Middle English Dictionary Entry
espeir n.
Entry Info
| Forms | espeir n. Also espoir. |
| Etymology | OF espeir(e, espoir. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. speir.
1.
Hope, expectation; god espeir.
Associated quotations
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.3147 : Thus stant Envie in good espeir To ben himself the develes heir.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.944 : I..am in good espeir That..I do no glotonie.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.2575 : Bad men ben of good espeir.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)6336 : Þey conseilled to make hym ys eyr, He myghte best, in þeir espeir.
- ?c1450 St.Cuth.(Eg 3309)4086 : Heuen was his espaire.
- (a1460) Vegetius(2) (Pmb-C 243)1698 : That desperaunce shal fle comynge espoyre.