Middle English Dictionary Entry
elles conj.
Entry Info
| Forms | elles conj. |
| Etymology | From adv. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
If only, provided that, so long as; also elles that.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)466 : Þe raven..þat reches ful lyttel How alle fodez þer fare, ellez he fynde mete.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)705 : Wel nyȝe pure paradys moȝt preue no better, Ellez þay moȝt honestly ayþer oþer welde.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)295 : I schal stonde hym a strok stif on þis flet, Ellez þou wyl diȝt me þe dom to dele hym an oþer.
2.
Unless.
Associated quotations
- a1425(?a1400) Cloud (Hrl 674)58/20 : Nouþer he rechiþ..wheþer þat he be in peyne or in blisse, elles þat his wille be fulfyllyd.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4671 : Els ȝe may cast ȝow to be coynt, ȝe count for na ferrir.