 : Titan, to erly whan he his cours doth dresse, Of his briht shynyng no stedfast abyding.
- a1450 Wycl.LFCatech.PN (Bod 789)97 : Lord, dresse my steppis up þi spechis.
- a1450-a1500(1436) Libel EP (Warner)569 : Here martis bene feble..But if Englisshe men thedir dresse here waye.
- (a1460) DSPhilos.(Helm)61/7 : Dresse youre feete and also youre paas and gothe wisely.
9.
(a) To send (sth.) to (sb.); address (a letter, a writ, words to sb. or to a place); (b) to offer (sth. to sb.), proffer, give; present (a gift); (c) ~ among(es, to distribute (sth.) among, divide among.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325 *Rwl.Statutes [OD col.] (Rwl B.520)lf.48 : In þilke forme sal þe writ ben idressed to þe schirreues.
- (1427) Proc.Privy C.3.260 : Þe said K[ing] of þe Scottes shold have sent..his lettres..unto þe said Richard..dressid unto his [said] march.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)2 : These same wordis..bi Seint Poul dressid to Thimothe bischop..mowe weel y now be..dressid ferthir to ech lay persoon.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1711 : Thre thingis..He [Darius] dressis to him [Alexander] in dedeyne, & in dispite sendis..a ball..þe barne with to play, A herne-pan..a Hatt.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)5123 : Ȝit sall I send ȝow..a sertan of giftis..I drysse ȝow here a diademe.
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.Test.(Hrl 218)273 : Her suster..gan onto me dresse A wooful bylle.
b
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Luke 11.12 : Ether if he schal axe an ey, whethir he schal dresse [L porriget; WB(2): a reche] to him a scorpioun?
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))John 13.26 : He it is, to whom I schal dresse [WB(2): areche; L porrexero] breed dipped yn.
- ?c1400 Wycl.CGosp.Matthew (Add 41175:Hudson)60/16 : He brekeþ breed, wiche he dressiþ to diciplis forto schewe þat þe brekynge of his boody schal not come wiþouten his wille.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Gen.40.21 : He restoride the oon in to his place, that he schulde dresse [WB(1): bringe forth; L porrigeret] cuppe to the kyng.
- ?1435(1432) Lydg.Hen.VI Entry (Jul B.2)187 : Thus thes ladyes gan theire gifftes dresse Graciously at theyre oute komyng.
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)3355 : Þane þe Jeves..dressyd þee drynke, Eysyl & galle.
c
- c1410(c1350) Gamelyn (Hrl 7334)15 : Fayn he wold it [land] were dressed amonges hem alle, That ech of hem had his part.
- c1410(c1350) Gamelyn (Hrl 7334)36 : Goþ and dresseþ my lond among my sones þre.
10.
(a) To go, move; (b) to get out of bed; ~ up, get up; (c) refl. to go, advance, proceed; (d) refl. ~ ayen(es, to turn against (sb.), go against, oppose, attack.
Associated quotations
a
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1645 : Beryn liȝt down on [read: of] his hors, & inward gan he dres.
- c1450 Trental St.Greg.(1) (Clg A.2)167 : Fro derknesse I dresse to blysse clere.
b
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)566 : He..dressez on þe morn, Askez erly hys armez.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2009 : He dressed vp er þe day sprenged.
c
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1237 : He sesed a spere & dressed him to þe duk, presteli to iuste.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.ML.(Manly-Rickert)B.416 : To the feste cristen folk hem dresse.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.3207 : Iason..Armed in steel..Gan dresse him forth.
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)5649 : Out of the feld gan thei ham dresse.
- c1425 Found.St.Barth.22/24 : A-noon as they came to lande, they dressid them to the Chirche of the gloriouse Apostle.
- c1450 Scrope Othea (Lngl 253)66 : Galatee, the which was a fayrye, dressyd hir into the see and askapid therby.
- c1460(a1449) Lydg.Mutability MN (Hrl 2255)36 : Whan Phebus entrith in the Ariete, Digest humours vpward doon hem dresse.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)1110 : Vp he rysith..Vn-to his cofre he dressith hym in hye.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)2560 : O worthi king!..A-mong þe peple ofte hastow þe dressed In-to contre, in symple array allone.
- c1450(c1400) Sultan Bab.(Gar 140)1702 : Dresse the forth with hem!
- a1456(a1449) Lydg.Say.Nightingale (Trin-C R.3.20)158 : Thorough myn hert þe sperehed gan hit dresse.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)88/10 : He dressid hym thensward.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.B.2177 : Noon of you shall othir embrace..eche must dresse hym to his owne dome.
- a1500 Play Sacr.(Dub 652)889 : Forward on ower vyage we wyll vs dresse.
d
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)27 : It is..gret despyt, whan the axe wole dresse him ayens the carpenteere, And whan the pot wole argue the pottere.
- c1475 Guy(1) (Cai 107/176)111/1948 : Lordingis and knyghtis, Ayenst theim lete we dresse vs [Auch: we wil ous diȝt].
- a1500(1422) Yonge SSecr.(Rwl B.490)197/31 : Fywe kynges of the lande ham dressid agaynes Iosue..Iosue went agaynes ham wyth his chyualry.
- a1500(?a1425) Lambeth SSecr.(Lamb 501)52/37 : Þe poeple dressyd hem aȝeyn hem.
11.
(a) To treat (sb. in a certain way), deal with; (b) to treat (a wounded man); (c) to accost (sb.), approach (sth.).
Associated quotations
a
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Mch.(Manly-Rickert)E.2361 : Vp to the tree he caste his eyen two And say that Damyan his wyf had dressed In swich manere, it may nat ben expressed [etc.].
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2401 : I will..dresse wyth þe duke..The renke rebell has bene vnto my rownde table.
- c1500(?a1437) ?Jas.I KQ (SeldArch B.24)st.173 : O besy goste..From day to day so sore here artow drest!
b
- (1471) Paston (Gairdner)5.99 : He is hurt with an arow..and I have sent hym a serjon, whyche hathe dressid hym.
c
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)6.301 : Wheþer hit be moore honeste to begynne to dresse or towche [L aggredi; Trev.: tame] this fische..at the hedde or at þe tayle.
- a1500(1446) Nightingale (Corp-O 203)1 : Go, lityll quayere, And swyft thy prynses dresse, Offringe thyselfe..Vn-to the ryght hyghe and myghty pryncesse.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- ?a1425 *MS Htrn.95 (Htrn 95)126b/a : Ȝif þe member be dislocate inwarde, dresse oute þe arme & þe hande þe which is dislocate as moche as þu maie.
Note: New sense: ~ oute, ?to extend (a dislocated arm and hand), straighten out.--per MLL
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1400 Trin-C O.9.39 Recipes (Trin-C O.9.39) 59/5 : Fille vp þat tubbe .iij. parties þeroffe with aissches, and..with fayre coolde watre..and þus dresse as many tubbes as ȝe haue.
Note: Glossary = 'prepare'. Antedates sense 5.(a). ?Modify gloss to include 'prepare (sth.)'.