Middle English Dictionary Entry
ēgēde n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ēgēde n. Also ægæde, ægede. |
| Etymology | ?OE *ǣ-gǣde 'non-want; plenty, ' formed with privative ǣ- from gād, gǣd 'lack, want', as in nis..wilna gād 'there is no lack of pleasures (or merriment)' i.e. 'there is plenty of merriment.' The step from 'no lack (of merriment)' to 'frivolity, folly' is simple enough for a good Christian. As to formation, cp. OE ǣ-mynde lack of attention, neglect. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. adj. below.
1.
?Frivolity, folly.
Associated quotations
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)2166 : I skemmtinng & inn idelleȝȝc, Inn ægæde & i leȝȝkess.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)8046 : Inn illc unnwitt, inn illc unnitt, Inn ægede & i leȝȝkess.