Middle English Dictionary Entry

entenden, -ien v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. attenden.
1.
(a) To intend or plan (to do something); to have as one's purpose or object, aim at, attempt; (b) to strive or endeavor; also [without depend. inf.], strive to go (to a place), be bound for (a place); (c) to be inclined (to a virtue, vice, etc.), have a natural tendency or urge; (d) to desire, hope for; expect.
2.
(a) To pay attention or give heed (to something); ~ into, take notice of; (b) attend to or take care of (a business or duty), be engaged in or busy with (something);to devote (oneself); (c) to serve as an attendant or subordinate, wait upon (someone); to attend, accompany, or follow (someone);--with about, to, upon, with phrase.
3.
(a) To watch or attend with eye or ear; esp., to look or listen; to perceive; (b) to be aware of, grasp; understand.
4.
Latinate uses: (a) to turn or direct (desires); (b) entenden handes, lay hands (on someone); (c) to apply (a medical treatment to a disease); (d) to intensify (a state or condition).

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1450 ?C.d'Orl.Poems (Hrl 682)192/5722 : What for the fere y had and drede lest thorugh them my sorow were biwried, Not wist y which vntend, yn verri ded, For so dismayd in alle þis world so side Was y.
  • Note: New form: Also..untend.
    Note: Quot. belongs to sense 2.(a).
Note: The list of variant spellings in the form section may be incomplete and / or may need revision to accord with standards of later volumes of the MED. Provisional revised from section: Also entend(e, entendi, intende(n, antenden, untend & (error) enend; ppl. entending, etc. & entendaunde; p.pl.3 entendeden, etc. & entendet; . Contraction: intendestou. --notes per MLL