Middle English Dictionary Entry
first n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | first n.(2) Also virst, ferst. |
| Etymology | OE first, fyrst. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Roof, ceiling; (b) roof-tree, beam; first-tre.
Associated quotations
a
- c1225(OE) Wor.Aelfric Gloss.(Wor F.174)547 : Laquear: first.
- a1275 Þene latemeste dai (Trin-C B.14.39)30 : Þin hus is sone ibuld þer þu salt wonien inne, Boþe þe wirst [vr. firste] & þe rouf sal liggen uppon þin chinne.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)831 : Frosletes fro þe ferst to þe flor þrylled & many toret doun tilte.
b
- c1350 Cmb.Ee.4.20.Nominale (Cmb Ee.4.20)443 : Cumble, heez, et cheueroun: Roof, firstre, and sparre.
- (1378) Halmote R.Dur.in Sur.Soc.82149 : In manu Johannis..x spars et j first, et in gardino..Thomæ sunt v ribs et firsts.