Middle English Dictionary Entry
dustre n.
Entry Info
| Forms | dustre n. Also duistre, (error) duyercs. |
| Etymology | OF dustre, var. of duitor. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A guide, leader, ruler; ~ of deth, Prince of Death.
Associated quotations
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)1.1027 : Here [priests'] ordre is of so hyh a kinde, That thei be Duistres of the weie.
- c1440 PLAlex.(Thrn)67/18 : Alexander..chese owte cl of duyercs [read: duystres] þat knewe þe cuntree, for to hafe þe gouernance of his Oste, and to lede þam seurly thurgh þat strange cuntree.
- a1500 *Nicod.(4) (Hrl 149:Hulme)270b : Than came Sathanas the prynce and dustre of dethe.