Middle English Dictionary Entry
fēten v.
Entry Info
| Forms | fēten v. Ppl. fēted. |
| Etymology | AF fet, corresp. to CF fait, ppl. of fair make, etc. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. fet n. & faiten (2).
1.
To make or fashion (something); build (a fortress); draw up (an army); wel feted, well shaped; smal ~, slender; ~ faire, well equipped; ~ about, decked out.
Associated quotations
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)2553 : Ðo sette sundri hem to waken His tigel and lim, and walles maken, burges feten.
- (c1410) York MGame (Vsp B.12)17 : Here heuedes ben of diuers maners. That oon is cleped an heued wel growe, that oþer is cleped wel yfeted..That other is lowe and grete and wel feted wiþ smale tyndes.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)4067 : Sexty thowsande men..All fyghtande folke..Faire fettede one frownte be tha fresche strondes.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4356 : Ne nouthire housing we haue..Bot at is fetid of flesch.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4633 : Mekill variaunce of vertus enveronis oure saules, For we ere fetid full faire.
- c1450 When the son (Frf 16)413 : Ther to in her waast so small fetyd was she That in xxti Inche alday gyrd wold she be.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.A.1044 : Wyfes may not to churche till they be entired, Ibrideled and peytrelled..And feeted abowte as a hakeney to be hired.
2.
To conduct oneself, act, behave; ~ forth, to surpass (someone in strength, etc.).
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)1282 : Þe freke ferde with defence, and feted ful fayre.
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)3955 : Gret consail and parlementes Thei made..How thei scholde do and how to fete For Troye to wynne.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3989 : He feetis him forth in his force & in his faire hiȝte.