Middle English Dictionary Entry
al-though conj.
Entry Info
| Forms | al-though conj. Also althogh, -thof, -thow, alþa(u)h, -þa(u)ȝ, -þaw, altheigh, -they. |
| Etymology | Cp. the conjs. al & though. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Granting or supposing that; even though, although; -- usu. with subj.
Associated quotations
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)321 : & alþoȝ he ben a-slawe þare, what mowe we do þar-to?
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.737 : He may nat spare, al thogh he were his brother.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)4.2246 : Althogh ther be diverse weie To deth, yit is ther bot on ende.
- c1440 Bonav.Medit.(3) (Thrn)200 : Suffire thowe paciently, all-þoff þou be noghte herde one one.
- c1450(c1370) Chaucer Pity (Benson-Robinson)109 : Although I wake or wynke, Ye rekke not whether I flete or synke.
- c1450 Spec.Chr.(2) (Hrl 6580)32/4 : What profet man, al-thoue he wynne al the worlde..if he be in perelle of dethe.
2.
In spite of the fact that; even though, although; -- usu. with subj.
Associated quotations
- a1350 Middelerd for mon (Hrl 2253)13 : Sone is sotel..þis sake, alþah hit seme suete.
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)19 : Alþaȝ he by be his zigginge cristen, he renayþ be dede.
- (c1375) Chaucer CT.Mk.(Manly-Rickert)B.3653 : Al thogh that Nero were as vicius As any feend..Yet he..This wide world hadde in subieccioun.
- (1399) RParl.3.452a : All yof his Grace and Mercy be onlych appropred to Hymself..ȝet atte this tyme..he will be counseld by his Lordes.
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)4246 : Putyfar..held ioseph in mensk and lare, Al þou [Vsp: þof; Frf: alle if] þair treuthes sundri ware.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.972 : She hym kiste, although she siked sore.
- a1450(a1400) Medit.Pass.(2) (Add 11307)1133 : Alþey þou do him serwe and wo, He seyth not ones, 'Why dost þou so?'
- c1450(c1380) Chaucer HF (Benson-Robinson)660 : Thou..lyvest thus as an heremyte, Although thyn abstynence ys lyte.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)6745 : Allþof Ector was on..Hym-selfe might not suffise.