Middle English Dictionary Entry
ē̆lectrum, -tre n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ē̆lectrum, -tre n. |
| Etymology | L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. elehtre n., borrowed already in Old English from the same Latin word.
1.
A mixed metal, either native argentiferous gold or an alloy of gold and silver.
Associated quotations
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Ezek.1.4 : A lickenesse of electre [L electri], that is a metal of gold and syluere, cleerer than gold.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)199a/b : Electrum is a metal..yfounde in þe erþe..þe þridde maner is ymade of þe þre parties of golde and of þe ferþe of siluer, & kynde electrum [L electrum naturale] is of þat kynde, for in twynklinge and in light it schyneþ more clere þan al oþer metal.
2.
The fossil resin amber.
Associated quotations
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)240b/b : In ylondes of germanye of þe pynapil tree comeþ droppynge and wose þat is made harde wiþ colde oþer with hete and tourneþ in to a precious stoon that hatte electrum..And þis electrum hath another name and hatte Succus [L sucinum] ffor it is þe Ius of a tree.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)199b/a : Some men callen verray electrum arpago, for it is y hette wiþ fyngeres it draweþ to it self all leues and strawes and hemmes of cloþes as magnas draweþ Iren.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: The same double reference, to shiny metal or gleaming amber, appears in both the Latin word and its Greek antecedent ἤλεκτρον, the underlying meaning being evidently 'something sunlike in its hue and brightness.'