Middle English Dictionary Entry

abǒute(n adv.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms abǒute(n adv. Also abute(n, abote(n, abouȝte(n, abought; obout(e, obut(e; (early) onbutan, an-.
Etymology OE ābūtan & onbūtan

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) So as to be on all sides, so as to encircle or surround; putten ~ to, to place around (sth.), ?to pierce with (sth.); (b) so as to wrap or cover; (c) on the circumference or outer edge, on the border; (d) compas ~, so as to form a circle; (e) as measured around the outside, in circuit or circumference.
Show 27 Quotations
2.
(a) In a circular course, so as to travel around something, so as to return to the starting point, so as to revolve about an axis or a center; (b) with a rotating or spinning motion; turnen ~, etc.; (c) in partial rotation, so as to face in a different direction; (d) out of the direct route, aside.
Show 22 Quotations
3.
(a) Towards every side, in all directions (from oneself); (b) as measured outward in all directions from a center.
Show 16 Quotations
4.
(a) In the vicinity, in the neighborhood; (b) in physical connection with something; on one's person.
Show 15 Quotations
5.
(a) Here and there, in several places; (b) hither and thither, this way and that, from place to place; (c) in every part of something, everywhere, throughout; (d) to everyone (of a group), to all.
Show 35 Quotations
6.
(a) Of numbers: not many more or less, approximately; (b) of a quality: approximately, almost.
Show 15 Quotations
7.
(a) In the matter, in connection with it, concerning it; (b) gon ~, to go about (doing sth.), try (to do sth.).
Show 3 Quotations
8.
In turn, by turns; in succession; turn ~.
Show 4 Quotations
9.
(a) So as to happen or to be; bringen ~, to cause (sth.) to happen; comen ~, to come into being, arrive, come to pass; (b) comen ~, to meet with a certain fortune; to succeed (in doing sth.).
Show 13 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1325(c1300) Glo.Chron.A (Clg A.11)9818 : After sein tomas deþe aboute an [read: aboutan] ȝeres to, Þer sprong contek suiþe strong, þei it luþer were ido, Bituene king henri þe olde & þe ȝonge.
    • Note: 'approximately' Sense 6.(a)

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Added 'ābūtan &' to ETYM; removed two quots. (Barth 107b/b 'Þe spere of heuen meuieþ rounde aboute, and with þe mevinge þerof þe sterres..beþ I bore ande I rauyschid aboute out of þe est in to þe west and eft out of þe west in to þe est.' and Chauliac(2) 16a/b 'Muscles..Isette in þe bone of þe elbowe mouynge hym..and some turne ham rounde aboute [*Ch.(1): circulerlich].' per slip--JL

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