Middle English Dictionary Entry
fō̆rt n.
Entry Info
| Forms | fō̆rt n. |
| Etymology | OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Strength: (a) violence, force; (b) courage, fortitude.
Associated quotations
a
- a1400 Falsenes I vnderstande (Mert 248)11 : Falsenes, I vnderstande, haues dreuen trwvte of lande and tort and fort as sworen þar owth, þat law sal lose is ouercloþe.
b
- c1440(?a1375) Abbey HG (Thrn)52/35 : Dameselle Sufferance and damesell Forte sall rayse þe pelars.
2.
Fortress, stronghold.
Associated quotations
- (1435) Wars France in RS 22.2584 : That withe alle diligence, in the grete tounes of this lande that have no castellis, be made a strenghte and a forte forto rescow them.