Middle English Dictionary Entry
eirer n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | eirer n.(1) Also eier, heier. |
| Etymology | ?From ei, eire egg(s. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A female swan, a brood swan; (b) fig. in allegorical context.
Associated quotations
a
- (1406) Acc.R.Winch.in NQ ser.11.109 : Pro j novo eyrer empt', de eodem ad copuland' cum le cobbe existente in riparia, eo quod vetus eyrer occisa fuit cum j serpente.
- (c1447) Let.Midylton in Lin.NQ 16201 : Yff any swannys were to selle that were eyreres.
- c1450 Treat.Fish.(Yale 171)5 : He schall se also þe ȝong swannys & signetes folowyng þer Eyrours.. & many oþer fowlys with þer brodys.
b
- c1400(1399) Þer is a busch (Bagot)p.363 : Thorw the busch a swan was sclayn..Hit was a eyrer good and able, To his lord ryȝt profitable; hit was a gentel bryde.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)2.145 : Ryth so þe hende egle, þe Eyere of hem all, Hasteth him in heruest to houyn his bryddis.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)3.74 : But þe nedy nestlingis, whan þey þe note herde Of þe hende egle, þe heyer of hem all, Þei busked fro þe busches.