Middle English Dictionary Entry
fẹ̄r adj.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | fẹ̄r adj.(2) |
| Etymology | AF fer, CF fier. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. fers.
1.
(a) Of warriors: fierce, bold, proud; (b) of facial expression: bold, proud; (c) of an enterprise: worthy.
Associated quotations
a
- c1330 Roland & V.(Auch)181 : Þus com þe apostel Iameis þries to charls..þat was so stoute & fer.
- c1330 KTars (Auch)160 : Þe soudan com..Wiþ sexti þousend Sarrazins fer.
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)329 : Olyuers fader, a knyȝt ful feer.
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)620 : Þe Sarsyn bygan to waxe wroþ, egre, & eke fere.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Merlin (Corp-C 80)16444 : Anon to armes Maketh ȝow Feer, and now let sen ho þat best can do.
- c1450(?a1400) Roland & O.(Add 31042)89 : Þe gentille Erle sir Olyuere, Þat es full noble & felle & fere.
- a1500(?a1475) Guy(4) (Cmb Ff.2.38)1428 : He was a bolde man and a fere.
b
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)103 : Þerfore of face so fere He stiȝtlez stif in stalle.
c
- a1500(a1475) Ashby Dicta (Cmb Mm.4.42)1067 : A king, any Region to conquere, Is right costlowe, harde, peinful & greuous; But to conserue a Roylme is me more fere..& more laborous.