Middle English Dictionary Entry
enclīn adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | enclīn adj. |
| Etymology | OF enclin. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Bowed down; submissive, humble.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)1206 : Ouer þis hyiil þis lote I laȝte, For pyty of my perle enclyin.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)85 : If it ne were, alle rude wittes wolden ben enclyn and humble hem.
- a1500(?a1400) SLChrist (Hrl 3909)8003 : To king of blisse ȝe be encline.
- c1600(c1350) Alex.Maced.(Grv 60)316 : Þei nere encline to no king hur kiþ for too gye. They wrought by þeir owne will and wolde nought eles.
2.
Having a tendency (to an attitude or practice); inclined.
Associated quotations
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.3177 : That it mai no malice engendre In him that is enclin therto.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.585 : Thei, that hadden ben tofore Enclin to alle drunkenesse.
- a1500(?a1400) SLChrist (Hrl 3909)119 : In þat elde..is mon moost in his iolite And to lighschip enclyne & kene.
3.
Favorable or propitious.
Associated quotations
- c1450 Dice(1) (Frf 16)79 : Mercury that disposed eloquence Vnto your birthe so highly was enclyne That he gaf yow grete part of science.