Middle English Dictionary Entry
dūr(e adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | dūr(e adj. Also deure. |
| Etymology | OF dur |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Hard, tough; (b) difficult.
Associated quotations
a
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.3391 : His [the dragon's] briȝt[e] squamys wern so harde & dure, Þat wel onethe he [Jason] ne myȝt endure Hym to dismembre.
b
- c1440 Degrev.(Thrn)649 : To telle hir botouns were dure [rime: asure].
2.
(a) In French expressions adopted without change; (b) in surnames.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)110 : Agrauayn a la dure mayn.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)557/17 : Sir Trystram..rode towarde the Roche Deure.
b
- (c1200) Doc.Ireland in RS 5348 : Iubert filius Willielmi le dur.
- (1251) Close R.Hen.III487 : Pro morte Ricardi Dure de Chinnoc.
- (1281) Hundred R.Tower 2625 : Ric' Dur.