Middle English Dictionary Entry
flexīble adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | flexīble adj. |
| Etymology | OF & L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Capable of being bent, flexible; (b) mentally or spiritually pliable, yielding, inclined.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)4.317 : Þer was a man..that founde the arte to make glasse flexible and malleable.
b
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)3358 : To mercy were hir hertes ay flexible, ffor-why with mercy god schal qwyte hem wel.
- c1475 Mankind (Folg V.a.354)734 : I kan not bere yt ewynly, þat mankynde ys so flexibull.
- a1500(?c1425) Spec.Sacer.(Add 36791)160/20 : Þe apostles were so bowynge, flexible and vnconstant..that Peter..denyede his lorde.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- c1483(?a1450) OT in Caxton Gold.Leg.(Caxton)37ba : Thenne the woman answerde and said, 'Ne forte moriamur,' 'leste happely we dye,' which she saide doubtyng, for lightly she was flexible to euery parte.
Note: Additional quote for sense (b), 'pliable, inconstant.'