Middle English Dictionary Entry
ē̆rnest adj.
Entry Info
Forms | ē̆rnest adj. |
Etymology | OE eornoste, -este. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Serious, grave.
Associated quotations
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)26351 : Stedfast, Ernexst [Frf: ernest], willi, buxum, sothfast.
- a1456(a1426) Lydg.Mum.Hertford (Trin-C R.3.20)72 : Hit is no game but an hernest play, For lack of wit a man his wyf to greeve.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)2713 : The Ernyst speche..of Elinus the Bysshop.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)2942 : Soche Riot & Revell..ertes ay to euyll ende & ernyst by the last.