Middle English Dictionary Entry
fōlde n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | fōlde n.(2) Also falde, felde. |
| Etymology | manī a fōlde results from the analysis of manī-fōld into a noun phrase. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. mani-fold.
1.
bi foldes seven, seven times over, sevenfoldly; mani a folde, many a time, often, many, much; bi mani a folde, many times over, by far; in mani a folde, often; mani other folde, many another instance; of divers folde, of various sorts.
Associated quotations
- c1350(a1333) Shoreham Poems (Add 17376)87/38 : Ase hyt hys in holye boke I-wryten ine many a felde [rime: ȝonge and ealde].
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)114 : Handlyng synne many a folde [vr. in many fold].
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)9006 : Sacrylage ys alle hyt tolde, Þys and many oþer folde.
- a1450(1410) This holy tyme make (Dgb 102)21 : Synne to bay many a folde On soules helle houndes slete.
- a1475(?1445) ?Lydg.Cal.(Rwl B.408)216 : Sacred Stephen, deken, Help with þi merytes many a folde.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)12.22 : That Is now the strengest hold [In] thi lond be Manye a fold.
- a1450 St.Editha (Fst B.3)1228 : Þis holy bysshop..þonkede þerfore god mony a folde.
- c1450(?a1400) Siege Milan (Add 31042)462 : Torches þat were gude and grete..Þay caste In many a folde.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.A.521 : This my believe helpeth me many a folde.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)23/13 : Yit was ther vnkyndnes, More bi foldis seuen then I can well expres.
- a1500 Mirror Salv.(Beeleigh)p.141 : Clerere than is the sonne..be faldes seven.
- a1500 Mirror Salv.(Beeleigh)p.157 : When thow se hym pyned sakles so many a folde.
- a1500 LFMass Bk.(Adv 19.3.1)5 : Þo masse is praysyd so mony a folde þat þo vertues mey neuer be tolde.
- c1560(a1500) Squire LD (Copland)722 : Coronalles of golde With diamoundes set many a foulde.