Middle English Dictionary Entry
elnen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | elnen v. |
| Etymology | OE elnian. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. elne (1).
1.
To strengthen (in steadfastness or belief), hearten, comfort (someone or oneself).
Associated quotations
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Einenkel)628 : Þu..elnedest ham swa, þet ham wes eð to drehen al þet me dude ham.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Einenkel)673 : Þe engel elnede hire.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Einenkel)1365 : As me droh ham to hare deað, þa ȝeide þus þe an ant elnede þe oðre.
- c1230(?a1200) *Ancr.(Corp-C 402)3a : Gan iseon þulliche & elnin ham & helpen wið fode of hali lare.
- a1250 Lofsong Louerde (Nero A.14)215 : Ich wot þet þu wult senden me þene holi gost to elnen me.