Middle English Dictionary Entry
ēsterling n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ēsterling n. Also yesterling, pl. esterlinges, -ir-. |
| Etymology | From ēster(n eastern. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. estling n.
1.
A native of northern Germany or of the Baltic region; specif. ?a Hanse merchant or resident of one of the Hanse towns.
Associated quotations
- (1378-9) in Ewen Surnames Brit.146 : Hankin Spaniard, esterling.
- (1384) Inquis.Miscel.(PRO)4.135 : [One chest was delivered to a] Yesterlyng [and one to a] Lumbard.
- (1422) Plea & Mem.in Bk.Lond.E.130/282 : Many straungers, as Esterlinges and other forains.
- ?1435(1432) Lydg.Hen.VI Entry (Jul B.2)46 : Florentyns and the Venycyens, And Esterlinges gladde in her maners…Passed the subbarbes to mete with the kyng.
- (1435) RParl.4.493a : Graunted, that ye Marchantz Aliens of yat parties, here y called Esterlinges, shuld in these parties be entreted in like fourme as English Marchantz weren there in hir parties.
- a1450-a1500(1436) Libel EP (Warner)280 : Highe Duchmene of Pruse And Esterlynges.
- c1450(c1353) Winner & W.(Add 31042)141 : Wyes of Westwale..of Ynglonde, of Yrlonde, Estirlynges full many.
- (a1452) Doc.in Kingsford EHist.Lit.(CotR 2.23)363 : Full grevous is this that the Lombardes, Esterlinges &c ben suffred to abide so long within the londe.
- (1471) in Rymer's Foedera (1709-10)11.697 : Et de qualibet Persona, vocata Venician, Esterling, Italian, Januay, Florentyne, Miloner.
- c1480(1468)Let.in Vale Miscel.(Add 48031)p.133 : [Edward to the treasurer and barons of the exchequer that G.H., J.V. and other merchants of Cologne in Almaine be discharged and not troubled over monies owed to the exchequer by the merchants of the] Guyldhalle of Esterlinges [in London].