Middle English Dictionary Entry
elten v.
Entry Info
| Forms | elten v. |
| Etymology | Cp. OI elta press, work by pressing, mix (lime), tan (skins); cp. also MnE dial. elt knead. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To mold (bricks); ?to work (clay); to roll (a paste-like substance) between one's hands into a given shape.
Associated quotations
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)2892 : Hem-seluen he fetchden ðe chaf..And ðog holden ðe tigeles tale, And elten and eilden, grete & smale.
- (?a1390) Daniel *Herbal (Add 27329)f.209ra : Magdalio: a thirlyng; malaxare to elte, to thirle betwix handes.
- (?a1390) Daniel *Herbal (Add 27329)f.5ra : Ageyn hardyng of þe splene: mak oynement of wormode, vinegre, amoniak, wax & oile & elte wel togidre with handis & anoynt wel þe place in þe sonne or at fyr.
- c1400 Daniel *Herbal (Arun 42)f.61v : For stench atte mowþ, mak pilots .. of poudre of hym & storace & calament & malexe hem with þyn han[des], i. elte hem & rolle hem & þrille hem.