Middle English Dictionary Entry

fọ̄n v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms fọ̄n v. Also i-fon, von; see also fongen. Forms: 3 fọ̄th, fọ̄hþ, fẹ̄þ; ipv. fọ̄, ȝefọ̄h; p. fẹ̄̆ng, fing, fō̆ng, fā̆ng; ppl. i-)fō̆nge(n, fā̆ngen, i-)fọ̄n.
Etymology OE fōn, ge-fōn seize, ā-fōn receive; 3 fēhþ, fēþ, fōhþ, fōþ; ipv. fōh; p. fē̆ng; ppl fongen, fangen.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: For analog. pres. fongen, p. fonged, ppl. fonged see fongen v.
1.
(a) To grasp or seize (something), take hold of, pick up; fon on, ~to; (b) ~ armes, to take up arms, become a knight; ~ rest, find rest; ~ the cross, take the cross, go crusading; ~ to flight, take flight, flee, escape; ~ to leman, obtain as a mistress; ~ to slepe, go to sleep.
Show 15 Quotations
2.
To succeed (to a throne), inherit (a kingdom, land, property, etc.);--usually with to.
Show 8 Quotations
3.
To capture (someone), take (prisoner), conquer (a country); catch (fish or game); ~ in possessioun, take possession of, conquer.
Show 14 Quotations
4a.
(a) To receive (gifts, money, land, etc.); be paid; acquire (by purchase); collect (taxes, tribute); (b) to receive or partake of (food).
Show 12 Quotations
4b.
(a) To receive (blessing, honor, spiritual rewards, etc.); to regain (one's sight, power of speech, etc.); to receive (a greeting); (b) to receive (a wound), get or endure (punishment).
Show 14 Quotations
5.
(a) To accept (Christianity); (b) to receive (a sacrament).
Show 3 Quotations
6.
Assume (a different nature).
Show 1 Quotation
7.
(a) To admit (something), permit to enter; (b) to welcome (someone as a guest), to accept (a king).
Show 7 Quotations
8.
Phys. & theol. To conceive; ifonge mid child, pregnant.
Show 4 Quotations
9.
To undertake (a task), endeavor (to do something).
Show 4 Quotations
10.
(a) To begin (an action), commence or start (to do something); to resume (a narrative); ~ on (in), ~ to (te), ~ on to, ~ on forto (forte); (b) to proceed, go; ~ to or a, to take up, or return to (a character in a narrative).
Show 14 Quotations
11.
To attack or molest (someone); also, to attack (with words), rebuke, reproach; ~ on, to fall upon, attack.
Show 8 Quotations

©2025 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:18:00.