Middle English Dictionary Entry
ē̆quipōlent adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | ē̆quipōlent adj. |
| Etymology | OF; L aequipollent-em. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Of persons: equal in power, authority, rank, capability, or the like.
Associated quotations
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.2733 : Nor in þis world..a manlier man, Nor to þi name noon equipolente.
- a1456(c1422) Lydg.Glo.Marriage (Trin-C R.3.20)151 : Of rethoryk and eeke of eloquence Equypollent with Marcus Tulius.
- a1450(a1449) Lydg.WTongue (Hnt EL 26.A.13)15 : Thow wolt to kynges ben equypolent, With grete lordes euene and peregal.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)5108 : They wille wayten been equipollent, And sumwhat more, vnto hir housbondis.
- (a1475) Fortescue Gov.E.(LdMisc 593)130/30 : Ther mey no grettir perell growe to a prince, than to haue a subgett equepolent to hym selff.
2.
Of things: equal in power, extent, degree, value, importance, or the like.
Associated quotations
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.4712 : Among oure bokis of englische perles..þer is no makyng to his [Chaucer's] equipolent.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)3.4332 : Þer is no fraude fully equipollent To þe fraude..Of a womman.
- ?a1475 LDirige(2) (Dc 322)340 : Mennes dayes..in respyte of tyme euermare..beth nothyng equipolent.
- a1500 Rule Minoresses (Bod 585)114/18 : A fest double or anoþer feste whiche is equypollent, þat is for to vnderstonde, a fest of þe same dignite.
- a1550 *Ripley CAlch.(BodeMus 63)58a : Thyne Elementes be made equipollent.
3.
Adequate, sufficient.
Associated quotations
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)3.3732 : Þat deth was noon ffully equipolent To his deserte, nor to his falsenes.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)5.1053 : Þe peyne of Yxyon in helle, Or of Manes..Were not egal nor equipolent To venge mordre.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)82 : Þe þoghtful wight is vessel of turment, Þer nys no greef to him equipolent.