Middle English Dictionary Entry

entren v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
To enter into a confined space or a situation; -- (a) with prep. phrase or adv.; (b) absol. or refl.; (c) with obj.; (d) entren in.
2.
To penetrate (into the substance of anything); also fig.
3a.
Law To enter (into lands or tenements) as a formal assertion of ownership.
3b.
To assume possession of property or title; fig. to reap the benefit.
3c.
entren upon (on), proceed against (a holder of property) so as to dispossess him.
4.
To enter into, or assume the duties of, office.
5.
To enter into membership in a society or group.
6.
To enter (into a way of life or into a state or condition);--with prep. phrase or obj.
7.
To enter (into an activity); also, to engage (in an activity).
8.
(a) To start or join in (a fight); (b) to engage in battle; entren in; (c) to make an attack (on the enemy); (d) to throw (fighters) into battle.
9.
To visit (a woman) for procreation.
10.
Of a period of time: (a) to start or begin; entren upon (in); (b) to usher in (the year).
11.
Of a window: to open (upon something).
12.
To enter (an item) in a record or list; to record; entren of record, to make an official record.
13.
To nominate or appoint (a person).

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • ?a1425(?a1350) Castleford Chron.(Göt Hist 740)21775 : Ofte haf þai endrede þis contres her And wroght þam sorow our aeldres wer.
  • Note: New form: p.pl.3 endrede.
    Note: Quot. belongs to sense 1.(c).
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.--notes per MLL