Middle English Dictionary Entry
fortūnǒus adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | fortūnǒus adj. |
| Etymology | ML, OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of events: occurring by chance, accidental, fortuitous; ~ hap, chance; (b) of things, possessions: ruled by chance, casual, transitory; (c) favored by chance or fortune, fortunate, lucky; (d) pertaining to fortune, Fortune's.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)1.pr.6.9 : Wenestow..that this world be governed by foolyssche happes and fortunows, or elles wenestow that ther be inne it ony governement of resoun?
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)4.pr.5.32 : Yif I trowede that alle thise thinges weren medled by fortunows hap.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)5.pr.1.82 : Thanne wenen folk that it is byfalle by fortunous bytydynge.
b
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)2.pr.4.158 : Blisfulnesse ne mai nat standen in thynges that ben fortunous and temporel.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)2.pr.6.52 : Thynges..whiche I clepe fortunous possessiouns [L fortunam].
c
- 1543(1464) Hardyng Chron.B (Grafton)35 : He wanne the felde in batell fortunous.
- 1543(1464) Hardyng Chron.B (Grafton)120 : The first knight [that] was electe, right fortunous, Of the table round.
d
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.86 : Þis fortunous mutabilite [L fortunae instabilitas] To blisfulnesse may no-þing atteyne.