Middle English Dictionary Entry

fige n.
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Entry Info

Forms fige n. Also fig(ge.
Etymology OF fig(u)e.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. fike.
1.
(a) The fruit of the fig tree, especially the common fig (Ficus carica); (b) drie fige, a dried fig; esp., a cultivated fig suitable for drying and marketing; grene ~, neue ~, undried fig; (c) fat fige, a meaty fig of good quality; (d) never a fige, not a bit, not at all.
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2.
Fig tree [cp. figer, fige-tre].
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3.
Med. fige(s, piles or hemorrhoids; [cp. ficus, fike(s].
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4.
Phrases: (a) myth. fige gadrer, one who lives on wild fruit, a wild man; (b) fige seller, see quots.; (c) fige of Amalek, ?Malaga fig; (d) fige of Pharao, ?the fruit of the sycamore fig (Ficus sycamorus); (e) milk of figes, the sap of the fig tree (which is white).
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Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. fig.

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