Middle English Dictionary Entry
familiēr, -iar n.
Entry Info
| Forms | familiēr, -iar n. Also famuler. |
| Etymology | From adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A member of a household, such as a retainer or servant; (b) ?a member of a monastic community not under full orders.
Associated quotations
a
- a1250 Ancr.(Tit D.18:W&H)4 : Nowðer of þe familiers [Corp-C: wummen] ne beo fram hire lafdi.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)3.pr.5.46,50 : Of familiers or servantz of kynges.
- a1500 Imit.Chr.(Dub 678)95/8 : Þou, god, chasist..poure & meke and despised of þe worlde into þine familiars & householde men.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)57/128 : In-to myne housholde hastely I wol that thou entre..as oon of my privy familiers.
b
- a1500 Rule Minoresses (Bod 585)94/17 : The couent & oþer familieres, ȝif þey be reprouable in any þinge, þat þey be repreuid.
2.
A close personal acquaintance, associate, or friend.
Associated quotations
- (c1400) Higd.(1) (Hrl 1900)7.529 : Kyng Edward ȝaf the archbischopriche to his famyliare, Robart, that he had made bischop of Londoun.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)1.pr.3.52 : Tho Epycuryens and Stoyciens, my familiers.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)151 : To these tweyne thinges treccherie is familier and freend.
- c1450(?c1425) St.Mary Oign.(Dc 114)134/35 : Maister James, confessour & famylier of þe same Marye.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)72/82 : Suche famulers aboute kinges and grete lordes shulde greet might have.