Middle English Dictionary Entry
effectūā̆l, -ē̆l adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | effectūā̆l, -ē̆l adj. |
| Etymology | L effectuālis, OF effectuel. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. affectūā̆l adj. Words in affect- and effect- had already undergone a partial merger in Latin. MED has divided them strictly on the basis of form, allowing the semantic overlap to stand. See also the note in OED s.v. effectual adj.
1.
(a) Efficacious, powerful in effect; (b) effective, adequate to its purpose; satisfactory; (c) legally binding, valid; effectual in lawe.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Sum.(Manly-Rickert)D.1870 : Oure orisons been moore effectuel [vr. effectueel], And moore we seen of Cristes secree thynges Than burel folk.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)161a/b : Þe more white and bryght þat he is, þe more effectuel and vertuouse [L efficacior] it is holde.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)195b/b : Among metalle is noþing so effectuell in vertue [L efficacius] as golde.
- a1400 Wycl.MPl.(Add 24202)42 : Sythen myraclis of Crist and of hyse seyntis weren thus effectuel..no man shulde usen in bourde and pleye the myraclis [etc.].
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)86a/b : It [medicine] is..effectual [*Ch.(2): ful spedy; L efficax] in expulsioun of bonez.
- c1425 Arderne Fistula (Sln 6)75/17 : Be þe clistrye made þer after my maner, for it is liȝt bot noȝt lesse effectuale.
- c1430(a1410) Love Mirror (Brsn e.9)115 : Therto..is moste beste and effectuele prayere the Pater noster.
- (1449) Metham AC (Gar 141)1257 : Ayens hos powere men for an effectual remedy A panterys skin bere.
b
- (1410) Let.Bugge in Spec.14 (Vsp F.7)25 : The kynge..wol yeue thereupon so effectuel answer to the forseid duc that therafter..he shal be content of reson.
- (1447) Shillingford35/7 : That hit myght take effectuall and a spedefull ende.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)237 : Forto..publische his going in pilgrimage bi this maner is not so eesi and so effectual..as if the pilgrime bere openli..a signe.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.302 : Þe cause why Thow holdest þis resoun not effectuele.
c
- (1431) RParl.4.377b : All manere of Enditementz..to be effectuelx and sufficiantz in lawe, to bynd and conclud for everemore all that ben heirs.
- (1433) RParl.4.445a : That alle ye saide assignementz..be as effectuell and in as grete strengthe and value in the Port of Pole as they shuld have bee in the seide Port of Melcombe.
- (c1443) Contract in OSSLH 4195 : William Stanlowe..hath refused to putte to his seelle to the indenture..to the intent þat the saide award shulde not be effectuell nor avaylleable in lawe.
- (1444) Paston2.66 : I wot well this verdite after my makyng is not effectuel in lawe.
- (1456) Deed Yks.in YASRS 3925 : The knowlege and graunte afore specified aftir the dewe forme and effect of the lawe..there to remayne an effectuell fyne of recorde be twene the same parties.
- (1474) RParl.6.110a : So that the said Executours may have no effectuell recovery..of the said sommes.
2.
Diligent, earnest, zealous; ~ diligence, sincere effort.
Associated quotations
- a1450 St.Kath.(3) (Richardson 44)62 : Ȝoure effectuel deuocion god hath beholde from heuene.
- (1453) LRed Bk.Bristol2.202 : His salarie..for the true, due and effectuall diligence of him in ministring the saide deuine seruice.
- (1453) LRed Bk.Bristol2.205 : To be good and effectuall helpours and assistours to the saide Chaunterie.
- (c1458) Let.Oxf.in OHS 36344 : Þat þe seyd Chawnslere..do here trw partte and effectuell dylygence withowt fraude, þat þe sayd prisoner be delyveryd.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)111.18 (v.2:p.180) : Our lorde God is to me wittenesse how I desire and coveite you in the bowails, that is to seyn in theffectuel charite of Ihesu Crist.
- (1462) Stonor1.58 : Sche prayth yow..to make your effectuell labor un[to] the parson..þat he wull..loke up all suche evydens.
- (1471) Doc.in HMC Var.Col.4209 : The Lord Stourton..and..John Cheney..have emploied their effectual labours and devoirs.
- a1525(1472) Cov.Leet Bk.374 : That they woll doo their trewe deuoir, labour & effectuell diligence, that ministracion of justice haue due place.