Middle English Dictionary Entry
explīen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | explīen v. Also explaien, exploien, es-. |
| Etymology | AF espli-er, esplei-er, CF esploi-er (from L explic-āre unfold, explain). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. displaien.
1.
(a) To set forth, explain (something); display, demonstrate; (b) to come forward, exert oneself (cp. OF exploier).
Associated quotations
a
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)226 : Questiouns and enqueringis and arguyngis such as ben explied and opened and sett forþ in þe first treti of þis present first parti.
- (c1454) Pecock Fol.(Roy 17.D.9)210/17 : Whi y explie not and putte not forþ in pleyn þe specials of riȝtwisnes.
- (a1460) Vegetius(2) (Pmb-C 243)754 : Exployed [L exposita] heer thusage and ordynaunce Of legyoun.
- (a1460) Vegetius(2) (Pmb-C 243)2155 : If part of thooste be fled & part prevaile, Heryn the Prince exploye his valiaunce, Hem myghtily retournyng to bataile.
b
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)prol.58 : Wul he [the King] for bothe, alyue and dede, esploye To saue vs here and hem in ffraunce.