Middle English Dictionary Entry
fīel(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | fīel(e n. Also fyal, fyyil, fyle. |
| Etymology | OF fiele. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. fithele n. and viol n. Also see belle n.(1), sense 12.
1.
A bowed stringed instrument, a viol.
Associated quotations
- a1350 Ichot a burde in boure (Hrl 2253)45 : Þer nis fiele ne crouþ þat such murþes makeþ.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)159 : Fydyll or fyyele [vrr. fyyil, fyal]: Viella, fidicina, vitula.
- ?a1475 PParv.(Win)163 : Fyle, supra in ffedele.
- a1500(?a1400) Torrent (Chet 8009)911 : Fast be the see Sydde Schuld we pley owur fyle.