Middle English Dictionary Entry

ērest adv.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms ērest adv. Also ē̆rst, arst.
Etymology OE ǣrest.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. ēr adv.
1.
Earliest or soonest in time, first; for the first time.
Show 3 Quotations
2.
Before any other occurrence of the (specified) action; (then) and not earlier; for the first time, first.
Show 9 Quotations
3.
As the first of a number of actions in sequence or of a number of things in serial order, in the first place, first of all;--often in phrase alre (thinge) ~.
Show 7 Quotations
4.
As the earlier of two actions or predications; first (before some other specified or implied action or predication);--often in contrast with after, afterward, sithen, tho, or with a temporal er clause.
Show 15 Quotations
5.
At or during some earlier time in the past, on a former occasion, formerly, previously; never ~, never before.
Show 8 Quotations
6.
Up to this point in time, by this time, already.
Show 2 Quotations
7a.
Earlier or sooner in time.
Show 8 Quotations
7b.
~ er (than), earlier than, before;--as conj.
Show 3 Quotations
8.
More readily or easily.
Show 1 Quotation
9.
Rather; as a matter of preference, choice, or chance; ~..than, rather than.
Show 5 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1475 Yale-BA.Artist.Recipes (Yale-BA R486.M43 1450) 90/28 : Weete thy bacen or pece of bras and holde hit ouer the candyl and do as thow dydyst arste, and þu schalt haue fyne blacke.
    • Note: Additional quot.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

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. (Check forms against those in ērest adj. (sup.), whose form section is also imcomplete.)--notes per MLL

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